Review of the new Citroen C3 HDi 110 VTR

Details count. Even when you're talking about a fairly inexpensive supermini, it's important to create an impression of quality. I was never a fan of the original Citroen C3, feeling that here were a bunch of great engines wrapped in a package that lacked that crucial last few per cent of finish. Citroen obviously agreed because the facelifted C3 feels a lot better screwed together and even if the impression is largely cosmetic, it'll play well with customers. The addition of a powerful 110bhp HDi diesel engine also addresses the complaint that the C3 range was an area largely devoid of interest for those who enjoyed driving.

Next time you jump into a modern car, take a close look at how manufacturers go about creating the impression of quality. The parts that you physically touch - the steering wheel, door pulls, gear knob and fascia controls - should all have had some serious investment. The dash top and door panel bolsters are often made of soft touch plastics with cheaper, brittler materials being used on the undersides of the dash, away from prying eyes. Weighty soundproofing will be added to the doors to ensure they thunk rather than clang shut. Even apparently trivial details such as the sound of the handbrake ratchet or the indicator click will often have been acoustically tuned to give an improved perception of quality.

Diesel engines pose their own challenges. Even modern diesels can't match up to a petrol engine in terms of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and when a manufacturer has skimped in terms of soundproofing or has cut the budget when it comes to designing smarter engine mounts, you'll know about it the moment you twist the key. Fortunately, Citroen have invested wisely with the C3 HDi110 and although it's certainly not the most refined diesel engine you'll ever experience, the French company have managed a very well-judged compromise between power, refinement and, inevitably, price.

"The C3 VTR HDi110 offers a punchy diesel engine, good looks, practicality and amazing economy. In short, it barely puts a foot wrong"

Although 110bhp sounds a fairly modest power output, remember that this is a turbo diesel engine we're talking about here, and when that turbo spools up to speed, it delivers 181lb/ft of torque, which is the same as a Mercedes C230 in a car that tips the scales at a fraction of the Benz's all up weight. Only one trim level is offered, and it's the sporty VTR variant, previously derided for being something of a sheep in wolf's clothing, in C3 guise at least. The reason for this was that the 1.6-litre petrol VTR was mechanically similar to certain other models in the line up and therefore no quicker. Realising that they were potentially damaging the brand, Citroen have since taken steps to rectify this issue.

The C3 VTR HDi110 will top out at 118mph and is capable of accelerating to 60mph in 9.6 seconds. To help overtaking, the car also features an overboost facility that delivers an additional 15lb/ft of torque when under hard acceleration. Floor the VTR down a motorway on-ramp and you'll realise that this is a properly rapid little car, well deserving of the VTR badge. It's also an efficient car, capable of stretching a gallon of fuel out to almost 63mpg on the combined cycle or over 74miles in motorway conditions. Sure to be popular amongst those looking for a versatile and cost effective company scoot, the C3 will even turn in saintly emissions figures of just 120g/km. It's also fitted with a diesel particulate filter designed to capture and burn previously unburnt - and potentially carcinogenic - particles.

As well as the punchy engine, the C3 VTR weighs in with firmer suspension settings to improve body control and steering response. The front suspension has been beefed up, as have both anti-roll bars, while the damping has been improved to make the C3's performance on enjoyable but bumpy roads that much more confidence inspiring. The electric power steering system has been retuned to offer better precision at higher speeds and a more natural feel to the wheel. Disc brakes all round - with ventilated discs up front - are teamed with an intelligent anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control. Get a C3 VTR out of shape and you'll really have been doing well.

The latest C3 adopts many of the design cues from the C4 to give a more purposeful look and feel. All models get a restyled nose with a bigger air intake, a more pronounced grille and far bigger chromed Citroen chevrons. Move round to the back of the car and there are redesigned rear light clusters that also look a whole lot sharper.

The interior benefits from a rethink as well, with the bulbous design theme giving way to some edgier styling cues. The radio display and the dashboard have been tidied up and the materials used both on the dash top, fascia and door panels are all markedly improved. It's still not class leading but it's a good deal better than the somewhat brittle plastics found in the early C3 models.

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, styling. More importantly, there are enough bins, cubbies and boxes to make locating a carelessly stowed bunch of keys the work of several minutes.

The Citroen C3 VTR HDi 110 emerges as a far more appealing car tan many will realise. Citroen need to reset buyer perceptions about the C3 in a way that goes beyond the 'Happy Days' advertising campaign. The C3 is a vastly improved model and the VTR HDi 110 the finest variant of the lot. It's not an immediately obvious choice, but here is a car that does everything a modern supermini should and a bit more. It's well worth checking out.