What does it cost?
For The Citroen C3 has the style that supermini buyers want and the quality they've come to expect. It's also big on refinement and ride comfort, and has a decent-sized boot.
Against The steering and body control are poor and it's not as spacious in the back as many rivals. It gets a four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating for safety because only one model has stability control.
What Car? says
The Citroen C3 is fairly likeable in its own way, but it's flawed in too many areas to cut it against the class leaders.
What Car? readers say
4
There are 12 Citroën C3 versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
The Citroen C3 isn't one of the cheapest superminis and it won't hold its value particularly well. However, you should be able to secure a big discount.
The range is pretty simple to understand, starting at VT, moving up through VTR+ and topping out at Exclusive. An eco-special Airdream+ model that's exempt from road tax is also available.
The range kicks off with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, but it is woefully underpowered. The 72bhp 1.4-litre petrol is better while the 81bhp three-cylinder 1.2 is better still. The 94bhp 1.4 delivers such lively performance that it makes the 118bhp 1.6 seem redundant.
The 89bhp 1.6-litre diesel also impresses because it's smooth and flexible, but you'll have to do a lot of miles to justify the expense. There's a cheaper 67bhp 1.4 diesel that's fine as long as you're not in too much of a hurry. A 110bhp 1.6 completes the line-up.
Reader test team says:
Citroën C3 Hatchback 1.6 HDi 16v 90 Airdream+ 5dr
Previously owned 2 C3's, known as the "Beach Cars" by the family due to their poor build quality. This model is a real improvement in every way…
4
out of 5 stars
Citroën C3 Hatchback 1.4i 75 Connextion 5dr
I drive a special edition model based on the VTR+ its called the Connexion. It has additional equipment such as a My Way Sat Nav system with climate…
4
out of 5 stars
Citroën C3 Hatchback 1.4 VTi 95 Exclusive 5dr
This is the first small car I've owned, and I've have to say there is much to like about this one. On the plus side, its a good looking car, has very…
4
out of 5 stars
Citroën C3 Hatchback 1.6 HDi 90 Exclusive 5dr
Having now covered 6,000 miles in our Citroen C3 from new, I find the car a joy to drive. The 17" wheels we opted for were a cheap optional extra…
4
out of 5 stars
Post a reader review for your car
View all reader reviews
C3 used car reviews
advertisement
See all
Our pick of the range
Citroën C3 Hatchback 1.2 VTi 82 VTR+ 5dr
This is the best C3. It’s one of the cheapest options, the engine is smooth and it delivers decent economy. It comes well equipped, too.
Read reviewAdvertisement
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2013
