The Citroën C3 is one of the zippiest compact crossovers I have driven yet. Crossovers are flooding the South African market and many of the latest newcomers bring significant advances in technology – offering more car for less money.
Against this backdrop, Citroën updated the C3 without adding large amounts of tech, an interesting choice considering the tech focused newcomers. If a vehicle laden with technology is what you want, the C3 is not for you. If an enjoyable, energetic drive is your priority, then it should be at the top of your list.
The drive
The C3 is powered by Citroën’s 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech engine delivering 81 kW of power and 205 Nm of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that responds smoothly and without fuss, ideal for city driving.
This combination makes for an energetic and zippy drive that takes off with real zest. Overtaking requires little effort and the C3 gains and maintains highway speeds with ease. Overall, its drive outperforms most other B-segment and compact crossovers within the budget category on the market – and then some.
The C3 has noteworthy handling, likely coming from its advanced comfort suspension courtesy of their signature ‘Flying Carpet Effect.’ It provides a remarkably smooth ride over varying road surfaces that belies the vehicle’s compact dimensions and price point. The compact steering wheel further contributes to a nimble, confidence-inspiring feel around corners.
The claimed fuel consumption is 5.9L/100km, however, the achieved consumption was 7.6L/100km. This was achieved while driving primarily in Eco mode. It was somewhat disappointing as I expected a meaningful difference between regular and economy driving in real-world conditions in this mode.
Something worth noting is that the fuel tank is only 30 litres in size. I would not have paid particular attention to this had I not found myself with only 138km to empty on just over half a tank. For drivers covering significant daily distances, this smaller tank capacity could become frustrating when it requires frequent fuel stops.
The design
The latest Citroën C3 is intended to have a bold and expressive design language. It features dual-split LED daytime running lights that are a signature visual cue for the model, alongside LED Vision projector headlamps and indicators integrated into the mirrors. It creates a modern but distinctly Citroën aesthetic. A dual-tone roof is available at no extra cost, allowing for personalisation of the C3.
Inside, the cabin makes use of materials that are standard within vehicles of this segment. It has practical surfaces on the dash and seats that prioritise function. There are moments where the budget-conscious origins are felt, however, it is in keeping with the C3’s positioning and value proposition.
The interior adds a touch of character with a chrome-coloured, indent-textured panel on the dash in front of the passenger. This detail breaks up the cabin and gives it a bit more personality.
Citroën’s intelligent storage philosophy is also evident throughout, with cubby space generously distributed around the cabin including an additional shelf that sits beneath the USB charging point. It is a thoughtful idea in theory but in practice, it may not accommodate all phone sizes comfortably, and the larger cubby space below proves more useful for everyday use.
In terms of interior space, I often say the crossover segment gives off ‘bigger-car vibes’ from outside but once you step inside it is just as small as a hatchback. The C3 is one of the exceptions to this rule. Its 2 540 mm wheelbase translates into a comfortable cabin capable of comfortably seating two adults in the rear. A genuine strength for a vehicle in this category.
Likewise, the boot offers a decent amount of space and is quite deep, allowing for respectable space on errands or school runs. Generous boot depth is not common in compact crossovers, and it stands out as one of the C3’s more practical selling points.
Stepping inside
The C3 still uses a traditional key rather than a key fob and does not feature keyless entry or exit. It is not a significant disadvantage in isolation, but in a segment where buyers are spoilt for choice, and where many competitors offer this convenience, it is a noticeable omission.
One welcome touch on the 10-inch infotainment screen is that Android Auto can be activated directly from the main menu with a single button press. This is rather than navigating through media sources or waiting for the system to start automatically. It is a small but useful feature.
There is value in simplicity in the C3. Everything is straightforward and intuitive to operate. The air conditioning controls are positioned directly below the infotainment screen as physical buttons rather than being buried within the touchscreen menus, something that is appreciated as new entrants move their climate controls onto the screen. In daily use, this makes a meaningful difference.
The fully digital driver information screen is well executed and has a degree of flexibility. Drivers can customise what information is displayed which some price competitors do not enable. You can select between two interior themes, khaki and black, and adjust settings such as brightness level, maintenance alerts, and driving mode, all from within this display.
Other features in the Citroën C3 include three USB charging ports (one in the front and two in the rear) wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 10-inch infotainment system, auto-folding rear-view mirrors, foldable roof grab handles (select trims), and automatic air conditioning (select trims).
Safety
The C3 comes standard with six airbags and three-point seatbelts throughout, and ISOFIX seat anchors. This makes it a practical choice for young families.
Active safety features include ABS, EBD, and, on the automatic variant, electronic stability programme.
Ultimately, the Citroën C3 is a practical, to-the-point, and most importantly affordable car that delivers the real-world benefits that compact crossovers promise. Drivers who value the experience of driving over the accumulation of technology will value the C3.
It may not fully meet expectations if you want the technological advances seen in some competitors within the segment or those at a similar price. Ultimately, for the driver who wants character behind the wheel without breaking the budget, the C3 is a compelling option.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged PureTech
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 5.9L/100km (claimed)
Fuel consumption: 7.6L/100km (achieved)
Power: 81 kW
Torque: 205 Nm
Price: starting from R249 900
Warranty and service plan: 5-year/100 000 km warranty and 2-year/30 000 km service plan.
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