The Citroen C3 Picked Comfort Over Everything Else, Again
All three reviews land on a shared conclusion: this is a car that knows exactly what it's optimising for, and driving enjoyment simply isn't it.
A Different Set of Priorities, On Purpose
Most rivals in this class try to balance comfort against sharper handling. This one leans almost entirely one way, betting that a genuinely relaxed ride matters more to real buyers than cornering precision — and reviewers keep confirming that bet mostly pays off.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Small hatchback (SUV-styled) |
|---|---|
| Powertrains | 1.2L turbo petrol (99bhp), mild-hybrid (108bhp), fully electric ë-C3 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (hybrid) |
| 0–62mph | 11.2 sec (petrol) / 10.6 sec (hybrid) |
| Boot space | 310 litres |
| Price range (new) | From around £18,805 |
Full Review Summary
What Car?
What Car? recommended the entry-level 99bhp petrol engine, finding it punchy enough for motorway merges and rating the smooth, precise six-speed manual gearbox highly. They were direct that this isn't a fun car to drive, noting body lean through bends and steering that doesn't build weight predictably as speed increases, and pointed anyone wanting more dynamic sparkle toward a Renault Clio or Seat Ibiza instead. Interior materials were rated as mostly hard and unforgiving despite generous cabin space.
Top Gear
Top Gear praised the distinctive SUV-inspired styling as a genuine point of difference against blander rivals like the Mazda 2 and Suzuki Swift, noting the car grew nearly 10cm taller than its predecessor while keeping the same footprint. They liked the clever head-up display projected onto a panel beneath the windscreen and found pricing aggressively competitive across petrol, hybrid and electric versions alike. Their one significant caveat was a "do not drive" recall notice affecting some early production cars, worth checking before buying.
Autocar
Autocar's road test praised a genuinely improved manual gearbox and clutch feel compared with previous Citroën superminis, describing the shift action as having real tactility rather than the vague, imprecise character older models were known for. They rated the new Smart Car platform's cost savings as a genuine win for buyers, helping the C3 undercut even the entry-level Renault Clio, and welcomed retained physical climate controls alongside a deliberately simple touchscreen system.
Strengths
- Genuinely comfortable, relaxed ride
- Distinctive styling that stands out from rivals
- Aggressively competitive pricing
- Improved manual gearbox feel over previous generations
Weak points
- Not an engaging car to drive
- Hard, unforgiving interior plastics
- Noticeable body lean and vague steering feedback
- Some early cars affected by a recall notice
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who prioritise a comfortable, relaxed ride and distinctive looks over driving enjoyment or premium interior materials. If handling precision matters to you, a Clio or Ibiza will serve you better for similar money.