Citroën C3 - TopCarNews

Citroën C3 (2017 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Citroën C3 is a small supermini-class five-door hatchback. The current model was launched in the summer of 2016 before going on sale in the UK in early 2017. A mid-life update arrived in showrooms in the second half of 2020, which consisted of revised specifications and updated engines.

The C3 has received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, with scores ranging from poor to above average. Its overall Expert Rating of 61%, based on 27 reviews as of October 2021, places it in the bottom half of the supermini category and well behind the scores of the class leaders.

The Citroën C3 has received particular praise for its distinctive design and many personalistion options, but has been criticised for poor driving dynamics and limited practicality compared to more conventional rivals.

Key specifications

Body style: Small five-door hatchEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £15,305 on-road

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Launched: Winter 2016/17Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Citroën C3 (2017)

Citroën C3 (2020 facelift)

Citroën C3 (2017)

Citroën C3 (2020 facelift)

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Score: 8 / 10“The new C3 adds a distinctive option to the supermini market, but not at the expense of practicality with many plusses and few minuses.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual FlairScore: 8 / 10“Make sure you get the newest of the new Citroen C3s to benefit from the latest, most efficient engines. We like its focus on comfort, its quirky styling, and there’s decent space on offer, too. It’s not the last word in quality inside, nor the most fun car to drive, but it’s still a supermini worth considering.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The efficient Citroën C3 brings personalisation to the masses in the supermini class.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.8 / 10“The Citroën C3 certainly isn’t a class leader among the very impressive array of superminis on offer in today’s market, because – looks aside – it doesn’t really dazzle in any single area. It is, however, a very charming and likeable little car, with bags of style and some fairly tempting equipment.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair PlusScore: 7 / 10“Refreshed and more customisable supermini feels bigger than it looks, which doesn’t always work in its favour.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7 / 10“Dynamically challenged, but cheery design makes the Citroën C3 interesting.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual 110 FlairScore: 8 / 10“Citroën has done a great job here – the new C3 is comfortable, engaging, roomy and economical.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 110 FlairScore: 8 / 10“The Citroën C3 feels a little different, with its chunky, characterful and cohesive design, emphasis on comfort, and relevance to youthful customers. If that sounds like your kind of car, then the charming C3 is well worth a look.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2021Score: 8 / 10“When it comes to ease of use and comfort, the Citroen C3 is pretty hard to beat for a small car.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“While it might not be the last word in driving fun, the Citroën C3 is a charming, practical and affordable supermini that more than holds its own in the crowded supermini class.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“The Citroen C3 is now just as quirky as iconic models from the French firm’s past, boasting novel features that help it stand out.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Citroën C3 has quirky looks and a cabin that’s comfortable unless you’re a tall person in the back. However, it’s hard to drive smoothly in town and the infotainment system is clunky.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Flair+“Nothing dramatic, but the Citroën C3 maintains its place among buyers that prioritise comfort over driving pleasure.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair PlusScore: 6 / 10“If you want a supermini that’s fun to drive, buy a Ford Fiesta. If you want comfort, I’d pick a Citroën C3 in Flair spec with the optional seats and a fun colour combo.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair PlusScore: 8 / 10“This French fancy isn’t like anything else – thankfully.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7 / 10“There’s nothing else in the class that’s quite as characterful looking as the Citroën C3, with its round-cornered rectangle motifs all over and its ability to sit outside the regular mainstream/premium hierarchy.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 82 FeelScore: 7 / 10“The Citroën C3 has gained more character and it does most things competently for a car in this class. It has a comfortable ride, but beyond that it doesn’t really have a stand-out unique differentiation.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“If you’re more interested in style, customisation and comfort than sporty driving, then the Citroën C3 is a great choice of small hatchback. It’s surprisingly practical, with a spacious, airy cabin, plus it’s reasonably priced and should prove affordable to run.”
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“The new C3 works on a lot of levels. It’s interesting and different to look at. It can be personalised. It’s very comfortable. It’s reasonably spacious. The interior is sensibly thought out.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Inside, the latest Citroën C3 is a much more interesting place to be than before thanks to design tweaks and although it may not be as dynamic looking as some of its rivals, it is both comfortable and customisable, so customers can give it their own personal twist.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“French Fiesta fighter is a quirkily appealing alternative.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range review“Fresh, fun and full of smiles per gallon.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 110 FlairScore: 8 / 10“So good looking you’ll forgive it its problems.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“On the one hand, the C3 is no better than average to drive and is on the small side for passengers. However, while the Ford Fiesta and Skoda Fabia remain better all-rounders, we can see why you’d be tempted by Citroën’s quirky styling.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Good but not great supermini for dynamics, but a thoroughly enjoyable object.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 4 / 10“With its funky looks, the Citroën C3 does a great job of turning heads. However, it’s poor to drive and not very practical, so any number of rivals are more recommendable on an objective level.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Score: 5.8 / 10“The C3 certainly looks different, and it has its own unique way of doing things.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 4 stars
Date tested: March 2017

88%

ADULT OCCUPANT

83%

CHILD OCCUPANT

59%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

58%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Citroën C3 1.2-litre petrol manual received a three-star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. We are currently updating our Euro NCAP database, as the organisation changed its rating system and we need to change our database accordingly to be able to display the new scores.

Green NCAP said: “The car is equipped with limited exhaust after-treatment – only a three-way catalyst – but manages to turn in a creditable performance nevertheless. Its control of pollutant emissions is, on the whole, quite good. A gasoline particulate filter would help to reduce particulate emissions and, when stretched, such as in the cold ambient temperature test, this is an area that suffers.

“But the car shows balanced performance across the three areas of assessment, with similar index values in each one, and emerges with a three-star Green NCAP rating.”

This rating only applies to the 1.2-litre petrol (PureTech) engine with a manual gearbox, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Citroën C3 has received

2018

FirstCar Awards – Driving Instructor Car of the Year

2017

Fleet News Awards – Best Small Car
Contract Hire and Leasing.com Awards – Supermini of the Year

2016

BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards – Best Urbanite

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