The Citroën C3 is one of the most appealing city cars, especially for women, thanks to its design and practicality. The tested 2019 model with the 1.2 PureTech 60 kW (82 hp) engine in the Elle trim and a mileage of 51,000 km still performs admirably after five years of urban use.

Modest yet sufficient

The 1.2 PureTech engine with 60 kW might seem weak on paper, but the lightweight body (980 kg) ensures adequate performance for city driving. The indirect fuel injection is perfect for frequent short trips, handling them without any issues. The three-cylinder design brings typical vibrations and a distinctive sound at low revs, but overall, the engine is smooth and offers a pleasantly gradual power delivery.

The 5-speed manual gearbox is precise, though with longer shifts, and the clutch pedal operation is exemplary. Smooth starts are easy, and the C3 significantly outshines competitors like the Hyundai i20, which often struggles with inconsistent clutch behavior. Achieving an average fuel consumption of around 5.5 liters is straightforward, with careful driving even dropping below 5 liters.

A true French ride

The Citroën C3 epitomizes the French approach to a smooth and comfortable drive. The soft suspension absorbs bumps well, and with 205/55 R16 tires, it offers a calm and relaxing ride. Stylish wheels with plastic hubcaps imitating alloys add flair, while minor curb scratches won’t be as bothersome. The rear torsion beam suspension is low-maintenance, though it shows its limits on sharp bumps in corners—but no one buys this car with sporty ambitions.

Chic French styling

The C3’s standout feature is its black plastic airbumps and bold cladding, which enhance resistance to scratches and minor mishaps, making the car look larger than it actually is. As a result, the painted body panels remain in excellent condition even after five years, and the robust design exudes confidence: “I’m a small, big city SUV!”

What’s inside?

The front seats offer ample space, with the driver’s seat adjustable to a high position. While the steering wheel is only height-adjustable, overall ergonomics are good. The seats are soft and comfortable, complementing the car’s overall cozy feel. Rear seats are better suited for kids, though two adults can manage shorter trips.

The 300-liter trunk is practical with its regular shape, though the high loading lip may be inconvenient, especially for women. The interior features mostly hard plastics, but fabric and colorful elements elevate the overall impression. The air conditioning controls, with classic rotary dials, are user-friendly. While unlit at night, they are more practical than the slow and less intuitive touchscreen.

What does Elle mean?

The Elle trim includes a multifunction steering wheel with physical buttons, power windows all around, tinted windows, and pink accents inside and out, emphasizing its appeal to women. The cruise control, operated via a sturdy stalk below the steering wheel, works only in fourth and fifth gear, limiting its use in urban settings. Lane-keeping assist is acoustic only but can be deactivated without resetting it after each start.

Lighting that completes the design

The front halogen headlights are cost-effective for bulb replacements and provide adequate illumination. LED daytime running lights and rear lights with classic bulbs feature modern designs.

A used C3 can be found for as low as 150,000 CZK, offering great value for a car that still has years of reliable service ahead.

Overall rating

The Citroën C3 is a perfect choice for those seeking an affordable and stylish city car. Its extensive cladding ensures resistance to scratches and prevents rust. Regular oil changes every year or 10,000 km guarantee the engine’s longevity, as recommended by the manufacturer.

With a wide selection of used options and a new-generation model priced at around half a million CZK, it’s a fantastic deal (the tested car cost 259,000 CZK in 2019).

Alternative engine options

Other engines available on the used market include:

– 1.2 PureTech (50 kW, 68 hp): A basic version with lower power but reliable performance.

– 1.2 PureTech (60 kW, 82 hp): The tested engine, ideally balancing performance and reliability.

– 1.2 PureTech (81 kW, 110 hp): A turbocharged engine with direct injection, less suited for short trips but available with automatic transmission.

– 1.5 HDi (75 kW, 102 hp): A diesel option, better for longer trips, though diesel is less practical in low-consumption, city-focused cars.

Source: cars-stories

Foto: cars-stories