CITROEN C3 1.2 Turbo Plus 5dr

With this fourth generation C3 supermini, Citroen aims to reset segment value expectations. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Thanks to a budget-designed 'Smart Car' platform, Citroen has been able to position this fourth generation C3 supermini firmly at the affordable end of the small hatch segment. You'll need to like the squarical looks and soft ride but if you do, it's difficult to ignore this French contender.

Background

The battle's on to fill the void in the supermini market left by the end of production of this segment's erstwhile best seller, Ford's Fiesta. The Stellantis Group conglomerate has three runners in this particular race; two are recently revised - the Fiesta's traditional arch-rival and segment sales leader Vauxhall's Corsa and the modern style icon that is Peugeot's 208. The Stellantis dark horse though, could be the car we look at here, Citroen's fourth generation C3. It's considerably cheaper than its cousins - and unlike them, it gets an all-new 'Smart Car' Stellantis platform that the group is ear-marking for models it wants to price low enough to compete with the budget brands. Sure enough, the cost competition here is less Corsa and 208 and more Suzuki Swift and Dacia Sandero. Unlike those latter two models though, you can also have this C3 in full-electric form and as a proper Hybrid as well as in conventional combustion guise. Sounds an interesting proposition.

Driving Experience

This C3 may cost considerably less than its Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 Stellantis cousins but it offers much the same choice of combustion engines. One is carried over from the previous generation model, a 1.2-litre Turbo 100 three cylinder unit mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The other you might not be quite so familiar with - the Hybrid 110 e-DCS6 variant. This uses basically the same three cylinder engine but mates it to a 48V motor and a clever e-DCS6 dual clutch auto transmission with an integrated 28bhp electric motor. That motor claims to be able to power the car for up to half the time during urban travel. During deceleration in the Hybrid, the petrol engine stops and the e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the Hybrid system's 48V battery. The battery also stores the energy recuperated by the regenerative braking system. Hybrid folk won't much care about the 0-62mph time but for the record, it takes 9.8s (just under a second quicker than the Turbo 100 version) en route to the same modest maximum of 99mph. A greater Stellantis engineering difference comes with the electric E-C3 version, which gets a much smaller 44kWh battery than its E-208 and Corsa Electric cousins (though it's still supposed to be able to take you up to 199 miles). There's a feebler 111bhp electric motor too. One of the things that used to mark the previous generation C3 out from its supermini contemporaries was its soft ride. That's carried forward here - and embellished with 'comfort suspension' that features the 'Advanced Comfort' hydraulic bump stops we've seen in slightly larger Citroen hatches. As with the old MK3 C3, don't expect too much in terms of driver involvement.

Design and Build

Those familiar with the C3 model line will immediately notice that this time round, curvy cuteness has been swapped for a boxier, crossover-inspired more mature vibe. Which may be what the market wants but potentially makes this model a much less distinctive and individual proposition. To try and preserve some of that, there are styling cues from the wacky Oli concept car, an unusual bluff nose section with the brand's latest badge and 'colour clip' inserts on either side of the car which allow owners to add swappable, colour-contrasting accents. This C3 is only 80mm longer and 6mm wider than the old MK3 model, but sits 70mm taller. Inside, it's nothing like any Citroen interior you've ever seen before. There's no instrument binnacle for a start. Only what the brand calls a 'head-up display', which actually isn't that at all; instead, it's a narrow letterbox-like strip which houses a small selection of digital instruments, primarily speed and range. This works with the almost equally unusual oblong-shaped over-buttoned steering wheel. You get a central infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch monitor that at last Citroen has learned not to over-burden with climate controls, which are separated out lower down. Fabric inserts and novel detailing supply the required Gallic vibe, as do the squashy 'Advanced Comfort' seats. At the back, you shouldn't expect rear seat legroom to be any better than the previous generation model, but the boxy silhouette should mean improvements in headroom. This ought to benefit boot space too. Trunk capacity is rated at 310-litres, extendable to 1,188-litres with the rear bench folded.

