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Citroën C3

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Expert Rating

Citroën C3

(2017 - present)

    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


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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    Motors.co.uk

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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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

    Clean Air Index: 4.8 / 10
    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

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    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    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 3Mini hatch | Mitsubishi MirageNissan Micra | Peugeot 208Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda FabiaSuzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo

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    The Citroën C3 has received mixed UK media reviews, with our overall Expert Rating aggregator ranking it in the midfield of the supermini category.Citroën C3