Is the Citroen C3 a good car?
Get an in-depth look at the Citroen C3 hatchback
If you’re in the market for a funky supermini, you might be asking yourself, ‘Is the Citroen C3 a good car?’.
It’s a sensible question since they have been gaining popularity over the last few years.
With its chunky proportions and unique details, we’d say the Citroen C3 has become more popular for the right reasons.
So, if you want a good car that’s a little bit different, and seriously good value, keep reading to learn more about the Citroen C3.
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What’s the C3 like to drive?
In classic Citroen fashion, C3 prioritises comfort above all else. Both driver and passengers will feel snug and secure without being cramped.
The soft suspension makes light work of the UK's potholed roads, while the handling remains fairly nimble – ideal for a car of this size.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, says: “Its light steering does make driving and parking in town a pleasure.”
Citroen C3 reliability
With its years of experience and several generations of growth, the Citroen C3 is a dependable car that will look after you on a daily basis.
Safety features
The Citroen C3 was awarded a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2017, so that rating has now expired. Regardless, the impressive 88% adult rating and 83% child occupant rating still rivals many similar models.
Standard safety features that are included with all the latest trims include lane-departure warning, ISOFIX car seat points, and speed sign recognition and warnings.
The range-topping Max models add tech like Intelligent Beam headlights, collision risk alerts, and driver attention alerts.
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Citroen C3 models from 2017-2023
The Citroen C3 first launched in 2002, with the third-generation model appearing in 2017. It was then facelifted in 2020, with some tweaks to the design and extra tech.
It was originally offered in Touch, Feel and Flair trim levels, but in 2019, the trims were renamed Feel, Origins and Flair, and changed again later to You, Plus and Max.
Engines
The Citroen C3 was available with the following engines from 2017-2023:
PureTech 68 manual
PureTech 82 manual
PureTech 82 manual
PureTech 110 S&S manual
BlueHDi 75 S&S manual
BlueHDi 100 S&S manual
Each engine could be purchased in any of the trim levels, although there was a tiny increase in CO2 emissions for the higher-spec models.
Fuel economy
Citroen C3 fuel efficiency differs depending on the model you get, but all models are pretty fuel-efficient.
Here are Citroen's fuel economy figures – just keep in mind they’re a best-case scenario, and are likely to be a bit lower from real-world driving.
PureTech 68 manual – 60.1mpg (combined)
PureTech 82 manual – 60.1mpg (combined)
PureTech 110 S&S manual – 61.4mpg (combined)
BlueHDi 75 S&S manual (Touch) – 80.7mpg (combined)
BlueHDi 75 S&S manual (Feel/Flair) – 78.5mpg (combined)
BlueHDi 100 S&S manual – 76.3mpg (combined)
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Citroen C3 models from 2024
In 2024, Citroen announced an updated C3 to arrive later in the year. It features a refreshed design, which looks a bit like a baby SUV, and an all-electric version called the e-C3 based on the same platform.
Both the petrol and electric versions launch with Plus and Max trim levels, and a hybrid is expected to be added to the lineup soon.
Engines
The new C3's engine options are simple. You only get one choice – a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol, the PureTech 100 S&S. It’s also only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
To get an automatic gearbox, you’ll have to wait for the hybrid. It still has the same 1.2-litre engine but with an electric motor as well.
Fuel economy
Citroen says the new C3 will get around 50.4mpg (combined), but expect to get less than that in the real world. The more frugal choice is to wait for the hybrid or go for the electric e-C3.
Overall reliability
Reliability is massive and will be a huge factor in deciding if the Citroen C3 is a good car. Luckily, the quirky supermini won’t do you dirty in that department.
The C3 has been a consistent performer on reliability surveys as well, so you know its drivers are pleased with their models.
They’re easy and inexpensive to maintain, with a hard-wearing build that won’t sag under regular use.
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Citroen C3 features
Comfort
There’s no denying that the C3 is a comfortable car. The cabin takes care of all occupants, providing a light and airy space suitable for both larger and smaller passengers.
Sam says: “The front seats look almost like armchairs, thanks to prominent bolsters – they’re actually pretty soft and squidgy, which helps to boost the C3’s comfort”.
Technology
Technology differs depending on the C3 model you choose. The entry-level ‘You’ trim gets a five-inch black and white infotainment screen with Bluetooth, which is good value.
'Feel’ and ‘Flair’ models are a better choice if you want a bit more tech, upgrading to a seven-inch touchscreen unit with smartphone connectivity, a reversing camera, and electric folding mirrors.
Passenger and cargo space
The C3 has a 300-litre boot that’s impressive among other small cars. It’s a great loading space with some hardwearing plastics that’ll stop you scuffing the car while loading.
The rear seats fold 60/40, so you can have a larger loading space if needed, stretching to 922 litres.
We’ve mentioned that the cabin is roomy throughout, and there’s some random storage space, such as two cubbies in the centre console and spacious door bins.
Passengers will be comfortable, even in the back seat. It’s easy to fit car seats as well, although might be a squeeze if you’ve got more than one or want to use all three rear seats alongside.
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Best Citroen C3 trim levels
Flair
The Citroen C3 Flare models are a top-spec pick that ramps up tech and styling. This trim was replaced in 2020 by the newer Flair Plus options, so can only be found on the used market.
These models get Citroen’s ConnectedCAM – a handy feature that adds a camera to the interior mirror as sort of enhanced dashcam – as well as rear parking sensors.
It also adds the ‘Airbumps’ as standard.
Plus
The Citroen C3 Plus is the mid-range model in the line-up and is one of the best picks for plenty of tech and comfort features, without reaching top-tier price points.
Shine
The Citroen C3 Shine trim was launched in 2022, adding some interesting paint options to the mix.
You can choose from Soft Sand, Spring Blue, Cumulus Grey, or Platinum Grey colours with an Onyx Black roof.
The Shine model features the iconic ‘Airbump’ detail on the doors with white detailing, plus new 16-inch alloy wheels.
Citroen C3 vs. other hatchbacks
Renault Clio
With great handling, a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, and similarly strong value for money, the Renault Clio is a good alternative to the Citroen C3.
It's a little bit more run-of-the-mill than the C3 but it still has a nice bit of French flair, and there are plenty of used examples on the market.
Volkswagen Polo
If you think about a hatchback, it won't take you long to remember the Volkswagen Polo – another very strong rival of the C3.
The Polo is more premium than the C3, which comes at a price, but it's the popular choice if being a bit more 'grown-up' is your thing.
Don't forget there's also the Polo GTI if you want a hot hatch that's small, light, and super-sporty.
Ford Fiesta
Potentially part of the reason for the C3's increase in popularity is that Ford no longer makes one of Citroen's biggest competitors: the Fiesta.
Like the C3, the Fiesta offers fantastic value for money and is also a great-driving little car. Plus, you get a five-star Euro NCAP rating to boot.
Since Ford no longer makes them, your only hope is to look at the used market for a Fiesta.
Buying a used Citroen C3
With all that it offers, a used Citroen C3 is an ideal fit for plenty of motorists. It’s efficient, easy to drive, and comfortable with a unique design.
Take a look at our full range of used Citroen C3 cars to find your perfect match.