Facelifted Citroen C3 now available to order

Citroen has announced UK prices and details for its updated C3 – with customer deliveries being promised for August 2020. Prices for the new model, which has the company’s latest and most efficient petrol and diesel engines, as well as bold new front styling, start at £16,820.

As before, the C3 is well-equipped for the money and has a temptingly-low starting price. Yes, the most basic Ford Fiesta undercuts it, as does the excellent Suzuki Swift, but neither come with quite as much equipment for the money – and certainly won’t have as comfortable a ride.

The main changes to the Citroen C3 are the availability of redesigned seats, and revised front-end styling which brings it inline with the later models in the range. It also looks closer to the upcoming C-Hatch, which is set to replace the outgoing C4 Cactus.

The ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats are like those fitted to the C5 Aircross and C4 Cactus. The almost armchair-like feel is bolstered (pardon the pun) by generous padding – which provides much of the improvement, though the ‘advanced’ part goes beyond just well padded seats. The suspension is also optimised for a smooth ride, minimal noise and shock from unexpected bumps, helped by predictable cornering without the twitchiness of rivals.

Technology is largely unchanged, as the C3 is already comprehensively equipped – including the option of on-board dashcam recording. The only addition for 2020 is front parking sensors. Driver assistance remains slightly behind the pack, limited primarily to warnings rather than semi-autonomous features.

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A new look for the C3 in 2020

Externally, the C3’s bumpers, airbumps (the protective plastic panels on the doors) and lighting have all been refreshed. LED signatures that blend into the bold grille depend on specification, but all models gain LED headlights.

Making good use of the two-tone body and bold, high bonnet line shape there are seven main exterior colours (Elixir Red and Spring Blue are new) and four roof shades augmented by a fresh set of exterior graphics for the roof and pillars. Emerald joins red, black and red for the roof, foglight accents and airbump trim; as a result, there are now 97 combinations possible rather than 36 on the previous generation.

Interior design has been refreshed as well. A new ‘Techwood’ theme extends inside and out, with light accents and lightwood finish, stitching and fabrics designed to evoke a Scandinavian feel for the cabin, complemented by exterior graphics on the roof.

Finished off with optional 17-inch Vector wheels, the facelifted C3 effectively keeps one of Citroen’s best-selling models appealing in a very competitive market.

What stays the same?

Engines and gearbox options remain relatively limited, to the three-cylinder petrol in five-speed 83hp and six-speed 110hp variants, and the 100hp diesel with either five-speed manual or six-speed automatic (EAT6) transmission. There’s still a 300-litre boot, generous seating for five given the size of the car, and great visibility from the high-stance hatchback shape.

On-board technology, including the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and suite of connected apps, also continues without modification.

What this means for you

The new C3 is well-priced and comes with plenty of equipment, and the timing of this facelift means you can either look forward to more refinement and fresh styling by ordering now and taking delivery in August, or strike a really good deal on on one of the outgoing models.

You’re not losing out on anything big by choosing the current model, but the advanced comfort seats are a welcome upgrade, further differentiating the C3 from other small hatchbacks that have been designed around a marketing assumption that everyone wants a sporting ride even on the most basic models. Pre- or post-facelift, the C3’s going to remain good value in 2020.

Here’s how the model range lines up:

>> Read more: Best small cars to buy in 2020

>> Read more: Fancy the SUV version? Read the C3 Aircross review

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