A sparkling city car that has been successful since 2016, the Citroën C3 is entering the second part of its career without any real bonus as the restyling brings few new features. Fortunately, it remains pleasant to drive and well equipped, especially in this 1.2 PureTech 110 version.
Test car: Citroën C3 1.2 PureTech 110 hp Shine EAT6
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From€ 22,000
no bonus |
The third generation of the Citroën C3 will have been the right one. Since its launch at the end of 2016, the seasoned city car has sold 850,000 copies. A good score for this C3 which had the good idea to stand out from the stars of the segment with its jovial face, bright colors and many possibilities for customization. 2020 is the time for restyling. The front part announces the change with a look inspired by the CXperience concept car (new LED headlamps and dual chrome ring) and Citroën plays on new possibilities of customization (97 combinations now!), Two new colors (Spring Blue and Red) Elixir) and two new sets of rims. On the other hand, almost nothing new inside the C3 phase 2, apart from a glossy effect on the touch screen (take out the magnifying glass!) and the Advanced Comfort front seats already seen on the restyled C4.
Citroën C3 phase 2 price
The transition to phase 2 is accompanied by a slight inflation of the tariff. The C3 range is now between € 15,200 and € 22,900. For this test, we have the Shine finish which appeals to C3 customers (38% of sales). The price is € 22,000 with the combination PureTech 110 and EAT6 gearbox. A pretty price, but the equipment of the Shine finish is full:
- 7 ” touch screen. Automatic air conditioning.
- 6 HP audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android auto.
- GPS navigation. Reversing radar.
- Automatic headlights and wipers.
- Sequential front windows. Leather steering wheel and knob.
- Biton roof. Shiny Black exterior decor. 16 ” alloy wheels
Driving
The range of engines is unchanged on the new C3. Only one diesel (BlueHDi 100) remains in the catalog for large rollers and companies. In essence, the entry level is provided by the PureTech 83 ch with services far too fair on the road. For true versatility, the PureTech 110 is to be preferred. It is available with the six-speed mechanical gearbox or the EAT6 automatic as on our test model. This three cylinder 1.2 turbo is well known on the PSA models. It brings tone and flexibility to the C3, especially in conjunction with the EAT6 gearbox which changes its gears smoothly and appropriately.
TO READ. Citroën C3 restyled, all tests
Softness remains the key word aboard the C3, which does not make any changes to its running gear. It therefore always leaves it to the Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 208 to carve out tight trajectories and prefers to play the card of comfort. On board the Citroën, driving is relaxed, relaxed and you can sit there like in an armchair with the armrest for the driver and the new Advanced Comfort seats which offer additional softness thanks to thicker foam (option at € 300).
Equipped from its launch with an arsenal of driving aids, the C3 now adds a front sensor to facilitate maneuvering parking (option). In the ambient tranquility of the cabin, there is always a disturbing element with the vibrations of the three-cylinder engine at low speed (the competition does better). And Citroën could have reviewed the management of the combination of EAT6 gearbox and Stop & Start very poorly calibrated since the launch: jerk when the engine is cut and slow restarting… This annoying operation encourages neutralization of the system via the touch screen.
On board the C3 Shine
Competetion
If the C3 is a great success, it did not however shake its French rivals, the Peugeot 208 NSenault Clio. And the balance of power will remain in favor of the latter because 208 and Clio were renewed in 2019. The Citroën will have other sticks in the wheels. It is attacked on the technological side by the new toyota yaris which offers a hybrid engine more and more in demand and on the budget side by the new Dacia Sandero which has just been revealed.
Citroën C3 2020 test report
The Citroën harmonizes its front face with future Citroëns like the new C4, but for the rest it is mostly satisfied with its achievements. In a very competitive category where the new Peugeot 208 and Renault Clio are gaining momentum, where Dacia is once again attacking customers attracted by low prices and where new technologies are arriving (Clio and Yaris hybrids, 208 electric), the Citroën C3 would have needed a little more novelty effect to catch the glances. More than ever, it will have to rely on its bright colors, its many possibilities of customization and its comfort to stand out.
TO READ. Buying guide: which versatile city car to choose in 2020?
WE love
- Comfort on board
- Presentation and personalization
- Shine equipment
- Pleasant and invigorating PureTech 110 engine
We regret
- Little novelty effect in the face of competition
- Low speed motor vibration level
- Slow and noisy stop & start
