Citroen's third generation C3 supermini is a crucial car for the French brand and must be more interesting and likeable than its sensible predecessor. Can it deliver? Jonathan Crouch checks it out.

Ten Second Review

Citroen's C3 supermini has always focused on comfort and value. But then so does every other supermini. To survive in the tightly fought small car segment, it must offer more in MK3 model guise and do so with a dash of Gallic flair. There were signs that Citroen could still offer that with its C4 Cactus Crossover model of 2014 and that impetus seems to have been continued here.

Background

What should a modern Citroen be? Not like the second generation C3 supermini, that's for sure. Today to survive, the brand 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. The look is unique, can be embellished by a two-tone paint option and incorporates the unusual 'Airbump' side panels we first saw on the brand's C4 Cactus crossover model. Plus there's some interesting technology that you won't have seen before on this class of car.

Driving Experience

Though much has changed about this third generation C3, few of the differences can be found beneath the bonnet. First up at the bottom of the range is a 1.0-litre 68bhp unit that needs to be revved quite hard if you're to get anywhere near the quoted performance figures. Much better is the 1.2-litre version of this unit which offers either 82 or 110bhp and delivers the same distinctive three cylinder thrum but accompanies it with pokier performance. It also gives you the option of the brand's ETG semi-automatic gearbox. As for the BlueHDi diesel options, well there are two main ones. Most potential buyers will be looking at the 75bhp variant but a 100bhp version of this frugal unit is also offered.

Design and Build

The idea here is to offer supermini buyers a little more energy and personality and that's broadly what's delivered. At 3.99m in length, this car is slightly smaller than some of its rivals, but it's more interesting to look at. At the front, there's the distinctive two-tier front light signature we first saw on the current C4 Picasso. Double chrome strips extend from the double-chevron badge and go all the way across to slick LED daytime running lights.

In profile, the black windscreen pillars and floating roof aim to accentuate the more dynamic shape. There's a deliberately high bonnet line, short overhangs, 3D rear lights and wheelarches fitted with extensions for a crossover-style look. Even more noteworthy are the 'Airbump' side panels - black plastic strips with air-filled bumps that look individual and create a scratch-proof surface to guard the bodywork from minor scratches and dents.

Market and Model

Expect pricing to be typical for the supermini segment, which means that most variants will be sold in the £13,000 to £18,000 bracket. Potential buyers will need to make sure that they leave some budget aside for personalisation. There's a choice of four cabin finishes - Citroen calls them 'moods' - plus there are some really clever optional touches. Of these, our favourite is the 'ConnectedCAM Citroen' system. Here, you get a forward-facing two-megapixel, GPS-enabled camera mounted in the rear-view mirror. It's there for two reasons; sensibility and fun. The 'sense' bit lies in its capability to record any traffic incidents or accidents, since it activates in an impact and stores the preceding 30 seconds and following 60 seconds.

However, there's a fun purpose too, given that the driver can also click a button to safely take exterior photos or videos of the view through the windscreen and then share this content through social networks.

We also like the Citroen Connect Nav system that comes with a 7-inch touchscreen and ties into connected services like TomTom traffic. This display also incorporates Mirror Screen technology which enables owners to you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems to link in their smartphones and use selected apps on the move.

Cost of Ownership

Almost every fashionable type of technology has been thrown at this car to drive its running costs down and, as you'd expect, the best returns can be achieved from the BlueHDi diesel models. Go for the entry-level BlueHDi 75 variant and you can expect over 80mpg on the combined cycle and around 90g/km of CO2. If you're able to stretch to the top BlueHDi 100 model, then the figures are even better - nearly 85mpg being possible if you're careful.

In the Pure Tech petrol range, the entry-level 68bhp 1.0-litre unit delivers around 65mpg on the combined cycle and under 100g/km of CO2, while even the far pokier 1.2-litre VTi 82bhp unit manages over 60mpg in regular use.

Summary

This third generation C3 supermini is a far more buyable prospect. True, as superminis go, this isn't an orthodox choice, but then that's part of its appeal. In time honoured Citroen fashion, a C3 is just that little bit different, with smart, slightly quirky looks and some fun aesthetic options if you want them.

The interior's different too and we like the extra media connectivity and the clever ConnectedCAM system. Overall then, the C3 is at last a strong contender in the supermini marketplace. Best of all perhaps, it's a car that's distinctively Citroen.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Citroen C3

PRICES: £13,000-£18,000 [est] – on the road

INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-19 [est]

CO2 EMISSIONS: 87-110g/km [est]

PERFORMANCE: [BlueHDi 75] Maximum speed 113mph / 0-62mph 11.3s [est]

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [BlueHDi 75] (combined) 80mpg [est]

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm 3990/1750/1470

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