Citroen C3 hatchback review - CarBuyer

Citroen C3 hatchback 2014 review: bit.ly/1dpTBBM
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Citroen's C3 supermini lays claim to being one of the most comfortable cars in its class. With a well constructed interior, plus a practical boot, it offers plenty of space for driver and passengers. Couple that with the smooth ride, and refined engines, and the C3 adds up to a capable rival to the likes of the Mazda 2 and Renault Clio. The C3 is in its element around town, thanks to good visibility, and accurate steering. Nearly all C3 models feature a panoramic windscreen that distinguishes the car from its rivals. Several engine options are offered by Citroen though the best value is had in the middle of the range with either 1.4-litre petrol or HDi turbodiesel options.
Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress...

[@torresalex]

I've said this on other carbuyer reviews and I'll say it here again: I hate it when they criticise superminis for not being all dynamic and driver focused. They're not supposed to be! Car reviewers (Mr. Watson here included) will forgive performance vehicles for lack of comfort and practicality, or completely gloss over it. The C3 is one of the best in its segment, with its looks, comfort, refinement, available equipment and running costs. Want driver dynamics? Not in this part of the market....

[@SenorJagWire]

Alexander Russell Exactly! It's not a sports car! If you want a sports car then buy something else, car buyer claim a car is something it isn't even intending to be!

[@PercivalFromWales]

Thanks! This is to me more useful than the actual review.

[@marziehhosseini7870]

I am considering buying this car. However, would you know if it is considered to be an economic car considering the maintenance?

[@54356776]

@@marziehhosseini7870 Did you get one ?

[@jpsabbey]

The "bad points "...Are positives for me. What an awesome little car. I want one 👍👌

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

so ur saying that cramped rear seats is a good thing?

[@georgedowns4034]

​@Top Gear Clips Central more space than a Susuki Alto which I have managed plenty of times with people in the back so It cannot be that bad...

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

@@georgedowns4034 sure i was just mentioning to the fact mat criticized the car for not having great passenger space

[@SenorJagWire]

I've had my C3 for a month and I love it! Spec is pretty good value as well, I have the VTR+ trim and it's got Bluetooth, cruise control and the zenith windscreen included, and a full size spare wheel! I would also like to point out that the citroen c3 is NOT a sports car. It's designed for comfort, thats why the suspension feels almost like you're floating when you drive it. If you prefer sportiness over practicality and comfort, then sure you'd be better off with a different car.

[@dennisndichu4045]

Is the gearbox reliable? How often do you go to the garage?

[@Dr.BenjiBuddy]

Ive had mine for a while now and still love it. Haven't found any negative points and how is it not fun to drive??... It's not a sportscar of course, but it's not supposed to be.

[@orion1983uk]

A friend of mine has the old shape C3 which I've had a shot of driving. Have to admit, I've developed a definite soft spot for the C3 and the newer shape one really does look excellent. The comparison he made regarding the Mazda2 handling: As a Mazda2 owner I can agree the handling is much sharper in the Mazda. However where the C3 has a beautifully smooth ride, the Mazda2 almost breaks your spine over every pothole, so its horses for courses really in the ride and handling comparison.

[@tallen35875]

that windscreen is perfect for drive in movie theaters! Citroen, you NEED to come back to the states so i can get one of these!

[@Gamingdice]

Maybe the rear passengers would have more legroom if you didn't have the seats all the way back lol

[@edouard1207]

I own one since 3 months now. And I have to say that this car is astonishing. Of course it's totally underpowered, and you can't drive sportively, but for that money, you can look at other brands you'll never get so much comfort and luxurious interior. It's a car meant to be driven smoothly, to cruise along at reasonnable speeds on long journeys. Every day that passes I love that car even more. And again, it cost me far less than a Dacia Sandero (which I wouldn't own at all)...

[@dennisndichu4045]

How is the engine and gearbox? How often do you go to garage for repairs?

