Citroen C3 2018 review
Content
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
- How practical is the interior space? 7/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 6/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
- What is it like to drive? 7/10
- Verdict
Citroen has always acted differently. Most of the time, Citroen also looked the same when they did things differently – either unconventionally beautiful (DS) or boldly individualized (practically everything else).
A few years ago, after a series of dull cars like the Xantia and C4, the French company reminded itself of what it was doing and released the deadly cool - and controversial - Cactus.
Critical acclaim followed, even if it didn't come with staggering worldwide sales.
Despite this, the new C3 has learned a lot from the Cactus, but has also chosen its own path to reboot Citroen's small hatchback. And it's not just about looks. Beneath it is a Peugeot-Citroen global platform, a bubbly three-cylinder engine and a cool interior.
| 3 Citroen C2018: Shine 1.2 Pure Tech 110 | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | - |
| engine's type | 1.2 L turbo |
| fuel type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 4.9l / 100km |
| Landing | 5 Places |
| Price from | No recent ads |
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
I must say right away that this is not a cheap small car. Starting at $23,490, there's only one trim level, Shine, and it's not just a starter. So, a reasonably short price list, only with a hatchback body. Those who remember Citroen's last 3-based soft-top, the Pluriel, won't mind that it's not back.
In the first month of sale - March 2018 - Citroen is offering a price of $26,990 including metallic paint.
I think C3 buyers will be comparing the new car to compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Kona. When you look at the size and shape compared to the other two, they look like they belong together. While the two cars come in different trim levels, you don't have to think too much about Citroen.
There's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to take care of your media and GPS satellite navigation needs.
Included are 17" diamond cut alloy wheels, cloth interior trim, remote central locking, reversing camera, automatic headlights and wipers, leather steering wheel, trip computer, climate control, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, cruise control, electric power windows. all around, speed limit recognition and a compact spare.
The 7.0-inch touchscreen, like Peugeot siblings, does a lot of things, including air conditioning, and I still regret it doesn't. The basic media software is pretty good these days, which is a blessing, and the screen is a good size. There's also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to take care of your media and GPS satellite navigation needs, softening the blow from the lack of a built-in navigation system.
Of course, you can connect your iPhone or Android device or whatever via Bluetooth or USB.
While it may look off-road ready, it's more of an urban package than a sporty version, especially with shock-absorbing Airbumps.
Sound from six speakers is good, but no subwoofer, DAB, CD changer, MP3 function.
Which color you choose depends on how much you want to spend. An interesting, reasonably priced choice is the $150 mint mint almonds. Metallics are a bit more expensive at $590. They range from "Perla Nera Black", "Platinum Grey", "Aluminum Grey", "Ruby Red", "Cobalt Blue", "Power Orange" and "Sand". Polar White is the only freebie, and gold is off the menu.
You can also choose from three roof colors, ditch the $600 panoramic sunroof entirely, add some red flares to the interior for $150, or go bronze with the Colorado Hype interior ($400). Even Airbumps come in black, "Dune", "Chocolate" (obviously brown), and grey.
An integrated DVR called "ConnectedCAM" ($600) is also available and Citroen says it's a first in its segment. Mounted in front of the rear view mirrors, it creates its own Wi-Fi network and you can control it with an app on your phone.
It can shoot video or photos (a 16-megapixel camera will do), but it also continuously records what is happening in front of you using half a 30 GB memory card. In the event of a crash, it acts as a kind of black box with 60 seconds before stacking and XNUMX seconds after. And yes, you can turn it off.
Your dealer will no doubt be able to provide you with accessories such as floor mats, tow bar, roof rack and roof rails.
Missing from the options list is a black package or a parking assist feature.
Which color you choose depends on how much you want to spend.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
I think the C3 looks great. It takes a lot of what is ingenious and bold from Cactus and makes it work in a smaller size. Calling it distinctive is an understatement, with a large chin, slim LED daytime running lights and headlights mounted lower in the bumper. Unfortunately, there are no LED headlights or xenon.
The DRLs are connected by two brushed metal lines that run through the car and feature a double chevron logo. In the rearview mirror, you will know exactly what is chasing you.
In profile, you see redesigned Airbumps, the source of all the controversy and fun around Cactus. They are not so big, and the bumps themselves are square (“Why is there a Home button in the car?” the wife asked), but they work. And at the back, a set of cool LED taillights with a 3D effect.
While it may look off-road ready, it's more of an urban package than a sporty version, especially with shock-absorbing Airbumps. A body kit is not offered, which is probably for the best as it will ruin the look. Ground clearance is nothing out of the ordinary, as is the 10.9 meter turning radius.
Inside, again, Cactus-ai, but less avant-garde (or prickly - sorry). Trunk-style door handles are there, the door cards are adorned with an Airbump motif, and the overall design is just plain cool. A few minor material inconsistencies accentuate blank panels and joints, but otherwise it's pretty pleasing to the eye and definitely Citroen, right down to the fancy air vents.
The materials on the seats are well thought out and interesting if you go with the Colorado Hype interior, which also includes judicious use of orange leather on the steering wheel (but no leather seats).
The dashboard is clear and concise, although the center screen still looks like an 80s digital clock. I don't know if this is intentional or not, but a proper high resolution screen will be more pleasing to the eye.
How practical is the interior space? 7/10
Ah, so French. For some reason, there are only three cupholders (two in the front and one in the back), but you can put a bottle in each door.
While the exterior dimensions suggest tiny interior dimensions, once you climb inside, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. You are probably asking yourself, "How many seats can you fit?" but the answer is five. And there, too, five people could be planted.
