Citroën C3

Bodywork utilitarian
Puertas 5
Plazas 5
Power 83 - 110 hp
Consumption 4,2 - 5,9l/100km
Trunk 300 liters
Assessment 3,5

The competitive European B-segment forces all brands to fight for their share of sales. Since 2001 the Citroën C3 is the representative in this segment for the French brand. It came as the natural replacement for the Citroën Saxo and the five-door Citroën C2. A model that has brought great sales to the house. Only the third generation already accumulates more than 600.000 units sold throughout the old continent.

We have tested this car:

Test Citroën C3 BlueHDi 100, with a lot of personality

And it is that today the C3 is in the third of its generations. Presented, how could it be otherwise, at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. It was not until 2017 when Citroën started its commercial stage, reaping the successes that we have already mentioned. At the beginning of 2020 this generation undergoes a facelift, a small update to continue to remain attractive to the general public.

The 2020 restyling introduces, in addition to slight aesthetic modifications, a greater load of equipment and a slight improvement in interior materials. Where it improves the most is the customization program, with up to 97 exterior combinations. The mechanical range, on the other hand, remains unchanged, presenting low-cut mechanics with little power and low consumption.

Technical characteristics of the Citroën C3

Beneath that typically French bodywork, the Citroën C3 uses the same platform used by its predecessor, that is, the second generation C3, called PF1. Despite this, the French have modified dimensions in order to make the utility a little larger, winning in sections of interior habitability and load capacity.

Due to its measurements, C3 is included within segment B, being larger than segment B. Citroën C1 and something smaller than Citroën C4 Cactus and that Citroen C3 Aircross, the SUV variant. That leaves us with some external measures of 3,99 meters long, 1,75 meters wide and 1,47 meters high.

To these dimensions we must add one more, the 2,54 meters of battle that allow up to five occupants to travel inside. A habitable space but recommended only for short trips because the rear space is not too much either. Where the C3 does show off its chest is in load capacity, showing the best data in the category. 300 liters of minimum capacity and 922 liters of maximum capacity.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Citroën C3

As a good self-respecting utility, the Citroën C3 makes use of a short mechanical range, without fanfare, and Mainly designed for urban environments and short and medium routes. We should not expect large-displacement or high-power mechanics because it is not. The range consists of two petrol versions and one diesel.

The diesel branch presents the famous block the bluehd of the PSA Group. An engine that we can see in a wide variety of models, both Citroën and Peugeot . It is a 1,5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that develops 100 horsepower in this case. It always comes associated with a six-speed manual gearbox and a front-wheel drive system.

For their part, gasoline is postulated as the access option and the strongest option. In this part we find 1,2 liter PureTech triple turbocharged. A small motor that can extract two different powers, 83 and 110 horses. As standard, both units are associated with six-speed manual gearboxes, however, the most powerful variant can optionally have access to an EAT6 automatic transmission.

Equipment of the Citroën C3

Practicality and functionality. The smaller segments of the market choose to provide correct but very useful equipment for daily chores. The Citroën C3 does not show great luxuries. Inside we find materials of not excessive quality, mainly hard plastics that are accompanied by fabric surfaces or customizable moldings.

Thanks to them the decorative moldings They can vary their style and attractiveness, as well as the upholstery of some seats that stand out for their excellent comfort.. For the 2020 facelift, Citroën strives to improve the connectivity and safety sections, with up to 12 different driving assistants.

Thanks to this, the C3 becomes a fully connected car, but not only that is worth noting. Among the equipment elements we can mention details such as LED headlights, keyless entry and start, browser, air conditioning and 16-inch wheels. We see all this equipment distributed in the different levels that the range presents: Elle, You!, C-Series and Shine.

The Citroën C3 in video

Citroën C3 according to Euro NCAP

El Citroën C3 successfully passed the impact tests organized by EuroNCAP. The Gallic urban obtained 4 stars hotel, a score that does not place it as insecure at all. In this way, he achieved 88% protection for adult occupants, 83% for infants, 59% for pedestrian protection and 58% for active safety (driving aids). In superior equipment, the C3 manages to obtain five stars since it has more driving assistants.

The Citroën C3 of Km 0 and Second Hand

It should be remembered that the Citroën C3 has been on the market since 2001. In addition, it should not be overlooked that the European B-segment is one of the most popular of all, with high sales volumes. These two facts mean that there is a large quantity of C3 for sale in the second-hand and used channels. We find disparity of versions and vintages, starting from a minimum price of around 500 euros.

Despite what it may seem, the percentage of depreciation of the C3 is average. Second-hand channels always demand B-segment models and these keep prices relatively high. Something similar happens in the Km 0 channel, where we also find many units for sale. Being an easy-to-sell model, dealers accumulate many units in stock.

The Citroën C3 and its rivals

The Citroën C3 is not alone in this competitive segment. As we have already said, it is the second most popular segment in sales in the European market. There are many brands that bid on it, although in this case we have to focus on general brands and models, Well, they are, due to their size and sale price, the first rivals of the C3. We can highlight illustrious names such as Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Seat Ibiza, Opel Corsa, Hyundai i20, KIA Rio, Ford Fiesta y Nissan Micra, among many others.

Highlight

low consumption
Affordable price
ride comfort

To improve

rear habitability
Interior materials
short mechanical range

Citroen C3 prices

The idea of the C3 is to be practical and cheap. Cheap in its use and maintenance, and also accessible in terms of sale prices. In the cheapest of cases the starting price of the Citroën C3 stands at 15.595 euros. Price corresponding to the access variant, the 83 CV PureTech with You! finish. The most expensive in the range is the C3 Elle with a 110 horsepower PureTech engine, its price is 20.815 euros. All budgets are free of discounts or promotions.