Written by Ted Welford Updated: 15 July 2024

Overview

The Citroen C3 has been one of the most popular small cars across Europe for many years, with 5.6 million examples sold since it was first introduced in 2002. It’s still the best-selling Citroen, accounting for around 30% of its sales every year. 

That bucks the trend of other manufacturers, such as Ford which recently discontinued its Fiesta, in that its small hatchbacks continue to outperform its SUVs. Citroen is now introducing a new fourth-generation model in 2024, and it’s one that brings some big improvements. 

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It carries very little over from the outgoing C3, and gets a new SUV look but Citroen says it’s still a proper small car, with a new design language that is being rolled out across its line-up. 

Some of the most important changes are under the surface, not least with the addition of an electric version for the first time, though we’ve covered that in our separate Citroen e-C3 review. Instead, our focus here is on the standard petrol version, as well as a new mild-hybrid model that helps to bring down running costs. 

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Citroen has also made sure that it’s kept its e-C3 affordable, with a starting price of £17,790 for the petrol. Though more expensive than a Dacia Sandero, it comes with more standard equipment and is closer to the firm’s more rugged Stepway model. Other key rivals include the Renault Clio and Vauxhall Corsa. 

So far, we’ve driven the C3 on its international launch, and expect cars in the UK soon – you can find out more about how we test on Parkers via our dedicated explainer page, but for now, read on to find out how it compares with its supermini rivals.

What’s it like inside?

Citroen has modernised the new C3’s interior, with a fairly decluttered look and a large 10.25-inch touchscreen included as standard. It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with top-spec version getting additional satellite navigational. The screen isn’t laden with features but works well and is easy to operate on the fly. 

You also get a digital display in the dashboard as the speedo and onboard computer, along with physical climate controls. These are especially welcome as the previous car had them integrated into the touchscreen, and could be quite distracting. 

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The C3 is a very comfortable car to sit in, with its well-padded seats ideal to spend time in. While some of the cabin areas feel quite cheap with lots of hard plastics, it’s disguised well with chrome trim, a fabric dashboard and intricate seating patterns. 

It’s also a particularly spacious small car. It occupies a similar footprint to the previous Citroen C3, but is much taller and as a result rear seating space is impressive. Even adults can get comfortable in the rear, with plenty of headroom too. The boot is slightly larger than before at 310 litres, but is still one of the smallest in this segment and not a particularly practical shape. 

What engines are available?

Alongside the electric e-C3, the regular C3 is available with a conventional petrol engine and a mild-hybrid model will follow in 2025. 

Previously Citroen offered a first car-friendly naturally-aspirated petrol engine alongside turbocharged models, but now your only combustion option is a turbocharged 1.2-litre Puretech petrol engine paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. If you want an automatic, you’ll have to choose an e-C3 or wait for the mild-hybrid. 

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Producing 100hp and 205Nm of torque, performance is very similar to the electric model, with 0-62mph taking 10.6 seconds and where permitted, it could reach a top speed of 114mph. Fuel economy figures are still being confirmed, but expect around 50mpg with CO2 emissions of 128g/km. 

Though the mild-hybrid model won’t arrive until 2025, it is loosely the same 1.2-litre petrol engine but with a small electric motor and battery, bringing small performance advantages, and Citroen says it will reduce fuel consumption by 10%. It will come with a six-speed automatic gearbox and is the same setup as recently introduced to the Peugeot 208. 

What’s it like to drive?

The new Citroen C3 is all about comfort and that’s where this supermini excels. It’s the smallest model from the French manufacturer to come with its clever setup that includes two bump stops on each corner of the car that help to slow movement down with the car – making it feel softer and less jarring.

It works impressively well, as even on our rough test route, the ride quality was excellent. It handles potholes and speed bumps with ease, making it one of the most comfortable small cars available. It might even be the most comfortable, but we’ll need to test it in the UK to be sure.

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The only downside of this soft setup is that the C3 isn’t a driver’s car, and not one for those who love the way the discontinued Ford Fiesta behaves behind the wheel. It tends to roll through corners and the slower steering means you have to put plenty of lock on, though there’s plenty of grip and it always feels very stable. 

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But it’s ideal for around town, where the C3’s small dimensions and good visibility – you sit 10cm higher than in the old C3 – are ideal. A tight turning circle also helps make it a doddle to park and manoeuvre. 

What models and trims are available?

Citroen UK is not taking the entry-level specification that other countries will have, and instead there will be the choice of two versions – Plus and Max. 

Each comes with a decent level of equipment, especially for the price, with the Plus trim getting 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and a two-tone roof in the styling department. You also get automatic LED headlights with high beam assist, electric folding mirrors, rear parking sensors and the aforementioned 10.25-inch touchscreen. 

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We reckon this trim comes with just about everything it needs, but if you fancy some extras, the Max model gains rear electric windows, wireless smartphone charging, climate control, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. 

What else should I know?

The electric Citroen e-C3 is the key talking point with this new supermini, and is noteworthy for its low price and fact it’s produced in Europe – many other cheaper EVs are often produced in China. 

But Citroen hasn’t neglected those buyers still preferring conventional power, with the regular petrol still expected to make up the majority of sales. It’s worth noting the C3 as a whole is still Citroen’s most popular car, accounting for around 30 per cent of its sales every year. 

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It’s also the first Citroen to benefit from the firm’s new design language, including its new flat logo (rather than the old chevrons which were integrated into the grille). Expect this design to be rolled out across future models from the French firm, including the new C3 Aircross SUV due later in 2024.