Citroën has changed the C3 territory no less than multiple times in the beyond year and a half.
First as it facelifted the little hatchback, Touch, Feel and Flair manages turning into the similarly saccharine Live, Sense and Shine; then, at that point, as it added the no frills C-Series; and again as Shine became Saint James – so named for a style house, not on the grounds that it’s to be martyred.
Or on the other hand is it? It appears to be even superminis are currently under existential danger from hybrids. Maybe that is important for the justification for why Citroën really cut the C3’s cost at facelift time.
You can purchase a Citroen C3 for just £14,000; yet at the opposite finish of the range is the more strong, top-spec Shine Plus at £21,000 (£1260 of which is because of the programmed gearbox) and tried here.
Stellantis’ frequently vaunted Puretech 1.2-liter three-chamber super petroleum motor makes 82bhp or 109bhp in the C3; and from examining the last form, we’d say you most certainly need the extra except if you seldom leave town.
What’s it like?
It is for sure a pleasant motor, offering great punch, adaptability and moderation and, surprisingly, a mean little snarl.
Notwithstanding, it’s let down to some degree by the EAT6 ‘box, whose movements can make the C3 rock like a boat, because of its delicate springing. Tragically, the unclear manual isn’t actually a cure.
That suspension has a potential gain, in any case, managing the cost of the C3 a light ride, which on the motorway makes the conflicting inclination that you’re driving something greater. Surely it has no issue cruising in an exceptionally loosened up style, which can’t be said of sportier superminis, regardless of whether it’s not absolutely invulnerable to pothole-initiated shivering.
It’s a disgrace that Citroën’s Advanced Comfort seats, while additionally a lot spongier than those you will find in rival vehicles, aren’t more strong at their sides, since you regularly end up straining to keep upstanding as the C3 rolls its direction through turns.
There’s a lot of room up here, regardless of whether you’re tall. To be sure, you might actually say that it has a breezy feel. The reasonableness of the back is less great, however, especially contrasted and the new Skoda Fabia and its kin.
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The C3’s inside looks trendy, because of its ‘squircle’ plan subject and especially its simple dials, however a lot of hard plastic (you won’t have any desire to lay your arm on the windowsill). We praise the overall format likewise, save for the way that the cooling controls are covered inside the touchscreen, unnecessarily making you become occupied from the street ahead.
Would it be advisable for me to get one?
As a modest and comfortable runabout, the C3 could check out. Yet, in this priciest structure, it’s exceptionally difficult to legitimize, as a pleasantly specced Vauxhall Corsa or, better actually, Ford Fiesta costs comparative.
The springy ride and brilliant motor just aren’t to the point of compensating for the fun-opposed case and low-lease inside.