Search: more on the Citroen C3
The C3 is the best-selling small car that Citroen produces, with over two million sold worldwide. Can its distinctively-styled replacement build on the old models' strengths and improve on them? We hit the road to find out...
Looks too similar to its predecessor?
The last C3 was a good car, with its distinctive, youthful styling helping it to stand out against younger, more modern opposition. Considering the French company' new design direction, it’s perhaps surprising how similar the new C3 looks to the old one. Apparently, this is because designers didn’t feel that they had to change much of the original design for it to remain contemporary. Whilst the bulbous imprint remains the same, all the panel work is new.
Exterior design highlights
Highlights of the new C3's exterior, from the front, include the more aggressive DS3-inspired swept-back headlight units, Fiesta-like trapezoidal grille and sculpted bonnet. At the sides there are no rubbing strips, bold wheel lips, a raised beltline and attractive contours pressed into the side metal, all of which give a clean, distinctive look. The biggest change at the back, apart from the panel work is the large rear light clusters that stretch across the boot area. However, the most obvious design feature of the new C3 and a key selling point has to be the massive Zenith panoramic windscreen.
What's under the bonnet?
There’s a choice of four-petrol and three-diesel engines; petrol engines start with a 61bhp 1.1-litre, move up to eight and 16-valve version of the 1.4 with 75 and 95bhp respectively. The range-topper is powered by 120bhp 1.6-litre 16v VTi. Diesel fans are equally well catered for with eight and 16-valve versions of the 1.4 HDi both with 70bhp and a range-topping 90bhp 1.6 HDi. A special edition 1.6 16v HDi Airdream+ version also with 90bhp and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km will be available in March.
Interior Changes
Inside, the interior is dominated by the Zenith panoramic windscreen. Standard on VTR+ models, it certainly makes the interior of the C3 feel airy. Other plus points include a higher quality feel to the trim and the attractive new dials, upper dash and centre console. Is the interior design a success? In general, yes. There’s plenty of head- and legroom in the front and back, and the driving position is easy to get comfortable with and has a slightly bigger boot than the class-leading Ford Fiesta (300 versus 295 litres). It’s just a shame about the flat, unsupportive seats and tiny glove box.
On the road
We got to pilot two version of the new C1, the 120bhp 1.6 16v VTi Exclusive petrol and the 70bhp 1.4 HDi VTR+ diesel. The 1.6-litre Ti-VCT petrol fitted in the Exclusive is shared with BMW for the current MINI, but you wouldn’t know as performance is lack lustre when compared with the Bavarian Brit. Whilst the ride might be refined, the woolly steering doesn’t inspire you to find the C3’s handling limits . The 1.4-litre HDi diesel earned my respect for its healthy slug of torque in the mid-range, refinement and improved steering feel. The new C3 range will go on sale in January with prices starting from £10,790 for the 1.1-litre VT.
Verdict
The new C3 is distinctive, frugal and has a spacious interior. It will appeal to buyers looking for a high-value, good quality Fiesta alternative. Sadly, the C3’s lack of dynamic polish means it’s never going to challenge the class best.
Fancy a closer look? Check out our New Citroen C3 gallery
