Citroen C3

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

Citroen, a French automaker, launched the C3 in India, reservations for the vehicle began on July 1st, 2022. Citroen's new hatchback for India takes the name of a global best-seller. But that's about it for similarities between the two. Citroen, known for its ride quality and robust construction, is about to enter India's most exciting car segment with the C3. The new C3 will feature premium French engineering at an affordable price.

New SUV launches are causing a stir in the Indian auto market. Everyone wants a piece of the growing SUV craze in India, from seasoned automakers to new entrants, and Citroen, the French carmaker that entered India with the C5 Aircross, is the latest to jump on board. The C3, which the company refers to as a hatchback, is their newest offering. However, the design, size, and pricing all point to a subcompact SUV.

Citroen C3 Design and Style

Citroen insists C3 is a premium hatchback with an SUV twist, possibly to differentiate it from the slew of sub-4-metre SUVs already on the market. When compared to hatchbacks like the Celerio, WagonR, and Tiago, it appears to be a powerlifter. It can compete with the likes of the Magnite and Kiger as well. Citroen built the C3 taking inspiration from the C5. The C3's high bonnet flared wheel arches, and rounded bumpers make it appear cute yet powerful.

Citroen borrowed the global signature of a sleek chrome grille flowing into daytime running lamps for the front. However, those are the only LEDs on the vehicle. The headlamps, turn indicators, fog lamps, and tail lamps are all basic halogens. The antenna, flap-style door handles, and indicators on the fenders rather than the mirrors are further indications of the C3's simplicity.

Citroen is relying on customization to differentiate itself. The new Citroen C3 is available in four monochromatic colours and six dual-tone colours. Three customisation packs and two interior trims are available. You could also choose from a variety of accessories to personalise your C3. One feature we wish came standard is wheels made of aluminium. The wheel caps are stylish, but the optional alloy wheels make the C3 look even better.

Citroen C3 Engine and Gearbox

There are two 1.2-litre three-cylinder engines available, one with and one without a turbo. First impressions are still positive for both engines, with well-controlled vibrations, except for a light thrum on startup. Let's start with the Puretech82 naturally aspirated engine. This motor produces 82 HP of maximum power and 115 Nm of peak torque. Citroen has fine-tuned the engine to provide excellent drivability, particularly in city conditions. You can cruise around in second or third gear all day. C3 can handle the speed breakers and low-speed crawl in second gear without feathering the throttle.

On the highway, the Puretech82 does not struggle or feel inadequate. Sure, reaching triple-digit speeds isn't exactly quick, but once there, it's quite pleasant to chug along. If you intend to drive primarily in cities and have a relaxed driving style on the highway, this engine should suit you perfectly.

The Puretech110 produces 110 HP at 5500 rpm and 190 Nm at 1750 rpm of peak torque. When compared to the non-turbo engine, the Puretech110's 6-speed gearbox has a slightly heavier clutch and throw. It's amazing how quickly this engine picks up speed. The improved performance is useful on the highway, where overtaking is much easier. Driving around town is also a breeze because the engine never feels sluggish, even at low revs. This motor is without a doubt the more versatile of the two. Choose this engine if you enjoy driving hard or simply want more horsepower for those long highway trips.

Citroen C3 Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

We know Citroen for obsessing over the ride comfort, as evidenced by the larger and more expensive C5, which featured progressive hydraulic suspension. Of course, in order to keep costs down, you don't get that in the C3. So you get a regular McPherson strut in front with coil springs and a rear twist beam with coil springs. While the setup is standard, Citroen has made it work. Citroen priorities ride quality, and it shows. Citroen has equipped the C3 with 15-inch wheels and 195/65-R15 tyres. On the braking front, the C3 uses the same disc-drum setup for all variants, which works well but could benefit from more initial bite.

The suspension performs admirably, absorbing bumps and undulations. 2023 Citroen C3 can handle the rough terrain admirably. 180mm of ground clearance also helps, as it eliminates the need to slow down for large speed breakers and bad patches, achieving the ride quality.

Interior and Instrument Console of Citroen C3

With its upright stance and wide-opening doors, new Citroen C3 is simple to get in and out of. Seating is elevated, so elders in the family will appreciate it as well. Citroen is also quick to point out that the rear seat is 27mm higher than the front to ensure that occupants get a better view out and aren't constantly staring at the back of the front seat.