[@robertacanning1977]

I've just bought the exact one in the video and same colour , I've had subarus, bmw's , jags and tbh with restrictions in place now they are just boring and fuel costly , this citreon is a breath of fresh air to drive imagine going to windermere lakes with the zenith screen up , its cheap to run and is tax free yes NO TAX to pay , its basically a good looking corsa im very happy to have peace instead of a tuned up monster that attracts police so go for it if your thinking about buying one of these they are great.

[@Fegbeg]

Just bought this car 1.6 hdi 90 it's great car , got Bluetooth, air con, cruise control, very quiet on motorway, very nippy in town and does 83mpg and no road tax

[@maltese85]

it is fun to drive. The windscreen alone helps a lot in the fun part.

[@palebeachbum]

I WANT THIS CAR. Too bad I live in the U.S. where we don't have the Citroen brand.

[@blaaazer441]

This car looks amazing! This car needs to be on the american market

[@ALX3rdS]

I've learned to drive with this car (done 11 hours, will do the next 14 hours this month), I love this car, very funny to drive, comfortable, good turn, good acceleration for a city car. Hope I'll have one someday...

[@tacoeatingzebra]

having been in germany and france recently, i developed a definite taste for french cars. i wish we got these in the states. in the meantime, i'll enjoy my vw golf.

[@eternalhalloween1]

There are times I think Mat (as much as I normally respect him) is unfair. There are some cars that are NOT designed to be, or are trying to be a sports car. I did like this car until he pointed out the rear seats aren't so great.

[@niksarass]

Completely agree. This car class is not designed to have a sporty behaviour but nice interior, fun, confortable and unexpensive, which it manages in addition of the zenith windscreen

[@eternalhalloween1]

Thanks. It's nice to know that I'm not alone here. If a car is designed to be a sports car, then by all means make it a sports car. If a car is NOT designed to be a sports car, don't complain about it because it isn't.

[@nis5e]

01:26 Wow, phones like that are retro now. *Crazy.*

[@DGSE]

you should say that the zenith wide screen is in option ...

[@vixie72]

Just bought one of these, in that colour too 😀 steering is very light but I was driving a Xsara Picasso before this.

[@dennisndichu4045]

Is it economical to maintain?how often do you go to the garage?

[@vixie72]

It's very economical, I have had very few issues with the car. It's brilliant on fuel too. I now have a citroen C4 too.

[@muffinman1]

wow that sliding sun roof is amazing!

[@tangfors]

I have a 2011 model and have owned it for two years, a 1.6 liter diesel. I am relatively satisfied with it. But there are some annoying things about it, the heat broke in the driver's seat, as I live in Sweden you really want it in the winter, but I was shocked when I heard how much it would cost to replace it, so I haven't bothered to do it. Another thing is that I'm 191 cm tall and that's the maximum so that you don't hit the roof when you have the large windshield, the extra roof you pull, probably takes 4-5 centimeters of headroom. Another thing I don't like about the car is that there are no cup holders, not one. Then there's the fact that the steering wheel can't be adjusted in depth, it's more irritating than you think because at least for me it feels like I always want steering wheel three or four centimeters closer and if I were to change one thing about the car, it would be this. Another annoying thing is that the rearview mirror sometimes twists, they don't always fold out, but when you think you need to fix or find the reason for it, they suddenly works again. The suspension, yes it is soft, maybe a little to soft, sometimes it feels almost scary because you kind of don't feel the road beneath you.Then it cracks a little here and there, but I think it comes as standard with French cars and some rust bubbles start to appear on it. Yes those were the complaints. Now for what I like about it. The big tall windscreen, it's quite fantastic and you can really appreciate it if you're driving in a beautiful landscape or under a starry sky at night . The purchase price, at least in Sweden, these cars are among the cheapest on the used market and you get a lot of car for the money. That it works both as a city car but also if you want to make longer journeys. My diesel 1.6 (92 hp they throttled the engine from 116 to reduce consumption) draws 0.5 mixed driving if you drive carefully, if you are at 80 kh/h you can get it down below 0.4 liters, almost down to 0.3 . My car also has bluetooth, cruise control, traction control system and automatic temperature etc things that are not obvious on a budget car from 2011 but which are appreciated. It's also safe, got a very good rating in Euro ncap, I alwso haw a hooked on it (also not obvious that you can put it on such a small car), and it has a relatively large luggage space. If you find one in good condition for a reasonable price, I would definitely recommend the car.

