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 59%, based on 28 reviews as of March 2023, 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 hatch
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £12,995 on-road
Launched: Winter 2016/17
Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
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: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re looking for a supermini that prioritises comfort and efficiency, then the Citroen C3 is the one to have.” (Ben Custard)
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair
Score: 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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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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 Plus
Score: 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 review
Score: 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 Flair
Score: 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 Flair
Score: 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: 2021
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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 review
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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 Plus
Score: 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 Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“This French fancy isn’t like anything else – thankfully.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 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 Feel
Score: 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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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Some buyers drawn in by its funky looks will really gel with the Citroen C3’s relaxed way of doing things. It’s best enjoyed driven in a steady manner, where its refinement and perky engine can shine. Still, its cramped rear seats, so-so quality and disjointed driving experience mean there are better choices.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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 review
Score: 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 Flair
Score: 8 / 10
“So good looking you’ll forgive it its problems.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 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 overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Good but not great supermini for dynamics, but a thoroughly enjoyable object.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 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: Range overview
“The Citroën C3 certainly looks different, and it has its own unique way of doing things. For instance, it’s set up for comfort, so while it’s not exactly fun to drive, it does ride well. The C3 is far from being the most practical or spacious car in its class, though.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: March 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 59%
Safety assist: 58%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.2-litre petrol manual
Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.7 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 5 / 10
No eco rating
The Citroën C3 1.2-litre petrol manual received a three-star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021.
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.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 47
Average repair cost: £616.64
Last updated: March 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Citroën C3 has a good reliability score of 56%, according to extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. This data applies to both the current-generation Citroën C3 and previous (pre-2017) models.
The real stand-out problem that C3 owners report refer to the car’s engine. These faults are unfortunately the most expensive too, with an average repair bill of over £2,000.
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
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Citroën C3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
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