Bienvenue! Citroën’s appealing new C3 supermini is now out on UK roads, sales kicking off at the beginning of January, starting at £10,995 OTR.
Straightaway it’s clear that this characterful, new shape C3 builds on the look and success of the C4 Cactus, the nimble compact crossover that’s done much to reboot the Citroën franchise under the watchful eye of British CEO Linda Jackson.
The new C3 style, meshing elements of the fashionable crossover look with some cool design/colour touches, undoubtedly catches the eye in the right way, especially with those (optional) side air bumps on board to add some extra fizz to the mix.
At least, that’s how I see it and I thought just the same when I first saw the new C3 under the lights at last September’s Paris Salon. To me, the C3 was an instant wow.
I should add that despite being a long term, incurable Citroënist (and former 2CV6 owner), the last C3 launched in 201o pretty much passed me by. The first C3 was more imaginative, the C3 Pluriel, especially. But commercially, the C3 has been a serious player, Citroën shifting 3.6 million globally (and 200,000 in the UK), making it the corporate best seller.
What’s different this time is the C3’s design and attitude. We start with a neat, compact, five-door shape, then factor in all the right kind of personalization cues, Mini, Fiat 500 style.
This means three roof colours, nine body colours and three interior ‘ambiences’ across three different trim levels: Touch, Feel and Flair.
However there’s also a side of the C3 that speaks to the classic Citroën fan in that the car turns out to be quite softly sprung. Thus there are hints of alluring small Citroëns of the past in the rather relaxed way the C3 rides and steers its way through corners.
To me, this gives it a character and charm that sets it apart from the norm. Comfort levels at the same time are outstanding. Yes, good, although I concede the softish suspension and degrees of body roll (when pushed) may not be for everyone.
Inside, the C3 has been dismissed as plasticky but I’m not so sure. In fact, I’d say the cabin’s actually of higher quality than some higher priced cars out there. Presentation is strong, ergonomics are fine and the wide sofa like front seats are a peach. Life in the back is a little contained but still bearable. You also get a decent 300-litre boot.
Some of the new C3 detailing such as the canvas-style door grab handles are fun and really well done. You need to read the small print however to check whether they’re options. A novel ConectedCam device behind the interior mirror lets you snap pics and video on the move, ready then to post online. Clearly, a clever tweak with today’s social media in mind.
In the new C3 world, you can of course go bargain basement on price (£10,995-£13,295). Most though will surely look to the more habitable mid spec C3 Feel models (£13,045-£16,045) which bring a 7in touchscreen, air con and 16 in alloys as standard. The three upper spec Flair models are up for consideration at £14,795-£17,095.
At launch, there are five engine options: three 1.2-litre petrols, two 1.6-litre diesels. Of the five cars I’ve driven to date, the pick would have to be the C3 Flair 110 petrol manual which lists at £15,995 but as tested was loaded up with kit to arrive at a bracing £18,085 on the road.