The passenger-side dash is pushed right up against the bulkhead, so the front passenger feels like it has plenty of room, although that means the glove box isn't very big and the owner's manual ends up in the door. However, you can leave it behind because you can download the "Scan My Citroen" app on your phone, which allows you to select certain parts of the car and show you the relevant part of the manual.
Cargo space starts at 300 liters with the seats up and more than triples to 922 with the seats folded down, so trunk capacity is good.
Passengers in the back seat feel good if no one in the car is taller than 180 cm and has bizarrely long legs. I was quite comfortable behind my driver's seat, and the back seat is comfortable enough.
Cargo space starts at 300 liters with the seats up and more than triples to 922 with the seats folded down, so trunk capacity is good. The loading lip is a little on the high side and the opening dimensions are a little tight for large items.
The pulling capacity is 450 kg for a trailer with brakes.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10
The C3 is powered by the now familiar (Cactus, Peugeot 208 and 2008) three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine. Developing 81 kW/205 Nm, it can push just 1090 kg. The timing belt or chain simply answers the question - it's a chain.
The C3 is powered by the now familiar (Cactus, Peugeot 208 and 2008) three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine.
The C3 is front-wheel drive and power is sent through a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. Thankfully, that tragic single-clutch semi-automatic transmission is a thing of the past.
No manual, gas, diesel (so no diesel specs) or 4×4/4wd. Information on oil type and capacity can be found in the instruction manual.
How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
Peugeot claims 4.9 l/100 km on the combined cycle, and it's worth noting that the trio consumes 95 octane fuel. Normally, the fuel consumption figure does not matter at launch, but the combination of M and B roads gave a figure of 7.4 l/100 km for car day.
The fuel tank capacity is 45 liters. At advertised gas mileage, this would give you a range of almost 900 miles, but it's actually closer to 600 miles per tank. There is no eco mode to increase the mileage, but there is a start-stop. This engine is so close to diesel fuel economy that an oil burner would be a waste of money. A quick look at the diesel fuel consumption figures of foreign vehicles will confirm this.
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 6/10
The C3 has the standard number of airbags of six, ABS, stability and traction control, ESP, lane departure warning and speed sign recognition as standard, and two rear ISOFIX points.
No doubt a disappointed Citroen told us that the C3 received a four-star EuroNCAP safety rating due to a lack of advanced AEB technology, but the car is "structurally sound". The AEB is just now rolling out overseas, so it could be months before we see it and the car is re-tested.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
6 years / unlimited mileage
guarantee
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
Citroen offers a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and five years of roadside assistance.
The cost of the service is limited for the first five years. Service intervals are 12 months / 15,000 km and start at a hefty $375, hovering between $639 and $480, then making occasional spikes above $1400. You know what you're getting into, but it's not cheap.
In terms of general faults, issues, complaints, and reliability issues, this is a brand new machine, so not much to talk about. Obviously, problems with the diesel engine are a thing of the past.
What is it like to drive? 7/10
Let me tell you what the C3 is not and never has been - a corner cutter. Years ago, when I was suffering hard labor between Sydney and Melbourne, my car was in Sydney and my house was in Melbourne. It made more sense to rent a car to get home from the airport (bear with me), and the cheapest weekend car has always been this old humpbacked C3.
It was slow and generally inept, suffered from problems with the automatic transmission, had no horsepower, and was too big to haul, but drove very well from memory. The battery has also run out several times.
Okay. Two generations have passed, and things are much better. The turbocharged three-cylinder engine, like every other car it's in, is a terrific engine. While the 10.9-0 km/h acceleration rate in 100 seconds is hardly amazing or even dust-scattering, the cheerful enthusiasm with which the power is delivered is contagious and smile-inducing. The character belies the small engine size and performance.
The steering is good, and while direct, it will highlight the fact that this is not a hungry apex predator.
A six-speed Aisin automatic would probably do with a bit of maneuvering in traffic, sometimes slower upshifting, but Sport mode solves that problem.
The steering is good, and while direct, it will highlight the fact that this is not a hungry apex predator. The C3 rushes forward, riding against its diminutive stature. Small cars like this tend to wiggle, and we always blame the cheap but effective torsion beam rear suspension. That excuse no longer works because Citroen seems to have figured out how to make them (mostly) soft.
Our test drive route was on motorways and B-roads, one of which was terribly patchy. The only time the car felt like it had torsion beams was when a particularly rough stretch of road hit the rear end a bit, with a slight bounce.
I call it lively, some would call it uncomfortable, but the rest of the time the car was beautifully put together, leaning towards mild understeer in enthusiastic corners.
Around town, the ride is light and supple, feeling like you're in a bigger car.
Around town, the ride is light and supple, feeling like you're in a bigger car. My wife agreed. Part of the comfort level also comes from the excellent front seats, which don't look particularly supportive, but they actually are.
There are some annoying things. The touch screen is a little slow, and if the C3 has an AM radio (quiet, young people), then I did not find it. It's there, I just couldn't find it, so it needs a better software (or a better user).
It also needs AEB and it would be nice if it could match the safety features of a Mazda CX-3 or even a Mazda2 so that it can work with cross-traffic alert and AEB reverse. Three cup holders is weird, and the cruise control lever is an art to be mastered. The start-stop is also a bit aggressive and doesn't know when it's not needed - you have to use the touch screen to turn it off.
Verdict
The new C3 is a fun car - fun, characterful and French. And, like many French things, it is not cheap. You won't buy it with your head, but I don't think Citroen expects dispassionate buyers to black out their doors. You have to want it - you're not looking for amazing performance or exceptional value, you're looking for something out of the ordinary.
And for those who really want it, they get a car with a great engine, a ride that puts big cars to shame, and a style that can't be overlooked or talked about.
As far as smashing Citroen's KPIs, the C3 does the trick. But it's a better car than just a good Citroen, in fact it's just a good car.
