Citroen C3 2021 In-Depth Review - Smarter and More Customisable

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A CITROEN C3 FROM OSV: bit.ly/3cFl6Aj​
Citroen's third generation C3 supermini gets a wash 'n brush-up here, with a slightly smarter looks, comfier seats and extra personalisation options. It's still one of the most comfort-orientated small cars you can buy too. Ultimately, there's nothing really revolutionary on offer here, but as a complete and highly personalisable package, it's desirably different.
Background
Today to survive, Citroen must offer more than just sensible efficiency: the PSA Group has its Peugeot brand to deliver that. And its DS nameplate to offer a fashion-conscious premium option for those prepared to pay a little more. Which leaves Citroen needing to go back to being the kind of manufacturer it once was, fun, innovative and different.
Which, at first glance at least, appears to be what's served up here with this improved version of the third generation C3 supermini. Over 750,000 MK3 C3 models have been sold since the car was launched in 2016 but there's tougher competition now, not least in the form of this car's in-house PSA Group supermini cousins, the MK2 Peugeot 208 and the latest 'F'-series Vauxhall Corsa. Unlike this this C3, those two contenders ride on the group's more modern CMP modular platform. The C3 plods on with the older PF1 chassis. Still, who cares about the oily bits? This car's smarter, comfier and far more customisable now. What's not to like?
Driving Experience
Small French cars used to ride beautifully, grip tenaciously and flow from corner to corner with relaxed, unflustered motion. As, by and large, this one does. It may come as news to some motoring journalists but most supermini buyers don't routinely want to throw their cars about as if they were on stage from the RAC Rally. What most of them would prefer is a model that rolls the red carpet over the average appallingly surfaced British road. As, to a great extent, this one does. It's all down to the way that the fairly conventional suspension set-up has been tuned, though the downside of that is inevitably extra body roll through the bends. Stay with it though and you'll find that there's actually more grip and traction on offer than you might think.
As for engines, well the PureTech three cylinder 1.2-litre unit is frugal and willing, while the 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel is amongst the cleanest and most frugal engines of its kind in the industry. First up is the 1.2-litre petrol PureTech unit which offers either 83 or 110hp and delivers the same distinctive three cylinder thrum but accompanies it with pokier performance. The turbo 110hp variant gets a 6-speed manual gearbox and can be ordered with an optional EAT6 auto transmission. There's also a BlueHDi 100 diesel manual option with a 5-speed manual 'box.
Design and Build
The idea here is to offer supermini buyers a little more energy and personality - and that's broadly what's delivered. There's a lightly re-styled front end, with stylised changes inspired by the brand's recent 'CXPERIENCE' concept car that are supposed to accentuate your perception of the height of the bonnet. Not sure about that, but we like the smarter headlamps which now feature LED beams. In profile, you might notice the fresh rear quarter panel patterns. And the fact that the distinctive side lower 'Airbump' panels have been re-styled and, dependent on version, there are wheel arch extensions and larger 17-inch wheels. At 3.99m in length, this car remains slightly smaller than some of its rivals, but it's more interesting to look at and Citroen promises that it will now be far more customisable to buyer preference too.
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#CitroenC3 #CarReview #OSV

[@mrquordlepleen]

Quite simply the best auto reviews on the web. Professional, intelligent and completely lacking in ego👍 - and presented by someone who knows what they’re talking about. Great car - I recently bought the C3 Aircross over here in Ireland- having moved from Horsham (which I saw on the Nav map in this review’s car) in 2008. Citroën now come with 5 year’s unlimited mileage warranty over here, albeit all cars are considerably more expensive here than UK. Really enjoyed this review and your others.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Alun, thank you for watching and great to hear that you're enjoying the C3 Aircross 👍

[@lekuns5246]

I like the Citroen C3 because I believe in living within my means. I don't do debts. I recently bought my low mileage 2018 model with cash.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

It's great to hear that you found a car that suits your lifestyle and financial philosophy! The Citroen C3 is a smart choice for many. How has your experience been with it so far?

[@lekuns5246]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply pretty good.

[@camilstoenescu]

The most beautiful small quirky car.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We're glad you like it, Camil!

[@peteg8920]

A car where the focus is on a relaxed , more comfortable drive . Makes you wonder how many lives would be saved if the majority preferred to drive with this in mind. Driving in a so called "sporty" manner has always sounded more risky to me.

[@andydavis7254]

Thinking of selling my C class Mercedes for one of these. Not been impressed by my Mercedes experience and don’t need such a big car now. Quirky, Good looking and undoubtably very comfy.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hello Andy 👋 Sorry to hear you haven't enjoyed your Mercedes C Class. If you're interested, one of our Vehicle Specialists can get you behind the wheel of the C3 👍 Fill-in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@entername3840]

It looks soo small and cute

[@kerryjones1508]

There is something to be said for simple and established mechanics. Less to go wrong and cheaper to fix if it does. Had one as a hire car in Menorca. Slow, but characterful, quiet and comfortable.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Fantastic to hear, Kerry 👍 Is the Citroen C3 your ideal vehicle to buy?

