The C4 Cactus was a big turning point for Citroen. Out was the traditional approach to design, and in was a radical, much younger aesthetic.
Citroen has instilled the same mentality in its new third-generation C3, which boasts just as much originality and guts as its larger C4 sibling.
The C3’s unique appearance starts with the brand’s new-found front end, followed by a two-tone paint job - which offers a total of 36 different combinations - blacked out A and B pillars, and of course the head-turning, prang-reducing air bumps.
Its overall design is clearly in-line with new radically-designed crossovers, and customer feedback apparently, with Citroen specifically stating that the new C3 has a “definite crossover character”. And with its new appeal, Citroen says it aims to target active families and younger drivers.
The C3 isn’t just a revamped supermini though. For Citroen, it is much more than that. Given that it is the brand’s best seller in the UK and is spearheading its return to the WRC, it is going to have to be a good’un.
Performance 4/5
There is a trio of three-cylinder petrols on offer and two diesels. We tested the meatiest of the petrols, the turbocharged PureTech 110.
Like many other three-pot turbos, the 108bhp PureTech 110 has plenty of character, being smooth and no nonsense around town and jolting into life with a spurt of turbo power when you bounce the rev counter above the 1,500rpm mark. Yes, there is turbo lag, but this is expected.
It may take 9.3 seconds to reach the 62mph mark, but for a nip around supermini, it has more than enough grunt.
The five-speed manual it comes mated to is fit for purpose too, but if you plan on putting the little turbo through its paces and changing up and down the gears at speed, its long throw might kill the mood a bit. If you want the PureTech 110 mated to Citroen’s EAT6 automatic, you’ll have to wait until Feb 2017.
Ride and Handling 3.5/5
Let’s start by saying that the Citroen C3 is a fair bit away from wrestling the Ford Fiesta for the driving dynamics top spot. It’s far too sensible for that.
The C3 however is one of the comfiest and easiest to drive superminis on the market. The ride is cushy, muting even the worst of pot holes, the steering is light and visibility is great all-round. Insulation from wind and road noise - even at motorway speeds - is impressive as well, with the only significant cabin intrusion being the throaty sound of the engine when revved hard.
The caveat of this serene drive is a lack of feedback and understeer when going gung-ho into corners. Realistically though, the only time the C3 will come undone is when you drive it like you would drive a Ford Fiesta or Mazda2.
Interior and Equipment 4.5/5
The C3’s interior is what really sets it apart from its competition. Just like its exterior, the interior draws on design cues from the C4 Cactus, with baggage-like door handles, a funky steering wheel and a stripped back, minimalistic dashboard design. It is a bit less radical than the Cactus, but toning back the bohemianism a little has actually made it quite smart.
There are three interior colour schemes to choose from, each of which brings a host of highlights in the cabin, with our Hype Colorado Ambience trim splashing faux orange on the steering wheel, dashboard and seats.
For those wanting to customise their C3 with different roof colours, Citroen offers the choice of black (standard option), white and red at no extra cost. You can also opt out of the air bumps at no extra cost too.
Kit on our flagship Flair model included cruise control, DAB radio, seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and a leather trimmed steering wheel. Unique additions for the Flair model include a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers and tinted rear windows. Our test car had a few optional extras too, like Blind Spot Monitoring (£100), diamond cut alloys (£200) and sat-nav (£500).
With the dashboard being completely decluttered, most features are housed within the seven-inch touchscreen. On the whole, the touchscreen is great, although simple functions like changing temperature can be a bit laborious. The layout of the touchscreen is easy to follow and digest, and comes with a great pinch and swipe feature – as seen on the new Citroen C4 Picasso and Peugeot 3008. It could do with being a bit more responsive though.
The highlight in terms of new kit for the C3 is undoubtedly the ConnectedCAM. Half dash cam, half social media sharing tool, the ConnectedCAM is constantly recording and allows you take pictures by clicking a button, giving it the functionality of a conventional dash cam. You can also easily send these photos and videos to your phone to share on social media. The ConnectedCAM is standard on Flair models but a £380 option on Feel models.
In the rear the C3 is still very much an average supermini - even with an extra 22mm of knee room - with just enough leg and head room for two six footers, although best keep it to shorter journeys. The boot isn’t massively spacious either, although at 300 litres it is a smidge bigger than the Ford Fiesta. The seats fold down too for a bit of extra flexibility.
Costs 3.5/5
A base spec C3 will cost you just under £11,000, which is considerably cheaper than the likes of the Ford Fiesta and its £13,500 price tag, although the Fiesta does have more standard kit.
The C3 gets quite pricey further up the range though, with our Flair model costing £15,995 before options and £17,920 with options.
For the Flair PureTech 110, CO2 is quoted at 103g/km and it claims an average of 61.4mpg. If you want sub 100g/km of CO2 emissions, you’re only option is to go diesel unfortunately, and that 60mpg figure is more likely to be around 50mpg.
Verdict 4/5
Style has always been a big thing with smaller cars, but today, it is more relevant than ever. Citroen has got stand-out appeal down to a tee, and the C3’s looks alone are likely to attract existing buyers as well as new ones.
Some models can be pricey, but for those after a fashionable small car, this doesn’t tend to deter, just look at how successful the Fiat 500 has been.
The C3 isn’t as exciting to drive as some of its rivals, but that’s not where the C3’s USP lies. If you are after a comfortable and stylish supermini however, then the C3 should be on your list.
