Citroën C3 (2010 - 2016) 1.2 PureTech Platinum 5d ETG Owner Review

The comments below focus on the C3’s ETG automatic gearbox, which is a single clutch automated manual. For steady driving, it is generally easy to get along with. Under moderate acceleration, the gearbox changes smoothly up through the gears, although the changes are a bit on the slow side. For more spirited acceleration, gear changes create a noticeable 1 to 2 second flat spot leading to a more jerky ride, particularly from 1st to 2nd. To be fair, the equivalent manual would also be rather jerky when driven in this way. The C3 EGT does have a manual mode to control gear changes, but unfortunately this does not make the gear shifts happen any faster. On the road, pressing the accelerator pedal down firmly in automatic mode when already moving can lead to a brief but noticeable pause as the gearbox decides to change down a gear or two. It is therefore a good idea for the driver to try and learn to anticipate this lag when approaching fast moving junctions or moving lanes to overtake on faster roads. The creep function on the ETG works fairly well and is easy to use for low speed manoeuvring or crawling in traffic. However, it is best to use the hand brake in tight parking situations as otherwise there is a tendency to roll slightly on flattish roads. It is also worth mentioning that the rather abrupt ‘Stop & Start system’ can sometimes make the clutch action snatchy. Thankfully it can be switched off. From experience, a traditional torque converter automatic delivers quicker and smoother gear changes. The natural creep is also smoother and more predictable too. As a consequence, the C3 EGT is not quite as easy or as nice to drive. In terms of whether this car is a good choice, a lot is going to come down to driver priorities. If an automatic gearbox is needed to take the strain in everyday traffic whilst also delivering good economy and low emissions, the C3 EGT will do the job. However, if quick and responsive driving is the priority, the equivalent manual would allow the driver to change gear more quickly. If an automatic is also a must, a C3 with a torque converter automatic combined with a more powerful engine might be a better choice for a quicker driving style, albeit at the expense of fuel consumption and emissions.