Getting into a comfortable position is simple for the driver, with the height adjustable seat and the tiltable steering wheel. New drivers will appreciate the elevated seating position and the panoramic view it provides. With narrow pillars and large windows, it's simple to get used to the car's size and feel at ease with its dimensions. It's at this point that you realise how cleverly packaged the C3 is. The dashboard is narrow and upright, allowing more space for the front passenger. Citroen should have included adjustable headrests, even though the fixed headrests provide adequate support and cushioning.

In terms of functionality, the C3 leaves little to be desired. Every door has a 1-litre bottle holder, and the centre stack has a shelf, a cubbyhole, and two cup holders. There's also some extra storage under and behind the handbrake. You'd also appreciate the minor details, like grooves to route your phone cable around the air-conditioning controls and a recess in the rear mobile holder to keep your cable from getting pinched while charging.

The plastics used in the C3's cabin are a pleasant surprise for a budget car. It's hard as expected, but you'll appreciate the textures Citroen has used, whether on the top half of the dashboard, door pads, or even the bottle holders in the doors. The pattern on the (optional) bright orange central element that divides the dashboard is also interesting. The central air conditioning vents have a damped action, and the wiper/light stalks have a satisfying click.

The instrument cluster is a small digital display that displays only the speed, odometer, average efficiency, and distance to empty. Citroen could have added better instrumentation, powered mirrors, climate control, a rear wiper or defogger, and possibly a reversing camera.

Citroen's top-spec C3 comes with a 10.2-inch touchscreen. The screen has a lot of real estate, fluid and simple interface, and it responds quickly. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and a 4-speaker audio system accompanying the screen. Thankfully, the audio quality is adequate and does not sound tinny. You also get audio and phone controls on the steering wheel.

Key Features of Citroen C3

2023 Citroen C3 key features include LED DRLs & panoramic exterior view, Flying carpet effect & 180mm high ground clearance, PURETECH 82 & PURETECH 110 engines, 4 Mono-tone and 6 dual-tone exterior colours, 2 roof Colours & 2 Dashboard Colours, 3 Packs with 56 Customization Options, 70+ accessories, Tropical air-conditioning system that delivers faster & efficient cabin cooling, Theatre style rear seats, large wheelbase, 315L Boot space, 26cm Citroën Connect Touchscreen, Wireless screen mirroring with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Steering Wheel with Audio and Phone Controls Bluetooth Connectivity, and Roof Antenna.

Safety features of new Citroen C3 include Front Driver and Passenger Airbags, ABS with EBD, Reverse Parking Sensors, Rear Doors Manual Child Lock, Seat Belt Reminder (Driver & Co-Driver Side), Engine Immobilizer, High-Speed Alert System, and Speed Sensitive Auto Door Lock.

Top Speed and Mileage of Citroen C3

Citroen claims that the C3 Turbo will hit 100 km/h in about ten seconds. The claimed fuel efficiency is 19.4 km/l, and it gets even better with the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, which delivers 19.8 km/l.

Citroen C3 Colour Options

2023 Citroen C3 is available in four mono-tone colours: Polar White, Zesty Orange, Steel Grey, and Platinum Grey. Also on offer are six dual-tone colours namely, Polar White with Zesty Orange roof, Polar White with Platinum Grey roof, Zesty Orange with Platinum Grey roof, Steel Grey with Zesty Orange roof, Steel Grey with Platinum Grey roof, and Platinum Grey with Zesty Orange roof.

Citroen C3 Competitors

Maruti Ignis, Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Renault Kiger, and Tata Punch are some of the leading names that rival the Citroen C3 in the Indian market.

Conclusion

The C3 has a sleek design, many customization options, and two powerful engines that perform admirably. Then there's the supple ride quality and the 90% localisation, which promises an extremely low after-sales service.

So far, we know that the new Citroen C3 is spacious on the inside and offers plenty of customization options. The thing is, it rides exceptionally well for a basic hatchback. It's just a nice basic hatchback, but in a market like ours where features are so important, the C3 will have its work cut out for it because it lacks not only gimmicky features but also many of the basic features that we expect from hatchbacks. The C3 is undoubtedly a cheerful and affordable vehicle, given the size and feature set.

2023 Citroen C3 would like to undercut petrol manual versions of the Swift, the Celerio and the Punch. If Citroen can deliver on that, then they will definitely taste success with their first ever budget car for India.