[@joshc9232]

Any one else looking at car reviews but you know you can't get one ?

[@alaladeyemisi2469]

Josh C 777 Yes here I am and I don't even know how to own one legitimately...

[@domepugliese]

how far Mat has come 😭😭

[@parkedjeep96]

I’m from the US and I think that the moonroof in this is fascinating and cool. I’ve never seen a feature like that except for the new Tesla’s rear windshield that extends to the roof. Just amazing.

[@macraghnaill3553]

I have now had my 2014 C3 Selection 1.2 vti for10 years, no problems so far and only £20 per to tax

[@RM-vv9eh]

I've recently dropped into one of these, the 90HP Diesel. Averaging almost 55mpg, which I'm happy with. The little air vent in the glove box is a good idea, if you want to chill something. Downsides on my particular model, is that there's no height adjustment on the passenger seat. And the zenith windscreen... whilst I like that, the downside is that the sun visors are attached to the retractable sun blind. So a full glass screen means no sun visors. On the subject of them, i'm surprised to see that neither of them have a vanity mirror attached. Decent little car though, even though it's a manual, it has cruise control and a speed limiter, handy for the average speed cameras.

[@AlphaAlienJr]

An air-freshener in a car! That's sooOOoo french!

[@Marcoshary]

Yeah, the Zenith windsccreen is great! But I mean in the dynamics of the car, to be more conected. It's a great everyday car for the cities tho.

[@jangu63]

Got one (in black) and I LOVE it :)

[@sophiawatson973]

Change headlights

[@sophiawatson973]

B

[@rustyfrombluey]

Bad Points: Not really much fun to drive. Not as roomy as a VW Polo. Rear seats don’t go flat. Rextro: Rextro shocked at fact rear seat don’t lie flat. Trowzer: You’re just being stupid, Rextro. #respectVW

[@davidsa2087]

I disagree with the first point. Its all about driving style

[@zccrts]

I'm all for that windscreen, it looks superb, but what happens if you need to replace it?

[@evilmario6061]

Just remortgage your house

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

I never will understand the term windscreen. A screen is something found on windows and storm doors that allow breezes to flow through. To me it is a device to shield you from the wind, so to me it is a windshield.

[@Adzzz1995]

they get a lot of shit....but i love french cars....they have more character then german cars and have better build quality then japanese....well most japanese

[@MBlood08]

I want the Zenith Windscreen in my life.

[@user-hg4rk3tz1h]

Hi I'm in Zimbabwe where can I get the front shocks any links, I need help

[@musicfanZg90]

Gorgeous car

[@MrCami1234]

why don't we get this in the USA?

[@addiepat6552]

Citroen c3 2010, 1.4 exclusive 5dr petrol. 90,000 miles should I buy or not for £2250 ?

[@georgedowns4034]

People are blind but I hope u did buy that car- it's great!

[@911SuperGT]

this car is amazinggg !!! but will it last for years ?

[@netako]

I see plenty of C3s in my town, so yes.

[@balmorallnokia4006]

He forgot to mention the major con of this car, it doesn't have cupholders. Not available, even the ninethies Corolla's did have that!

[@georgedowns4034]

Mine does?

[@notmasterchief]

Awesome

[@kickyourasspls]

nothing happens really, you just have to pay a whole lot for it. they have a separate insurance for the windscreen.