Market and Model

Expect a starting price for this C3 of around £18,000 for the PureTech 100 version; think £20,000 upwards for the e-DCS6 Hybrid. For the full-electric E-C3, you'll need from around £22,000. If the cabin of this supermini isn't quite large enough, bear in mind that Citroen also offers all the same engineering in a small SUV model, the C3 Aircross, which can seat up to seven. There are two trim levels. 'Plus' spec is probably all you need. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking assistance, air conditioning, roof rails and a two-tone roof, plus 'Advanced Comfort' seats and what Citroen calls a 'head-up display' which actually isn't but does bring data into your line of sight. You get a 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen with 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' wireless smartphone-mirroring. Citroen also includes its Safety Pack, which includes Active Safety Brake autonomous braking, an Active Lane Departure Warning System, Speed limit recognition and driver attention alert. If you really want to stretch to the range-topping 'Max' model, you'll also get navigation, automatic air conditioning, LED rear lights, a heated steering wheel, a heated windscreen and a rear parking camera. Across the line-up, there are some trendy options and the main one you'll want to look at would be the swappable colour-contrasting accents you can add to the car via two 'colour clip' inserts. Six paint choices are available.

Cost of Ownership

If you're prepared to forgo the various electrified powertrains and opt for the base model's Turbo 100hp petrol unit, you can expect up to 52.0mpg on the combined cycle and up to 128g/km of CO2. You may want to look at the Hybrid 110 e-DCS6 version, which can improve those figures to 56.5mpg and 114g/km of CO2. Benefit-in-Kind taxation for the Hybrid is rated at 28%; compare against 31% for the Turbo 100 version; either way, it's substantially above the 3% rate you'd pay for an equivalent EV. This C3's Hybrid petrol engine has been optimised for efficiency and operates in the Miller combustion cycle. This thermodynamic cycle is enabled by the variable geometry turbocharger, which enhances performance at low rpm, and variable valve timing. A belt-driven starter combines with the e-motor to start the petrol engine from cold. The belt-starter also restarts the engine quickly and seamlessly while driving. If you really want efficiency in a C3 though, you'll need the E-C3 full-electric variant, whose 44kWh battery is supposed to be able to take you up to 199 miles between charges. Citroen claims that the E-C3 is capable of rapid charging at rates of up to 100kW, which allows for a 20-80% charge in 26 minutes. At home, you'll be able to AC charge from 20-80% from 7.4kW garage wall box in just over 4 hours. If your property has a three-phase supply, you'll also be able to charge at 11kW, in which case the 20-80% charging time will fall to just under 3 hours. We don't yet know whether Citroen will be importing the smaller-battery E-C3 with its 124 mile range. All versions of this model will be covered by the brand's usual unremarkable three year/60,000 mile warranty, plus with the E-C3, the battery will have its own eight year cover package.

Summary

You might not be immediately drawn to the squarical looks of this fourth generation C3. And its unusual dashboard is something of an acquired taste. But all may well be forgiven when you check out the budget value pricing. With this little Citroen, Stellantis seems to have at last worked out how to make a supermini for sensible money - and that's a very welcome development. Like its predecessor, the ride is set up to be softer than the supermini norm - and for us, that's welcome too, given the potholed urban environment in which a typical C3 will operate. Plus it's very decently equipped for the money and quite customisable. Yes there are more polished contenders in this segment, but they cost a lot more. Are they worth more? After a look at this very Gallic offering, you might wonder.

Body Glass

Tinted side windows

Electric front power windows with auto up/down for the driver and auto down for passenger

Heated rear window

Front intermittent wipers

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

ESP with anti skid system

Manual parking brake

Hill start assist

Chassis/Suspension

Advanced comfort suspension with progressive hydraulic cushions

Communication

eCall emergency call system

1x USB-C connection on dashboard

1x USB-C fast charge in row 2

Driver Aids

Active lane departure warning system

Electric power steering

Cruise control + speed limiter

Citroen connect box emergency and assistance system

Rear parking sensors

Driver Convenience

Connected services

Driver Information

Multi function trip computer

Head up Display

Exterior temperature display

Manual gearshift indicator

Driving Mirrors

Gloss black rear view mirror caps

Standard day night switchable interior rear view mirror

Electrically heated, folding and adjustable external rear view mirrors

Turn indicators integrated into rear view mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Ultra blue decor on dashboard

