Review of the new Citroen C3 1.6 16v VTR

As makeovers go, turning Citroen's cutesy C3 into something sporting has to be one of the trickiest. The easiest way to go would be to admit defeat on the styling front, then plumb in a serious engine, brakes and suspension combination and sell it as an understated Q-car. Instead Citroen have decided to leave the oily bits well alone and have attempted to give the C3 a bit of attitude. The resulting VTR model may not be the most convincing sports hatch you've ever witnessed, but it is still worth a look.

Taken in isolation there's not a great deal wrong with the styling parts Citroen have selected for the VTR. It's just that they're on a C3. Imagine Natalie Portman cast as lead in an Aliens movie and you probably get the idea. The 16-inch Leopard alloy wheels are augmented by wheelarch extensions, body coloured side rubbing strips and a chromed exhaust pipe finisher. The front end has a revised bumper, a broader air intake and revised fog light housing while the entire bumper assembly at the back is VTR-specific. You have to take your hat off to Citroen. This car could have been a collection of parts from the options list but instead a number of bespoke components have been formulated exclusively for the VTR model. The interior has been given the sports treatment too, with a black leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob set, bolstered seats and a dark grey trim.

All of these styling accoutrements are mounted on the latest post-facelift C3 with its restyled nose with bigger air intake, more pronounced grille and far bigger chromed Citroen chevrons. More important are the alterations inside which include revised and markedly higher-quality dashboard and door panels. The stereo and ventilation controls look tidier and there's a more grown-up feel about the interior generally.

The VTR doesn't actually do too badly when it comes to motive power, drawing on the excellent 110bhp sixteen-valve engine that's found beneath the plush C3 Exclusive's snub nose. It's one of those engines that barely puts a foot wrong. Punting the VTR to 60mph in 9.7 seconds, it's a lively partner, quicker to the benchmark sprint than an Alfa Romeo 147 1.6 and as fast as a 1.8-litre Audi A3. No equivalent Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa can get near it, rendering the C3 VTR a car that's anything but a sheep in wolf's clothing. The top speed of 123mph is evidence that the VTR has a good deal in reserve when travelling at usual motorway speeds. Refinement at speed is good, the only drawback being some vibration through the gear lever. The average fuel consumption figure of almost 44mpg gives the opposition little hope whilst the 155g/km CO2 emissions are similarly admirable.

"The C3 VTR is better than its slightly confused look would suggest"

To put these figures in perspective, let's consider what that seminal hot hatch, the Volkswagen Golf GTi, could manage when introduced in 1977. The sportiest drive about was good for 9.6 seconds to 60mph, a top speed of 108mph and an average return of 29mpg. These days the least sporty of all the superminis looks to have that icon licked. How times change. Nobody would put up with thirteen-inch wheels for a start!

Air conditioning helps alleviate the unwanted side effects of all the C3 VTR's glazing, and there's also variable rate power steering, electric front windows and a CD player with steering wheel mounted controls. The interior is also adventurously styled - which makes a change from all the other makers who seem to be slavishly aping VW Group products. As a result, instead of a dull Teutonic cabin, we've got one that goes its own way, light and airy with low window lines and bold, sweeping curves. Safety features such as anti lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic brake assist, and four airbags are all standard. Residing on the VTR option list is ESP with traction control.

The digital instrumentation is clear and easy to read and has a Saab-style 'black panel' that turns all but the most important functions off if you don't want to be distracted by them at night. More importantly, there are enough bins, cubbies and boxes to make locating a carelessly stowed bunch of keys the work of several minutes.

ISOFIX child seat mounting points feature strongly and such is the C3's family orientation that an optional 'Child Pack' is available. No, this isn't a lockable trunk that stows problematic sprogs safely in the boot, it's a selection of extras that will hopefully offset just such an outcome. A child safety indicator on the dashboard monitors whether seat belts have been unclipped whilst safety locks can be activated or deactivated via a dash-mounted switch. A 12-volt socket at the rear, previously the preserve of MPVs, allows junior to play Gameboys without the ticking time bomb that is a battery failure/high score moment. Aircraft-style trays can be fitted to the back of the front seats with clip-in pen and cup holders and plastic bag hooks. The greatest feature is probably the simplest. A swing down mirror that's usually stowed behind the standard rear view allows you to keep an eye on the offspring without impeding your forward vision too badly.

And the price for this C3 VTR? Competitive at £12,895, though some customers may well be able to shave a significant amount off this by taking advantage of Citroen's cashback scheme. If you like the idea of a modern supermini with sporting appeal but don't need big insurance ratings and the constant worry about being GATSOed, the Citroen C3 VTR makes an interesting bet. Just don't try convincing your more macho friends that it's a real hot hatch.