WHAT IS IT?
The C3 is a familiar badge for Citroën, but with this latest generation it has changed the style and appeal of the little car, as it has morphed from a compact hatch into a compact crossover. And as you know, a crossover is a car that crosses into the SUV segment – the biggest segment in SA these days.
WHY THIS?
Petrol price. Interest rates. Sluggish economy. These are a few reasons why you might decide to look at a car like the C3. Funky. Cheerful. Stylish. Fun. These are others. Whatever the reasons, the C3 is deserving of your attention.
OUTSIDE
This is a very French, very Citroën car, standing out from the norm and exuding a cheeky character bigger than its physical dimensions. If you compare it to the Suzuki Jimny, you’ll see two very different interpretations of the SUV. Where one has gone uber-rugged (not the C3), the other has taken subtle cues from the SUV and applied it to what is otherwise a simple hatchback. Both work.
The front end of the C3 is gorgeous, with its array of lights and long Citroën badge, while the higher ground clearance and roof rails point to its urban-SUV status. I love that you can choose to have your C3 come with bright orange roof and highlights for an even more distinctive appearance.
INSIDE
This is a refreshing, fun and classy cabin, with a big information screen dominating the centre of the dash. Funky styling cues like the textured dash panel and metallic obloid air vents are balanced with a practical, user-friendly layout of the controls.
The two-tone cloth seats are comfy and supportive, while the steering wheel feels good under hand and also has controls for the infotainment system. Standard features include aircon, electric windows, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB slots front and rear, and good storage compartments including bottle holders that will fit a full 1L bottle. It also has two front airbags.
THE DRIVE
Peppy and nippy rather than fast, the C3 uses a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine for power. Producing 61kW and 115Nm, it’s not going to get you into too much trouble with the traffic cops, but the flipside is fuel consumption of just 5.6L/100km.
With a height-adjustable driver’s seat, it’s easy to get comfortable and the driving position is nice and upright. In terms of drive comfort, the C3 is impressive, but it is also loads of fun to drive in and around town as well as on your favourite twisty road or even dirt road. ABS braking with electronic brakeforce distribution is standard.
FINAL WORD
If you’re looking for a car that will put a smile on your face, the C3 must be one of the frontrunners. It’s got substance too, as the various awards on its mantelpiece indicate (Urban Car of the Year and a SA Car of the Year Finalist, for starters). All in all, it’s hard to fault and easy to recommend.
GO GET IT
Starting at R236 900, the Citroën C3 is one of the most affordable cars on the South African market right now. Despite this it still comes with a 2-year/30 000km service plan and 5-year/100 000km warranty. Visit www.citroen.co.za for more.
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