[@MrKanjidude]

Another great, professional review. Really hope you will review the new C3 Aircross as well. That's the one I'm pondering buying. Curious if they have improved the sound dampening compared to earlier generations.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for watching and for the video suggestion! We'll take this on-board 👍

[@mrquordlepleen]

I bought a new C3 Aircross in February this year; I love it. I live in Ireland now - moved here in 2008 having lived in Horsham which I saw on the Nav map in this test- and Citroën here now come with a standard 5 year, unlimited mileage warranty. The prices of cars here are quite a bit higher than the UK and spec is slightly different here for the trim levels. Some things you pay extra for that are standard on UK equivalent trim but are often replaced with an item that’s from a trim level above in the UK. The 110 unit is superb - the 6 speed box being in a different league to use compared with the 5 - and its a very comfy journey each time. Probably not ‘quite’ so soft on the motorway- but still comfortable and quiet - which is probably due to the SUV height; it is quite tall which is great. It’s a good car and different from the herd. I’m happy to recommend it.👍

[@MajorSpam]

Is there a car under 4m that can match its comfort? In Germany it can also be driven with 15" wheels for more comfort.

[@tpv59]

WHAT does 'OSV' stand for Please? Does anybody know Please? Thank You.

[@giorgoskouts6137]

Perfect review as always!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's fantastic to hear, Giorgos. Many thanks for watching 👍

[@autochampwandelen]

Great review! I truly like the details, I also reviewed the Citroen C3 in my channel and I must say i was very impressed!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching! 👍 Make sure to subscribe for the latest vehicle reviews: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@chrispenn715]

Thats a huge difference in price compared with other PSA options - most buyers probably wouldn't care about the age of the underpinnings.... Then there's always the Dacia Sandero and Stepway if money is that tight:-)

[@albaraq61]

Your reviewed always awesome..

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching, Baraq 👍 Glad you enjoy our reviews!

[@Daviddavid-ev1dy]

Wouldn’t be seen dead in one

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

What puts you off the C3, David?

[@HologramJones]

You do realise when you say that it means you would be alive in this one and dead in others and unable to drive anything else 🤣

[@yes8032]

Kinda good car it’s great

[@ElChauhan]

Does citroen c3 puretech limited has 2 reverse lights or just one? I cant find any clear info anywhere🤔

[@mk817]

After 10 days and 1.700 Km of driving I wouldn't recommend anyone such a toy car. The 3 cylinder engine is noisy, underpowered, very slow acceleration and on top of that an average of 6,3 L/100 Km.

[@MrSammcauley]

Different surroundings?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Sam, which part of the video are you referring to?

[@rheijm9201]

Go work in call center make ya voice a bit more varied. Anyway this all not marketing of today. EU lands deny anything anytime, but its for older people it has a 70 ies vibe in the interior, fiat and citroen competed each other bigtime. It s for disappointed people, EU. Why not. So base version without One Genuinely Big Red Stripe -so big only-device will be unnslod on garagist lot. The Twingo with the rear engine is reminiscent of simca 1000 but drives pretty good , and has pare brise standing up and snazzy fenders behind. Granny may share it with daughter with perspectives.. the PhD getting ones.. Than there s the Hyundai i20 still talking older people , who have owned one, exceptions do not exist anybody in EU once owned a Hyundai. His dash is merrily clueless. New cars nowadays 2024 have ..qual e la parola justa Maria (Mena) lend me a word? over analysed dash, that does not solve Maria s issues (speak of disappointment). Over analysed as in ben Jerry this with that and that when ya think 'is this helping? No' i-20 s front remind me of alf Romeo in seventies and dash of these cars were not living a d 43 either..only exaggerated a bit. In many EU lands the running costs of the Twingo are lowest of 3, and this being, ya know, the one that exist, still, Stellantis does what ..it needs..which is... Idunno.. stuff with unions probably, nyway save a buck get the Twingo in no nonsense trim. Nice cardigan!

[@tpv59]

NOT POPULAR in Australia at all. ONLY 47 cars/units sold in one year!!! I NEVER see them, NEVER.

[@dimitrisevagelou1943]

Great car

[@Sarasamanta473]

Pire voiture je regrette je l ai pris neuve im ya deux mois j ai le check engine qui remonte

[@oddities-whatnot]

French. No thanks. If you want to drive a new car every couple of years, pay monthly for the rest of your life then these sort of throwaway fashion cars are right up your street. Nobody buys one of these to own it long term, they are all on PCP deals because people get bored with it and want the next trendy model. What a waste of money. There are very few cars that people buy for long term ownership and those tend to be more of an all rounder

[@smurfsrule9680]

What snobbisn bollocks. Like Audis, BMWs and Land Rovers aren't fashion statements for their self conscious drivers.

[@HologramJones]

@@smurfsrule9680 And spend more time in the workshop than a Citroen if current customer satisfaction surveys are anything to go by.

[@paulclapperton9866]

Anyone who loves driving will never buy one of these cars

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

What puts you off getting a Citroen C3, Paul?

[@smurfsrule9680]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply He's an Audi driver

[@paulclapperton9866]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply when you have had VW you would never consider a Citroen

[@Scuba72Chris]

@@paulclapperton9866 I've had a VW (Golf) and it was a complete lemon. Never had an issue with any of my Citroens.

[@paulclapperton9866]

@@Scuba72Chris I had one too VW golf and mine was awful too but