[@balmorallnokia4006]

I really miss those awesome jeans

[@yeety1208]

Wow looks really modern for 2010

[@zsofiathompson7501]

I have just tried this car today..when I pumped the seat up to the highest position (Im small) my forhead hit the sunvisor 😄😄😄 ok I could move the roof back so I wouldn't hit my head but than as he says I need to wear sunglasses all the time if I don't want the bright sun in my eyes..😕😕

[@brutusoftroy2810]

+Zsofia Thompson well don't pump it up so high then, you should be looking at the road, not the bonnet ;)

[@zsofiathompson7501]

+Brutus ofTroy 😄😄yeah true but unfortunately i need to park etc not just step on the gas 😉

[@brutusoftroy2810]

Zsofia Thompson your driving position should be set up for normal driving. You are positioning yourself too high and most likely too close to the steering wheel. If you crash then you will surge forward and hit the screen and steering wheel before the intertia seat belt has locked. Then the airbag will go off and cause you quite a bad injury as the bag will impact your chest point blank and will blow you back into your seat. All so you can see better when you are parking.

[@zsofiathompson7501]

+Brutus ofTroy hm thanks for the info iI've never heard this. anyway not every car is right for everyone 😉 i found 1 with higher seat that suits me 😊

[@Dr.BenjiBuddy]

Im 1.85m (which is about 6'1), and I had no problem driving this car...

[@tyraela115]

Of which engine do you speak? C3`s most powerful petrol engine is 1.6 VTi (120 BHP) or if you want a diesel one it`s 1.6 Hdi (112 BHP). 1st try these and if these 2 aren`t powerfull enough for you try the DS3 and you`ll love it. :)

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Imagine if you had to replace that windscreen out of pocket.

[@back2back22]

the DS3 is a cooler car

[@sammoo1826]

Did you see the Nokia phone

[@gliuto]

Perhaps someone can give me a bit of an advise. I have a Citroen Saxo Sx 1.4i '97, which I love, but I'm about to change it before it loses all it's value. They're offering me a C3, and I liked it, but I'm not quite sure about it. I'd like a car that has a nice response, because I tend to drive fast, to overtake cars every time I can, to start like if I was at the F1 competition when I'm first at the traffic light... Not that I am a violent or a careless or an incautious driver, but I like a bit of "action" and really can't stand turtles in the way... so would the C3 cope with these driving needs? Thanks in advance. Cheers.

[@Gamingdice]

All depends which engine you go for, the diesels provide much better economy and low road tax. I have the 1.4hdi and it provides enough umph to overtake when needed and pulls well; sits at around 2 1/4 rpm at 65mph. Obviously its not a sports car and the petrol versions are probably going to be a bit more responsive in the lower gears for the first couple of seconds but it's by no means under powered. If in doubt go for the 1.6 but insurance group is a higher bracket. The C3 would be a great upgrade from a saxo.

[@johannesdejonge7905]

if you take the 1.6 ehdi it will Be perfectly suited for your needs. and this engine is so smooth and quiet yet 230 nm of torque.

[@lashondaaddison3623]

You ever said my other email name must be dark

[@stevenatkinson4476]

Why do u alwayz test drive french cars , and slag it off. I own a megane, had the car from new 2005 1.6 petrol , and still goin strong today.

[@lecocotier4740]

My car

[@PenguinVicki]

Hey, was acc thinking of buying this car then i seen this comment, you couldnt tell me why you said that... it would be a big help :-D

[@AutomotoOfficiel]

Il faut bien l’avouer, la C3 1.4i 75 ch. n’aime vraiment pas la route, avec des performances trop justes et un niveau sonore qui devient trop vite élevé. A finition équivalente, la plus plaisante VTi 95 ch ne coûte que 600 € de plus. A méditer... (French) Citroën C3 1.4i Confort, 75 ch., 15 650 €

[@sicks6six]

Looks French, drives French, smells French. How French is that, and its art-deco inside. And the 1.4HDI returns 80MPG on the motorway, very French,

[@tyraela115]

Buy a DS3 then and you`ll know what I mean. + Matt has tested it aswell.

[@antonarset]

Just hope no brick or anything else will drop on it...

