Used Citroen C3 for sale

What is the Citroen C3?

Slotting into the lower reaches of the French brand’s line-up is the Citroen C3, a five-door supermini that has something of a crossover look about it.

>> Read our expert 2019 Citroen C3 review

Taking-on the ubiquitous Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo, this third-generation C3 majors on comfort rather than out-and-out dynamic handling.

At-a-glance 2019 Citroen C3 specs

• Top speed: 98-120mph
  
• 0-62mph: 9.1-14.2 seconds
  
• Fuel economy: 55-76mpg
  
• Emissions: 97-120g/km of CO2
  
• Boot space: 300-922 litres
  

Which versions of the Citroen C3 are available?

In Mk3 guise, the C3 is a different proposition to the models sold before it, not least because it looks less cutesy, with a hint of SUV about its looks, especially with the optional AirBump panels along the doors.

There’s one bodystyle again this time around, that of the five-door Citroen C3 Hatchback, but the closely-related Citroen C3 Aircross is a direct rival to small SUVs such as the Ford EcoSport, SEAT Arona and Vauxhall Crossland X.

Trim levels follow Citroen’s usual Touch, Feel, Origins and Flair hierarchy, which can be mixed and matched with a small selection of engines. The petrol powerplant is a three-cylinder 1.2-litre in 68hp, 83hp and turbocharged 110hp guises, while the 1.5-litre BlueHDi turbo diesel is only available in 100hp form.

• We ran a long-term Citroen C3 Hatchback - how did we get on with it?

What is the Citroen DS3?

There’s no performance version of the C3, but a more luxurious, three-door version of the second-generation model was sold between 2010-15 as the Citroen DS3.

With punchier engines and a more distinctive design, it was an upmarket replacement for the previous Citroen C2 – the sportier alternative to the original C3.

British buyers lapped-up the DS3, much more so than the larger Citroen DS4 and DS5, encouraging Citroen’s parent company, PSA, to spin DS off as a separate brand. Come 2015 the Citroen badging was removed and the car relaunched as the DS 3.

Styling and engineering

Based on a platform known internally as PF1, the third generation C3 rides on an updated version of the underpinnings that also supported both the Mk1 and Mk2 models.

In place of their curvy-roofed styling, the latest C3 has more than a hint of the larger C4 Cactus about it, particularly when the AirBumps are fitted to the doors.

It’s altogether chunkier and can be made to look more distinctive with a contrast colour roof section, as well as three contrasting accents set into the plastic mouldings.

There’s a C4 Cactus vibe to the interior as well, with panels designed to look like luggage with straps and contrasting detailing. Some of the plastics still feel on the cheap side, but at least they don’t look nasty too.

Is it good to drive?

Driving a C3 is a relaxing experience, largely by virtue of its very supple ride and armchair-like front seats. If outright comfort is your primary box to be ticked, then the Citroen is the way to go.

There is a compromise, though, and that is that the Citroen’s more wallowy, rolling around more in bends than most of its rivals, not least the Ford Fiesta.

However, its gentler nature means you’re unlikely to be driving it too vigorously in the first place – it’s definitely not remotely a hot hatch.

How much does the Citroen C3 cost?

Whether you’re intending to buy a C3 outright, or on finance using a PCH or PCP arrangement, it’s a cost-effective choice, with dealers not averse to providing healthy discounts.

Shop around though as depending on offers available each quarter some rivals can be cheaper – use that as a bargaining chip with a Citroen dealer.

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See how drivers of the Citroen C3 rate their cars with our comprehensive owners’ reviews.