2016 - 2023 Citroen C3 Hatchback Review
A guide to buying the 2016-2023 Citroen C3 supermini
Review
What’s it like?
The Citroen C3 is a very likeable small hatchback – it’s compact but practical, comfortable yet fun to drive, and the styling help it stand out from its peers. Sold with an array of economical engines, the third-generation C3 placed the emphasis on a smooth ride before any sharp handling, but with its classy, eye-catching passenger compartment and plenty of useful equipment, it makes for a strong contender as an affordable runaround.
Of course, there are plenty of alternatives to the C3, beyond the ‘big three’ of Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa and Volkswagen Polo. Peugeot used the same underpinnings as Citroen to make the stylish 208, which provides a sharper drive, while there’s also the sporty SEAT Ibiza, practical Skoda Fabia and economical Toyota Yaris to consider. Further potentials include the Honda Jazz, Nissan Micra, Renault Clio and the overtly stylish MINI family, while you could also throw a few smaller city cars into the mix – like the Fiat 500 or Hyundai i10. However, they won’t have the interior space and comfort levels of the C3.
Which model to go for?
Citroen kept things simple, using one 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine on the one hand and then a pair of almost identical diesels on the other. In terms of the petrol option, it’s badged PureTech across the board, although there are 69- and 82hp models that are not fitted with a turbocharger, and then a 110hp variant which was. We’d advocate looking for the latter, as its considerable extra torque makes it easier to keep up with traffic flow on the move – and it’s not even any worse on fuel than the normally aspirated versions.
For the four-cylinder turbodiesels, a 99hp 1.6-litre BlueHDi unit was replaced with a 102hp 1.5-litre engine in 2018, about the time that Citroen dropped the 69hp PureTech petrol unit. All early cars – that is, up to the 2018 changes – use five-speed manual gearboxes, but from 2018 onwards, both the turbocharged 110hp PureTech and the 1.5 BlueHDi were fitted with six-speed manuals. Only the 110hp petrol model came with the option of an automatic, a six-speed transmission badged EAT6.
All Citroen C3s are front-wheel drive and there was never a performance version of the C3. The exclusive body shape for it was a five-seat, five-door hatchback, complete with a sizeable (for this class) 300-litre boot.
Citroen Ireland sold the C3 in Touch, Feel and Flair specifications originally, with even basic cars featuring Bluetooth, cruise control, lane departure warning and a USB connection for the stereo system. However, it only took a step up to Feel level to enjoy luxuries such as air conditioning, alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment and LED daytime running lamps, so you’ll find lots of examples of second-hand C3 are in this trim. The Citroen’s distinctive protective ‘AirBumps’ on the door were standard fit on top-spec Flair cars, or part of a optional Style pack on Feel-grade C3s. In 2020, the grades changed slightly, to Feel, Feel Exclusive and Flair, but the equipment levels were broadly the same.
Does anything go wrong?
Mechanically quite simple, especially the non-turbo models, the third-gen C3 seems to be holding up well. There aren’t any widely known major faults with it, so as long as the car you’re looking at has a solid service history and feels mechanically sound, you should have no problems with it. Watch for tired-looking examples, as previous owners may have driven the car as a ‘disposable’ item and not paid for the best upkeep.
There have been six recalls for the C3 Mk3: two for curtain airbags, one for a potential engine fault, another for incorrectly fitted steering joints, a fifth for excessive exhaust emissions, and a final one for incorrect steering geometry. In many of these cases, the recalls in question affected a tiny number of cars – 10 or 12 only – so you’d be unlikely to encounter them.