Citroen C3 review

It’s the new C3. Citroen has sold over 5.6 million of these things since the first generation was launched back in 2002, and this Mk4 introduces a whole new look inside and out plus hybrid and all-electric powertrains. We’re focusing on the petrol version here: stay tuned for a verdict on the EV.

We’ll start with those looks, because there’s no hiding away from the SUV-inspired styling, including front and rear skid plates, black wheel arches, and roof rails. It’s nearly 10cm taller too, while ground clearance has also increased. Yet it retains the same footprint as the previous generation.

It’s certainly not shy, but we quite like the quirky styling, particularly against some of its blander rivals including the likes of the Mazda 2, MG 3, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris, and Suzuki Swift. Badging aside, the electric version is visually identical too, while customisable ‘colour clips’ let you add your own personal touch.

What are my engine options?

There are two to choose from, and opening the batting is the 1.2-litre turbo, which gets 99bhp and is mated to a six-speed manual. It’s not particularly quick, 0-62mph taking 10.6 seconds, but it feels nippy off the line even if that does tail off somewhat as the speed climbs.

And for now, that’s for your lot. A mild hybrid powertrain is joining the line-up in the near future, which pairs a 1.2-litre 3cyl engine with a 28bhp electric motor and 48V lithium-ion battery.

Citroen claims it’ll allow for up to 50 per cent of city journeys to be completed on electric power alone, plus 10 per cent reduced fuel consumption and emissions by nearly 10 per cent compared to an equivalent petrol version. Full details on the Driving tab.

What's the cabin like?

Citroen has had a go at reinventing the cabin, while retaining its predecessors’ comfort-first approach. It gets a small steering wheel, a head-up display that’s projected onto a gloss black panel just beneath the windscreen in place of a traditional instrument cluster, and fabric-wrapped dashboard. It’s different, but fun.

The growth spurt has allowed for more headroom, legroom and elbowroom, while all versions get Citroen’s advanced comfort seats (read armchairs) and advanced comfort suspension (read hydraulic bump stops at each corner). Told you comfort is very much the keyword here. Head over to the Interior tab for more.

How much will it cost me?

If you take one thing away from this review and nothing else, know this: the C3 is aggressively cheap. Prices start from £17,790 for the heartland petrol, with the hybrid set to start from £19,590 when it eventually arrives.

The electric variant is pleasingly affordable too (as these things go), starting from £21,990. Click through to the Buying tab for the full breakdown.

Citroen’s fourth-generation C3 is seemingly a job well done. It looks smart, it’s more comfortable than ever, and above all it’s keenly priced.

Much like its predecessors, it’s not as fun to drive as some of its rivals, favouring instead a more comfort-focused approach, but that’s not a bad thing for a family car. Chances are most of these will spend their time within the city limits anyway, and it’s there where the C3 really shines.

We’d be very tempted by the fully electric powertrain, but in petrol guise as tested here it still has plenty of appeal, and for good reason.