[@theunknown2090]

Whos here in 2024

[@swedishkev]

What gets me about this guys reviews, he always starts off showing the seat and steering wheel adjusts. Pretty pointless all modern cars have these adjustments. It's commonplace.

[@Max-fd4px]

Oh Matt on car buyer 8 years ago

[@notmasterchief]

Yeah 😃

[@stevehoshea2431]

all the reviews are the same concept and its boring, and his jokes are rubbish

[@bigzp9256]

I was watchin a tiktok vid Bout a guy finding out that feature of his c3

[@avelinkalipen3351]

nice one

[@cjosejunior]

O melhor carro já testado!!!

[@n--r--s--7___9___6]

🌟

[@Marcoshary]

Very nice! I just wish it would be more fun to drive!

[@BR0THAZ86]

No. My instructor has this car as a courtesy to replace his fiesta for a week and we both came to an agreement that the car was not very good to learn in. Hope this helps your decision.

[@rinal1315]

Brothyy why?

[@teslateslaslife1532]

His new KZbin channel carwow

[@georgedowns4034]

Yeh wat about it?

[@gianfrancololi2857]

it has no cup holders...

[@Hymer300]

+Gianfranco Loli End of the world

[@pognar]

Really is. I have one of these, really annoying.

[@gianfrancololi2857]

Hymer300 Sensei Asd Told ya.

[@harrycurrie9409]

Is there an interior light above the mirror?

[@s.schwarz3974]

@@harrycurrie9409 ...NO, 2 Bulbs next to the doors only!!

[@zioncollins5655]

just bought this car but it consumes so much fuel

[@fskwarek]

Depends on engine 1.4 diesel is quite economic

[@DimachkaS]

@newmabreu96 hahaah you tell 'im!

[@owenrobinson7436]

Uk cars

[@grahammatthews3933]

1

[@TruthDefender]

LE JET FIGHTER :)

[@johngamer7]

all that shit with the panoramic roof and everything + citroen = a banging soundtrack of rattles!

[@georgedowns4034]

Clearly u have never owned one then...

[@johngamer7]

@@georgedowns4034 If you own a citroen and don't think i'm right about this then you clearly never owned anything else...

[@georgedowns4034]

@@johngamer7 ok whatever u have ur opinion and I have mine. Deal with it and I will too ffs

[@johngamer7]

@@georgedowns4034 lmfao! who asked YOU??

[@janvyskrabka9]

👀👀💓

[@owenrobinson7436]

My favrouite vehcle is cars

[@tibsthefox]

Same

[@georgedowns4034]

My favourite trains is transport...

[@emillymoreira8576]

legaaaallllllllllllllllllll de mais eu pidi pramin preto com teto solar

[@georgedowns4034]

Black would not suit it.

[@newmabreu96]

não

[@newmabreu96]

não, só podias ser do brasil...

[@kostverloren050]

Your pants are to long

[@georgedowns4034]

U cannot see his pants...

[@TheZeledaki]

Why!!!

[@lashondaaddison3623]

This Barbi car mr.bell and the Gena cash gospel show is beating people up here so becareful it's a game show

[@cimm904]

;)

[@kiesesoza]

Very dangerous design flaw! So a car at some point will have either battery or alternator issues! Sad truth of motoring. Well if there’s a tiny drop in battery/alternator output the VERY 1st thing to fail is the POWER STEERING!!! On a cold morning starting up,headlights , front and rear window defrost can also drain and cause steering failure! The full electronic steering motor has its own ecu that can be reset with 3x ignition key on off on off on off then on and start should get power steering back but it doesn’t help if it fails while going around a sweeping bend in busy high street at 15-30 mph as it feels momentarily like steering has locked! Just make sure your battery, alternator are fully working and get fault codes to see if steering has failed prior.

[@5959512]

I enjoy microwaving my belly button lint

[@MrRedhondabadge]

The engine is gutless and coarse. After driving it for 30 mins, no amount of zenith moonroof or fancy dashboard made a difference.

[@miguelferreira4839]

my mazda2 2010 is bether in all specs😉