Citroën C3
The Citroën C3 is an iconic car with plenty of character. In a market where everything looks the same, the C3 dares to be different.
It’s a quirky car that delivers the space, drivability and practicality you’re looking for, with a healthy dose of French style. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat!
The Citroën C3 has been around for over 20 years, and for good reason. It’s a great option for anyone and offers amazing value.
Citroën C3 design
The design of the Citroen C3 has been steadily refined since release. It’s a very rounded design with a modern front end, narrow lights, large grille and a friendly appearance.
The shaped bonnet and narrow upper grille add a lot of personality while the lower light area adds a certain cheekiness to the design. Down the side, the doors have trim elements low down for a little flair.
There’s a rounded rear with cute rear lights and a small hatch along with a bulbous rounded bumper integrated into the design.
Interior and technology
The interior of the Citroën C3 is thoroughly modern. It has steering wheel mounted controls, clear instruments and a small touchscreen to the side. Along with controls for heating and cooling, the C3 keeps things simple, in a good way.
Seats are comfortable, materials are well chosen for the price and there are no rattles and creaks when driving. All are positives at this price point.
Citroën was one of the first manufacturers to feature fully integrated infotainment. You get a 7” touchscreen that controls music, navigation and other features depending on the trim.
Performance and engine options
Citroën improved all engines with the 2020 design refresh and the C3 is a much better car for it.
There are three engine options, two petrols and a diesel. The first petrol option is a 1.2-litre (PureTech 83) three cylinder that produces 83hp. The secondd petrol option uses the same three cylinder engine but produces 108hp (PureTech 110).
There is also a 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 diesel that produces 99hp.
All C3 models come with a manual transmission as standard but you can have an automatic as an optional extra on the PureTech 110.
Driving and practicality
The C3 has been set up well for city driving. The suspension is set soft so it can handle rough roads and broken surfaces well.
That soft setup also means it’s easy to drive and provides the reassurance we look for in a car.
Steering is light and accurate and makes short work of parking and manoeuvring around town. Place the car accurately into a curve and it will swoop round with little noticeable effort.
In practicality terms, the Citroën C3 is excellent. Front space is generous, with adjustable seating and plenty of leg and headroom.
Rear passengers are also well-catered for with decent legroom and headroom for two in the back.
The C3 has 60/40 folding seats, door pockets for storage and plenty of space in the boot.
Boot space is surprising given the modest dimensions of the car. You could easily fit luggage or the week’s shopping in there without squashing anything.
Test drive and contact
The Citroën C3 is a characterful car with plenty of colour options. It’s easy to drive and park and offers a little something different from the norm.
When all cars are beginning to look alike, Citroën stands out. A Citroën gives us something genuinely different while delivering the practicality we need for everyday driving.
