About Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 is an entry-level compact car from the French automaker with SUV-ish exterior design. It sits in a segment which has become quite popular with rivals like Renault Kwid and Tata Punch. The C3 features Citroen’s signature design elements like the Citroen chevron logo, funky design elements and contrasting colours.

The Citroen C3 is available with non-turbo and turbocharged petrol engine options. Both engines get a manual gearbox. There is no AMT on offer, which is a bummer. The car is decently loaded with features. However, it misses out on some basic features, which have become a norm in this segment. The interior space is also decent, with good comfort levels for rear passengers.

Overall, the Citroen C3 is a compact car that will suit the requirements of an urban dweller. If you are looking for a compact car with a stand-out design and sorted ride quality, the Citroen C3 can be a good option.

Citroen C3 Highlights

The following are the key highlights of the 2023 Citroen C3.

Citroen C3 Launch Date: The latest model of the Citroen C3 was launched in 2022.
Configurations for 2023 Citroen C3: The C3 is offered in 7 variants - Puretech 82 Live, Puretech 82 Feel, Feel Dual Tone Turbo, Shine Dual Tone Turbo, Puretech 82 Shine, Puretech 82 Shine DT, and Puretech 82 Feel DT.

Citroen C3: Quick Review

The following sections throw light on the exterior design, interior, features and safety of the Citroen C3.

Exterior Design

The front fascia of the Citroen C3 is unmistakably Citroen with signature design elements like the Citroen chevron logo, a hexagonal grille, LED DRLs, split headlamps and an X-shaped faux skid plate. Although halogen, the headlamps sit between the LED DRLs, which kind of makes it look attractive. Overall, the front fascia is lively, attractive and funky.

The side profile of the Citroen C3 features a tall stance which leans more towards its SUV-ish appeal. It also gets black cladding running across the length of the car. The car gets steel wheels with wheel covers. However, you can get the alloy wheels with the top-spec variant. The side profile of the C3 is very simple, and unlike the front end, it is rather sedate.

The rear profile is also simple, but the tailgate features cuts and creases and cutouts for the tail light cluster. The rear bumper gets the black cladding treatment, which gives it a touch of ruggedness. The Citroen C3 ‘s ground clearance stands at 180 mm, which is a good thing, considering the driving conditions we have right here.

Overall, the Citroen C3 does not disappoint in terms of exterior design with its funky design elements. It may even appeal to younger buyers with its unique look.

Interior and Features

The interior of the C3 is equally funky as the exterior design. It gets a quirky dashboard with contrasting colours, depending on the exterior pack you choose. The highlight of the interior is the large 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The unique-shaped AC vents and dimple texture on the front passenger side of the dashboard add to the funky nature of the SUV.

The front and rear seats offer good comfort, thanks to the perfectly done cushioning. The rear seat is not that wide, and seating three adults can be a squeeze.

The C3 gets features like power windows, remote keyless entry, electrically-adjustable ORVM, engine auto start/stop, a digital instrument cluster, etc. Note that some of these features may be limited to the top-spec variant.

Citroen C3 Engine and Transmission

Citroen C3 Engine CC (Capacity)

The Citroën C3 comes with two engine options - a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol unit pumping out 82 bhp and a turbocharged 1.2L motor generating 110 bhp. The NA variant pairs with a 5-speed manual, while the turbo gets a 6-speed stick shift. This hatch offers decent versatility for different driving needs.

Citroen C3 Transmission

The C3 hatch offers buyers two gearbox choices. The first pairs a 1.2-litre normally aspirated engine with a 5-speed manual. The other option matches a punchier 1.2-litre turbo engine to a 6-speed stick shift. Either way, you're getting versatility from the tranny. The NA mill and 5-cog setup focus more on efficiency, while the turbo/6-speed combo delivers a sportier drive.

Between the two, the Citroën provides flexibility to suit different needs behind the wheel. Whether it's around-town commuting or high-speed highway hauls, the C3 has you covered transmission-wise. The manual options supply their driving feels, but both promise the Citroën's usual comfy and composed ride.

Citroen C3 Performance

Whether hustling through the urban jungle or cruising down the interstate, the C3's a breeze to wheel around. The petite shape and perky engines make it a total cinch to park and manoeuvre through congested areas. On city streets, the 1.2L normally aspirated mill pulls its weight nicely. Although compact and frugal, it still has enough gusto for everyday driving.

Out on faster highways, the 1.2L turbo shows its stuff. There’s more muscle for confident passing, thanks to the extra juice under the hood. Across different road conditions, the Citroën proves itself wonderfully adaptive. The comfy suspension soaks up bumps in the road while smooth shifters keep you in the meat of the powerband. Both motors pair well with their manual ‘boxes to deliver a fuss-free driving experience, whether knocking about town or stretching the C3's legs out on the open road.

Check out: Citroen C3 All Specifications

Citroen C3 Mileage

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the C3 steps up. According to ARAI tests, the petrol-manual models return 19.3 km/litre - impressive numbers that should please mileage-minded drivers. So, if you want a ride that blends some oomph with frugality, the Citroën makes for a wallet-friendly choice.

Check out: Citroen C3 Mileage

Citroen C3 Ground Clearance

Under the C3, there’s a generous 180 mm of clearance between the chassis and the tarmac. This ground room lets the hatch tackle various road types without stubbing its chin. The C3 takes it all in stride thanks to the underbody space, whether it's gnarly gravel tracks, rutted country lanes, or steep driveway entrances. Overall, the ground clearance adds plenty of versatility by expanding where the Citroën can venture.

Citroen C3 Boot Space

The luggage room is another of C3’s strong points. Pop the hatch, and you’ve got 300 litres to fill up, which should swallow passenger bags or shopping with room left over. It’s a versatile setup for daily errands and longer getaways alike.

Citroen C3 Dimensions

In terms of size, the Citroën strikes a nice balance. It stretches 3981 mm long, 1733 mm wide and 1586 mm tall, suiting most garages while delivering interior space for 5. Helping matters is the lengthy 2540 mm wheelbase, which contributes to that comfortable ride and stable handling. Despite a relatively modest 1048 kg kerb weight, the stout 1448 kg gross figure indicates solid bodywork and chassis construction. The doors - 5 in total - make for easy-access cabins and cargo, enhancing its user-friendly design.

Check out: Citroen C3 Dimensions

Citroen C3 Colours

Regarding paint options, the C3 lets you stand out from the crowd. There are 10 different colours to pick from. Choices include sedate Platinum Grey, bright Zesty Orange, and Polar White with sporty grey accents and other vibrant combos. Whether you dig low-key, in-your-face loud or something in between, there’s a shade to suit your style. Going with one of the two-tone setups allows you to match different hues on the roof/mirror caps to really make your C3 pop. Altogether, it’s a diverse palette that helps you put a personalised spin on the Citroën. No matter if splashing out on an attention-grabbing orange or keeping it classy in grey, picking a colour you love adds to the appeal of the stylish C3.

Check out: Citroen C3 Colours

Safety

The Citroen C3 gets standard safety features like dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, reverse parking sensors, front seatbelt reminder, high-speed alert system, etc. The top-spec variants get more features such as the Electronic Stability control, hill-hold control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) and a rear camera.

Citroen C3 Rivals

When it comes to hatchbacks, the Citroen C3 aims to be a serious contender, going up against models such as the Maruti Waggon R, Celerio, and Tata Tiago. Its dimensions and price range make it competitive with cars like the Renault Kiger, Hyundai Exter, and Nissan Magnite. This puts the Citroen C3 in a challenging position, as it will be up against both older and newer models in its class.