Review of the new Citroen C3 Range

Citroen's C3 has been with us since 2002 but still manages to feel relatively fresh in a supermini market stuffed with talented opposition. A few useful recent tweaks aim to keep it that way.

There was a mild restyle a few years back, so Citroen's stylists have resisted the temptation to fiddle too much on that score. Instead, the trim range is now easier to understand (slimmed down to just Vibe, Rhythm and Exclusive) with the sporty VTR models that nobody really wanted being dropped. Equipment levels have improved too. Only the entry-level Vibe variants, for example, now do without things like lateral airbags, front foglights, body-coloured bumpers and air conditioning.

With the popularity of diesel engines in the C3 range at an all-time high, Citroen has rather curiously dropped the pleasing 110bhp 1.6-litre HDi powerplant. Still, buyers can now go for the next HDi engine down - the 1.6HDi 92bhp - in mid-range Rhythm trim level, a unit which now delivers enhanced performance with CO2 emissions of only 118g/km. Upgraded engines are also available on the C3 Vibe - 1.1i 61bhp, 1.4i 75bhp and a 1.4 HDi 70bhp, which also benefits from MP3-CD compatibility as standard.

Otherwise, it's pretty much as you were. C3 prices start from £9,695 for the entry-level 1.1-litre Vibe version or £10,195 for the 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol model, rising through 90bhp 1.4-litre SensoDrive petrol (which is available in economical Stop & Start form), 110bhp 1.6-litre petrol found in the automatic Exclusive variant and the two HDi diesel variants, a 70bhp 1.4 and the 92bhp 1.6. Right plumb in the middle of the small car sector in other words, an area of the market which has increased by some 30% over the last five years.

This is Fiesta, Corsa, Clio and Polo territory, though accomplished challengers like Skoda's Fabia, SEAT's Ibiza, Honda's Jazz and Toyota's Yaris are also making good money here. To stand out from this lot, the Citroen needs to be different and its unique looks are a good start in this respect, through company insiders admit that the orientation here seems to be more towards women than men. There's even a convertible Pluriel model, though this uses so few C3 body parts it is to all intents and purposes a separate product line.

"With a better value, 'greener' range that's easier to understand, the C3 looks good for a few years yet"

The interior still looks 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.

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.

The latest crop of super-sized superminis have set new standards for rear seat passenger space and the C3 has been left behind to an extent. It's a development that puts a bit of a dent in the car's ambitions of attracting family-orientated customers. There's room for two adults in the back, or three if you really cram 'em in, but legroom isn't generous. The boot too could be larger but remember the C3 is just 3,850mm long. Compare that to the 3,999mm Vauxhall Corsa or the 4,030mm Fiat Grande Punto and you'll understand where those vehicles get their additional capacity.

The C3 should prove a very affordable supermini to run. The basic mechanicals are sound and most of the niggling faults have been ironed out. Customers should also get good returns from the engine bay depending on what they've had installed. The 1.4-litre HDi diesel produces excellent combined economy of 64mpg and CO2 emissions 115g/km but the 92bhp 1.6 HDi serves up identical performance at the pumps with 118g/km emissions. The 1.1-litre petrol manages 47mpg and you'll get nearly 50mpg from the Stop & Start.

The C3 Stop & Start model is an interesting choice. Citroen pioneered the Stop & Start technology in the UK market only for versions of it to be widely adopted by other marques. The vehicle combines the C3's 1.4-litre petrol engine with the Sensodrive transmission and a clever gismo that stops the engine whenever the car comes to a standstill, restarting it again seamlessly when it's time to move off. It means that when you're stuck in traffic or waiting at the lights, your C3 isn't using any fuel. The result is a 15% saving in urban fuel consumption and a 6% saving on the combined cycle.

The Citroen C3 may not have changed a great deal materially but the updates do just enough to give it fresh appeal. More importantly, they help it define itself a little better compared to the C2. With a better value, 'greener' range that's easier to understand, the C3 looks good for a few years yet.

TOP 5 C3 DEALS

The results below show the top C3 deals on buyacar

Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi 16V Exclusive 5dr Estate
Price £13,632 Read C3 Picasso Reviews	Save £2,013
Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi 16V VT 5dr Diesel Estate
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Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi 16V VTR+ 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £12,841 Read C3 Picasso Reviews	Save £1,834
Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi 16V Exclusive 5dr Diesel Estate
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Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi 16V Exclusive [110] 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £14,668 Read C3 Picasso Reviews	Save £2,217
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