Citroën’s credo to stand out from the crowd by producing cars that prioritise comfort over sportiness and handling has set it apart from its rivals. However, the French brand continues to be overlooked by buyers in South Africa. As part of the next phase of the firm’s revised efforts to succeed in the country, the updated C3 builds on the comfort-first recipe of the outgoing model.
Outside, it’s still a chunky hatch with quirky, SUV-inspired touches like the bluff nose, black wheel-arch cladding and Citroën’s signature Airbumps along the lower reaches of the doors to protect the bodywork from nicks and scrapes. The nip and tuck is most notable on the front of the vehicle, now sporting the latest Citroën design language and LED headlamps that replace the halogen units of the previous model. The changes mean it continues to cut a distinct figure among the multitude of VW Polos on our roads. The lamps are still situated below the LED daytime running lights with contrasting fog-light surrounds completing the unique look at the bottom. This three-tiered design seen before on the Nissan Juke and Hyundai Kona may not be to all tastes but whatever you think of the C3’s new look, its fun approach should be commended at this price point. The playful aesthetic hides the same platform as the previous model so mechanically there’s nothing revolutionary but it’s worth mentioning it shares much with its Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa stablemates, of course.
Step inside and the interior layout is similar to that of the larger C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross SUVs, with a streamlined facia design that goes without many physical buttons. The seven-inch touchscreen system is more responsive than past efforts. Although, simple tasks such as changing the temperature on the climate control dispels any sense of tranquillity. It takes time to respond to finger prods and the icons aren’t easy to discern. Changing between Bluetooth audio and radio stations while driving is time-consuming. Thankfully. the system now supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink technology.
Apart from the frustrating touchscreen software, the interior is warm and inviting, with soft upholstery covering thick cushioned seats. The dashboard materials match the inner panels of the doors. The large windows and light-coloured materials scattered throughout the cabin are a nice touch and lend an airy feel; a greater sense of cabin space than the vehicle’s exterior dimensions would suggest. There is an excellent view of the road from a seating position that isn’t much lower than a crossover SUV.
In terms of practicality, the door bins are spacious, storage cubbies are plentiful and a spot above the gear lever easily accommodates a regular-sized cellphone. The boot measures a generous 248 litres, which is larger than the Volkswagen Polo’s. However, it does have a high load lip and there are no hooks for securing shopping bags. When the back seats are folded down, the cargo area expands to 800 litres. This less-than-expected utility space is thanks to tight rear passenger space.
Under the bonnet is the same 81 kW/205 N.m 1,2-litre turbopetrol engine mated to a six-speed torque converter, as before. Weighing in at 1 175 kg, it certainly drove with the fervour of a sporty hatchback courtesy of a healthy dose of power and torque. In our tractability tests, it recorded an 80-120 km/h time of 9,48 seconds and overtaking from 100 km/h to 120 km/h took a mere 5,51 seconds. For that zippy feel, the Citroën doesn’t resort to short gearing. In fact, in top gear, it has longer gearing than comparably powerful six-speed competitors.
The engine, as is typical of three-pot turbopetrols, does idle coarsely but revs willingly and things smooth over beyond the 1 500 r/min mark. There isn’t much wrong with the top-of-the-line petrol engine in terms of efficiency either; on our fuel route it achieved 6,40 L/100 km. It has all the character you’d expect from a light, compact French hatch. Unfortunately, the automatic transmission is inconsistent and shifts are slow.
The C3’s behaviour on-road is characterised by light control weights, a relaxed gait and supple ride quality. Its ability to filter out road noise and surface undulations while maintaining keen damping control at speed is impressive, this is where the C3 really excels.
TEST SUMMARY
The C3 divides opinion, much like the classic Citroëns of yore. It boasts bold, quirky aesthetics and a smooth ride that sets it apart. On a practical level, it features a decent-sized boot and a turbopetrol drivetrain that is both fuel-efficient, peppy and easy to use. Upfront, the cabin is light, airy and spacious and the majority of touchpoints are sturdy enough. The fly in the ointment, however, is the laggy touchscreen and cramped rear-passenger compartment. Despite this, it’s a pleasant car for breaking away from the daily grind, and with a distinctive personality and keen pricing, it won’t disappoint prospective buyers looking for something other than the usual B-segment suspects.
Fast facts:
Price: R324 900
0-100 km/h: 10,60 seconds
Top speed: 194 km/h
Power: 81 kW
Torque: 205 N.m
CAR fuel index: 7,20 L/100 km
CO2: 137 g/km
