Citroen C3 Car Review

The Citroen C3 five-door hatchback is a new entry into the crowded small car segment, and one that comes with a big reputation from overseas.

The C3 has won car-of-the-year awards in Europe and was even voted the "world's most beautiful small car".

In Australia, the C3's pricing puts it at the upper end of the small car segment where it competes with recent new (and well regarded) arrivals such as the Honda Jazz, Mazda2 and Renault Clio.

Two versions of the C3 are available, the SX and Exclusive. Both are powered by a 1.4 litre single overhead camshaft engine that produces a fairly meagre 57 kW. Buyers have the choice of five-speed manual or four-speed-automatic transmission.

Later this year, a more powerful (82 kW) 1.6 litre version of the C3 will arrive, with the option of a five-speed-sequential-automatic gearbox.

Prices for the current C3 models start at $19,990 for an SX, with an Exclusive manual costing $20,990. Automatic is only available in the Exclusive and its price is $22,990.

The C3 is well specified in the areas of safety, security and convenience. Safetyequipment includes four airbags (dual front and front side), pyrotechnic front seat belt pretensioners and force limiters, three-point belts in all seating positions and automatic fuel shut-off when any of the airbags are deployed.

Also adding to the C3's safety are its superior roadholding and handling characteristics, its reportedly very strong body structure and the raised seating positions that allow for clear vision.

The Exclusive models further enhance the safety equation by including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, rain sensing windscreen wipers and front fog lights.

Both models come standard with air conditioning (climate control on the Exclusive), power front windows, electric power steering, a six-speaker sound system with CD player, power exterior mirrors, remote central locking, a "chilled" glovebox, split/fold rear seat, height and reach adjustable steering wheel and height adjustable headlights.

The C3 rates towards the top of its class on vehicle security, with a good quality immobiliser, a HF remote control central locking unit and transponder, and a function that automatically relocks the vehicle if it is left unlocked.

Inside the C3, there's plenty of front seat travel to accommodate long legs, but if all or most of the travel is utilized, rear leg space is minimal. The front seats are generally comfortable, though they don't provide much in the way of lateral support.

Although it's unlikely that three people would be occupying the rear seat on a regular basis, there are three head restraints and three lap/sash seat belts.

The C3's luggage area is relatively deep but it's not very long. The seat backrest is divided in a 60/40 split but the cushion doesn't fold, leaving a step-up in the load area.

With a tilt and telescopic steering wheel and a height adjustable seat, drivers of various sizes should be able to find a suitable driving position. However, some may find that the manual model's clutch and brake pedals are a bit too close together.

The 1.4 litre engine's meagre power output becomes obvious when you head the manual C3 up a few hills and it soon becomes necessary to change down into the lower gears to maintain momentum.

However in its more natural city and suburban environment, the 1.4 C3 gets along quite satisfactorily.

Judging from our release drive of the C3 range, the automatic version is no ball of fire either, even though in some respects its gearing seemed better suited to the engine's limited performance.

The 1.6 litre version's arrival will be welcome for the performance boost it will bring; however it probably won't be as economical as the frugal 1.4 litre.

Our test results put the 1.4 litre C3 in fifth spot on the list of most economical performers in NRMA tests, and third if the two hybrid vehicles that currently occupy first and third spots are discounted.

For many years, European cars have set benchmarks for their ride and handling qualities and the C3 is no exception. It handles well in all sorts of conditions, steers precisely and still provides a more comfortable ride than many of its small car rivals.