Citroën C3 (10 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 14 March 2011
Chic, sophisticated and refined. These are the qualities Citroen has aimed to instil in the C3 - a car designed to rival the likes of the Ford Fiesta. While it retains the similar rounded shape of the original C3, this model is far superior in every department with a giant leap forward in quality and refinement. Quiet on the move, it has a big car feel on the motorway, but is easy to drive in town, while a range of impressively economical engines make it cheap to run. There's even a low-emissions Airdream+ version that qualifies for free road tax. The interior is stylish and well thought out, plus there's plenty of passenger space. But while it's certainly an improvement, it is still lacking in some areas - a poor gearbox and artificial steering let it down while the interior quality isn't up to the class best.
3.5 out of 5

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Buying new

Citroen dealers are renowned for having generous offers running and although the firm wants to make the C3 a more upmarket model, deals are still likely to be available. Models lower down the range are competitively priced against some other small cars, but entry-level models don't get the panoramic windscreen. It shouldn't stop you negotiating on the price or trying to get some optional extras included for free. If you're after an automatic, the only option is the 1.6 VTi petrol in top Exclusive trim.

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3.5 out of 5

Buying used

There will be no shortage of C3s on the second hand market but the most common will be the 1.4i and 1.4 VTi petrols along with the 1.4 HDi - all in VTR+ trim. The entry-level 1.1-litre model is only available in base VT trim so is best avoided if you can find the more powerful 1.4-litre model. The Airdream+ is the low emissions version which qualifies for free road tax.

  • Boot/Load Space Citroën C3 (10 on)
  • Interior Citroën C3 (10 on)

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3 out of 5

Selling

The C3s chic looks will give it plenty of appeal and - unlike the previous model - this version should be attractive to a much younger buyer, especially female drivers. The diesels will be sought after due to their low road tax, but the petrols are still very cheap to run. The Zenith windscreen is another strong selling point.