Ultra blue decor on front doors

2 side air vents and 2 central air vents on dashboard

Entertainment

DAB digital radio, 6 loudspeakers, 10.25" capacitive touchscreen, wireless mirror screen includes apple carplay/android auto and bluetooth

Exterior Body Features

Rear roof spoiler

Rear side wing doors

Gloss black exterior door handles

Front and rear skid plates in grey

Gloss black finish B and C pillar

Black wheel arch extensions

Black roof bars

Body colour bumpers

Exterior Lights

3D rear light signature

LED headlights with electric levelling

Intelligent beam headlights

Automatic activation of hazard warning lights

Automatic headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Manual air conditioning

Interior Features

12V socket on console

Chrome effect interior door handles

Parcel shelf

Cloth upholstery

Matt black gear knob with gloss black insert

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Leather effect steering wheel with gloss black and chrome elements and integrated audio/telephone/cruise control/speed limit controls

Closed glove box

Padded fabric armrests in front and rear doors with labels

Central storage with 2 cupholders

1 litre bottle storage in front and rear door pockets

Map pockets in back of driver and front passenger seats with additional pocket for smartphone storage

Bag support hook in boot

4x anchoring rings on boot

Interior Lights

LED front lighting panel with map reading lights

Fixed boot light

Packs

Safety pack - C3 Plus and Max

Visibility pack - C3 Plus and Max

Safety

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Driver's airbag

Mono-tone horn

Driver and front passenger seatbelts with pyrotechnic pretensioners and force limiters

Front passenger airbag

Three rear 3-point seatbelts

Front side airbags + front/rear curtain airbags

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Child locks on rear doors

Seats

Height adjustable front head restraints

Single front passenger seat

Seatbelt unfastened on the move audible and visual alert for front and rear seats

1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seat

Front seats adjustable with forward back slide and adjustable backrest

ISOFIX mounting on outer rear seats with top tether and labels indicating fixing points

Three rear headrests

Advanced comfort front and rear seats

Driver's seat height adjustment

Security

Remote control central locking with 1x plip key and 1x non plip key

Connected anti theft alarm (Volumetric and perimetric with tilt sensor)

Central locking with deadlocks

AVAS Approaching vehicle alert system

Automatic door and boot locking with automatic unlocking in case of impact

Immobiliser

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger's sun visor with courtesy mirror

Wheels - Alloy

17" Atacamite diamond cut bi-tone alloy wheels with locking wheel nuts

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 128

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Number of Valves: 12

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 11:1

Transmission: MANUAL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

CC: 1199

Camshaft: DOHC

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90.5

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 75

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 3

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 48.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 52

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 46

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 42.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 52.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 60.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 49.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 55.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 40

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 42.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.4

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 24E

Special Edition: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Coin Series: Plus

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 100

Badge Engine CC: 1.2

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 4

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Coin Description: Turbo

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Performance

Top Speed: 114

Engine Power - KW: 74

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 151

Engine Torque - NM: 205

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 100

Engine Torque - MKG: 20.9

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Style: ATACAMITE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 205/50 R17

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: N

Tyre Size Rear: 205/50 R17

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4015

Width: 1813

Wheelbase: 2540

Width (including mirrors): 2017

Height: 1577

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 310

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Loading Weight: 469

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 600

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 600

Minimum Kerbweight: 1151

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 44

Max. Roof Load: 80

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1620

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1188

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.6

Exterior Body Features

White roof

Lemon yellow colour clips on front bumper and C-pillar

White colour clips on front bumper and C-pillar

Special solid paint

Infra red colour clips on front bumper and C-pillar

Black roof

Premium metallic paint

Metallic paint

Monotone body colour roof

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Perla nera black

Metallic - Bright blue

Metallic - Mercury grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Monte carlo blue

Paint - Special

Special solid - Polar white

Premium metallic - Elixir red

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Urban grey

Wheels - Spare

Tyre puncture repair kit