Citroen C3 review

It’s the new C3. Citroen has sold around 6 million of these things since the first generation was launched back in 2002, and this Mk4 introduces a whole new look inside and out plus hybrid and all-electric powertrains. We’re focusing on the petrol version here: the fully electric Citroen e-C3 is reviewed here. And currently quite appealing with the help of a government grant.

We’ll start with those looks, because there’s no hiding away from the SUV-inspired styling, including front and rear skid plates, black wheel arches, and roof rails. It’s nearly 10cm taller than the old C3 too, with ground clearance also increased. Yet it retains the same footprint as the previous generation.

It’s certainly not shy, but we quite like the quirky styling, particularly against some of its blander rivals including the likes of the Mazda 2, MG 3, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris, and Suzuki Swift. Badging aside, the electric version is visually identical too, while customisable ‘colour clips’ let you add your own personal touch.

What are my engine options?

There are two to choose from, and opening the batting is the 1.2-litre turbo, which gets 99bhp and is mated to a six-speed manual. It’s not particularly quick, 0-62mph taking 10.6 seconds, but it feels nippy off the line even if that does tail off somewhat as the speed climbs. There's also a mild hybrid which pairs a 1.2-litre 3cyl engine with a 28bhp electric motor and 48V lithium-ion battery. Total output is 108bhp, 0-62 takes 9.8s and it's all controlled via a six-speed automatic gearbox. Citroen claims it’ll allow for up to 50 per cent of city journeys to be completed on electric power alone, plus a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared to an equivalent petrol version. Full details on the Driving tab.

What's the cabin like?

Citroen has had a go at reinventing the cabin, while retaining its predecessors’ comfort-first approach. It gets a small steering wheel, a head-up display that’s projected onto a gloss black panel just beneath the windscreen (in place of a traditional instrument cluster), and fabric-wrapped dashboard. It’s different, but fun.

The growth spurt has allowed for more headroom, legroom and elbowroom, while all versions get Citroen’s advanced comfort seats (read: armchairs) and advanced comfort suspension (read: hydraulic bump stops at each corner). Told you comfort is very much the keyword here. Head over to the Interior tab for more.

How much will it cost me?

If you take one thing away from this review and nothing else, know this: the C3 is aggressively cheap. Prices start from £18,805 for the heartland petrol, with the hybrid starting from £20,615. The electric variant is pleasingly affordable too (as these things go), starting from £22,095 - or twenty quid less than the C3 hybrid once you've taken the current government grants into account. Tough choice? Click through to the Buying tab for the full breakdown.

Stop the press! Isn't there a recall?

Well spotted. Citroen has had a bit of a 'mare with recalls lately, and this new C3 has now been stamped with a less-than-ideal 'do not drive' notice. Eek.

"During our regular quality process checks, an investigation revealed that certain right-hand-drive Citroen C3 and Citroen C3 Aircross could have a pedal box assembly that is not to the correct specification and is at risk of loss of brake capability," reads the statement. "If this were to happen, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) and the electronic parking brake would remain fully operational.

"We are initiating a stop-drive action to protect all customers of the Citroen C3 and C3 Aircross affected.  Customers will be provided a replacement vehicle whilst their car is checked and, if necessary, rectified."

Already own one? Get on the phone to your dealer pronto. Got one on order, or considering it off the back of this review? Ringing your dealer for a bit of reassurance that your C3 will be fixed before you get it can't do any harm.

Citroen’s fourth-generation C3 is seemingly a job well done. It looks smart, it’s more comfortable than ever, and above all it’s keenly priced.

Much like its predecessors, it’s not as fun to drive as some of its rivals, favouring a more comfort-focused approach, but that’s not a bad thing for the use case that will likely confront it. Chances are most of these will spend their time within the city limits anyway, and it’s there where the C3 really shines. It's definitely rowdier on the motorway...

We’d be very tempted by the fully electric powertrain, especially with a government grant taking almost ten per cent from its RRP, but in petrol or hybrid guise it still has plenty of appeal. Just be wary the seemingly deliberate corners cut in its interior materials and operation to keep it correctly pegged in the Stellantis hierarchy.