Citroen C3 hatchback review - CarBuyer

Citroen's C3 supermini lays claim to being one of the most comfortable cars in its class. With a well constructed interior, plus a practical boot, it offers plenty of space for driver and passengers. Couple that with the smooth ride, and refined engines, and the C3 adds up to a capable rival to the likes of the Mazda 2 and Renault Clio. The C3 is in its element around town, thanks to good visibility, and accurate steering. Nearly all C3 models feature a panoramic windscreen that distinguishes the car from its rivals. Several engine options are offered by Citroen though the best value is had in the middle of the range with either 1.4-litre petrol or HDi turbodiesel options.

[torresalex]

I've said this on other carbuyer reviews and I'll say it here again: I hate it when they criticise superminis for not being all dynamic and driver focused. They're not supposed to be! Car reviewers (Mr. Watson here included) will forgive performance vehicles for lack of comfort and practicality, or completely gloss over it. The C3 is one of the best in its segment, with its looks, comfort, refinement, available equipment and running costs. Want driver dynamics? Not in this part of the market....

[SenorJagWire]

I've had my C3 for a month and I love it! Spec is pretty good value as well, I have the VTR+ trim and it's got Bluetooth, cruise control and the zenith windscreen included, and a full size spare wheel!

I would also like to point out that the citroen c3 is NOT a sports car. It's designed for comfort, thats why the suspension feels almost like you're floating when you drive it. If you prefer sportiness over practicality and comfort, then sure you'd be better off with a different car.

[tallen]

that windscreen is perfect for drive in movie theaters! Citroen, you NEED to come back to the states so i can get one of these!

[orionuk]

A friend of mine has the old shape C3 which I've had a shot of driving. Have to admit, I've developed a definite soft spot for the C3 and the newer shape one really does look excellent. The comparison he made regarding the Mazda2 handling: As a Mazda2 owner I can agree the handling is much sharper in the Mazda. However where the C3 has a beautifully smooth ride, the Mazda2 almost breaks your spine over every pothole, so its horses for courses really in the ride and handling comparison.

[Harry-hkel]

Just bought one of these.
One day in and I'm already in love! Such a gorgeous drive

[Dr.BenjiBuddy]

Ive had mine for a while now and still love it. Haven't found any negative points and how is it not fun to drive??... It's not a sportscar of course, but it's not supposed to be.

[jpsabbey]

The "bad points "...Are positives for me. What an awesome little car. I want one 👍👌

[Gamingdice]

Maybe the rear passengers would have more legroom if you didn't have the seats all the way back lol

[edouard]

I own one since 3 months now. And I have to say that this car is astonishing. Of course it's totally underpowered, and you can't drive sportively, but for that money, you can look at other brands you'll never get so much comfort and luxurious interior. It's a car meant to be driven smoothly, to cruise along at reasonnable speeds on long journeys. Every day that passes I love that car even more. And again, it cost me far less than a Dacia Sandero (which I wouldn't own at all)...

[maltese]

it is fun to drive. The windscreen alone helps a lot in the fun part.

[Fegbeg]

Just bought this car 1.6 hdi 90 it's great car, got Bluetooth, air con, cruise control, very quiet on motorway, very nippy in town and does 83mpg and no road tax

[robertacanning]

I've just bought the exact one in the video and same colour, I've had subarus, bmw's, jags and tbh with restrictions in place now they are just boring and fuel costly, this citreon is a breath of fresh air to drive imagine going to windermere lakes with the zenith screen up, its cheap to run and is tax free yes NO TAX to pay, its basically a good looking corsa im very happy to have peace instead of a tuned up monster that attracts police so go for it if your thinking about buying one of these they are great.

[ALXrdS]

I've learned to drive with this car (done 11 hours, will do the next 14 hours this month), I love this car, very funny to drive, comfortable, good turn, good acceleration for a city car. Hope I'll have one someday...

[blaaazer]

This car looks amazing! This car needs to be on the american market

[tacoeatingzebra]

having been in germany and france recently, i developed a definite taste for french cars. i wish we got these in the states. in the meantime, i'll enjoy my vw golf.

[palebeachbum]

I WANT THIS CAR. Too bad I live in the U.S. where we don't have the Citroen brand.

[nise]

01:26 Wow, phones like that are retro now. *Crazy.*

[DGSE]

you should say that the zenith wide screen is in option ...

[vixie]

Just bought one of these, in that colour too 😀 steering is very light but I was driving a Xsara Picasso before this.

[RM-vveh]

I've recently dropped into one of these, the 90HP Diesel. Averaging almost 55mpg, which I'm happy with. The little air vent in the glove box is a good idea, if you want to chill something. Downsides on my particular model, is that there's no height adjustment on the passenger seat. And the zenith windscreen... whilst I like that, the downside is that the sun visors are attached to the retractable sun blind. So a full glass screen means no sun visors. On the subject of them, i'm surprised to see that neither of them have a vanity mirror attached. Decent little car though, even though it's a manual, it has cruise control and a speed limiter, handy for the average speed cameras.