Citroën C3 (02-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 08 January 2010
The C3 is Citroen's alternative to small hatchbacks like the Peugeot 207 and Vauxhall Corsa but compared to newer alternatives it's starting to show it's age - particularly inside where the low rent interior and cheap plastics let it down badly. It's comfortable and easy to drive, especially in town, but it's far from enjoyable and lacks the refinement and polish of competitors. That said it does represent good value for money as a used buy. The diesel engines are particularly good too and return excellent economy making the Citroen cheap to run. Just don't expect many thrills along the way. Despite a new (and far superior) C3 model being introduced in 2010, this version is still on sale, badged as the C3 First.
2.5 out of 5

Other Citroën reviews

4 out of 5

Equipment

The entry-level L has power steering, remote central locking and twin front and side airbags while LX adds electric front windows, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel and remote audio controls. The SX model adds air conditioning and rain-sensing wipers, while the range-topping Exclusive has climate control and cruise control and heated door mirrors. VTR models arrived in 2005 with a bodykit and 16-inch alloys. In June 2008 the trim levels were changed to Vibe, Rhythm and Exclusive and new colour choices were introduced. Vibe models get steel wheels, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, immobiliser, power steering and front electric windows. The Rhythm gets air conditioning, rain sensitive wipers, automatic headlamps plus new equipment, including lateral airbags, fog lights, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, new interior trim and the option of a full size electric glass sunroof while the Exclusive has features such as alloy wheels, front folding armrests, an alarm and climate control. The later C3 First comes in VT trim only and has a trip computer, a CD stereo with steering wheel mounted controls, driver and passenger folding armrests, height adjustable driver's seat, remote central locking, electrically adjustable door mirrors, air conditioning, front electric windows plus height and reach adjustable steering wheel.

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Compare Equipment

Trim

Equipment

Key:

Standard item

Optional item

  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • ABS
  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Audio remote
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • CD
  • Central locking
  • Cloth seat trim
  • Cruise control
  • Driver`s airbag
  • Electric mirrors
  • Electric sunroof
  • Folding rear seats
  • Front electric windows
  • Front fog lights
  • Full size spare wheel
  • Heated mirrors
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Isofix child seat anchor points
  • Leather seat trim
  • Parking sensors
  • Partial leather seat trim
  • PAS
  • Passenger`s airbag
  • Remote locking
  • Roof rails
  • Sat Nav
  • Service indicator
  • Side airbags
  • Sports seats
  • Steel wheels
  • Steering wheel rake adjustment
  • Steering wheel reach adjustment
Vibe VT L Airplay LX Cool Rhythm Desire Cachet First Airdream VTR VTR Stop & Start Rhtyhm Stop & Start SX VTP XTR Stop & Start Exclusive Exclusive Plus
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