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Citroen C301 October 2009

Recommended.

Stylish and comfortable, the C3 has now become a serious proposition in the small family car market.

Our rating:

4

User rating:

5
Citroen C3
 
 

Fifth Gear Citroen C3 review

 
 
1. Stylish and funky looks2. Comfortable, smart interior3. Frugal engine range

WE DON'T LIKE

1. Not overly entertaining to drive 2. Sat nav struggles to keep up occasionally
 
 

Although the previous generation wasn't much to shout about, receiving a lukewarm reception from critics, the previous-generation Citroen C3 has still managed to sell 2m units since its launch in 2002.

The new C3 is a new model entirely and, in a bid to ditch much of the former car's poor reputation, it has been given a much higher-quality finish and a more grown-up look. There's a certain familiarity to its shape, but this is the only feature it shares with the previous C3. Design-wise, this new model is sleeker, more modern and altogether funkier-looking, with a considerable overlap with the upcoming DS3.

There are seven engines to choose from - four petrol and three diesel units, offering between 61bhp and 120bhp - plus three trim levels. The pick of the C3's engine range is the 1.6 HDi 90, which is likely to be the biggest seller: it offers a good balance of power and fuel economy and pulls the car along relatively effortlessly.

One of the biggest selling points of the C3 is its large Zenith windscreen - available on VTR+ and Exclusive models as standard - which makes the cabin feel incredibly light and airy, and adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

The C3 now feels like a decent proposition. It might not be the most entertaining car to drive in the segment, but it is certainly one of the most comfortable. With competitive pricing too, it's hard to really find much of an argument against it.

Fifth Gear overall car ratings

STYLING

A sportier front end and rear lights with a black surround stand out to give the C3 classic good looks. It also features a new Zenith windscreen, which stretches back above the front seats to let more light into the cabin.

HANDLING

On the road the C3 lacks the dynamism of some of its competitors. There's a bit of body roll, although this is mostly well controlled, and it has a tendency to understeer when pushed hard around a bend. But not all drivers want or need dynamism from their cars, so the C3 shouldn't suffer greatly for being less entertaining than, say, the Ford Fiesta.

COMFORT

The new C3 feels very refined, Citroen having worked hard on the C3's soundproofing to ensure there is little engine noise through to the cabin, road noise has been minimised and wind noise is only really audible at motorway speeds. The ride quality is also excellent and, even on larger wheels, the C3 deals with the majority of minor lumps and bumps without drama.

QUALITY & RELIABILITY

There's a huge improvement in the perceived quality in the Citroen C3. Indeed, it feels like the car has jumped forward more than one generation. The interior is full of soft-touch materials and solid-feeling switchgear, while the dashboard layout has been well thought-out, with everything positioned logically and ergonomically. Citroen's reliability record is much improved too, so the C3 should have few issues.

PERFORMANCE

There's a competent range of engines, the pick being the 1.6 VTi 120 (the same unit found in the Mini Cooper), which feels nippy rather than fast. Of the diesel units, the 1.6 HDi 90 and 110 both have plenty of torque to offer decent acceleration (0-62mph is possible in around 10 seconds), but don't expect any real turn of speed from the C3 range.

ROOMINESS

The C3's tall body creates plenty of headroom, while there is decent room for two in the rear (the third seat is a little small). There are plenty of storage options throughout the cabin too, and the C3 boasts one of the largest boots in its class, with 300 litres of space.

STEREO / SAT NAV

The C3 comes fitted with USB, iPod and Bluetooth connection and comes with new high tech stereo system as standard. Satellite Navigation is available as an option and comes with decent graphics, although it struggles to keep up when you're travelling quickly and can loose its way occasionally.

RUNNING COSTS

Across the range, fuel consumption varies between 63mpg and 67mpg for the diesel units, while the petrol engines consume between 40.9mpg and 48.7mpg. Insurance should be reasonable too, while Citroen's servicing costs are competitive. We've also been reassured that the larger windscreen shouldn't cost more than a standard windscreen to replace, in the event of a crack or chip.

VALUE FOR MONEY

The C3 is priced competitively with three trim levels offered: VT, VTR+ and Exclusive. Both VTR+ and Exclusive models will receive the Zenith Windscreen as standard, and standard equipment should be generous, although exact specifications are yet to be announced.

ENVIRONMENT

The C3 boasts an engine range of which all emit less than 145g/km (except for automatic versions) with the diesel models emitting between 110 and 115g/km of CO2. Citroen is also launching a special edition C3 Airdream+ low-CO2 model, with less than 99g/km, with second-generation stop-start versions also arriving in 2011.

This review has been tagged with: Citroen | Citroen C3

 

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5

User reviews (1)

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Mr B
5

Mr B30 October 2009

I have been lucky enough to see one of these ( they displayed 1 along with a DS3 at the Rally last week) and its superb, a mile away from the last C3. Another publication said C3 built like a VW and this is what they have done. Quality is really high

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