Citroen C3 (2002 – 2010) Review
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Citroen C3 (2002 – 2010) At A Glance
Clever design for the boot floor. Four-star crash test rating. Good balance of ride comfort and roadholding.
Adults will find the rear seats cramped. Flimsy trim. Mechanical problems, including Sensodrive.
If you're looking for the newer model, you'll need our Citroen C3 review.
Small car buyers are being spoiled for choice. First we had the pretty Peugeot 206. Then the Toyota Yaris, which hugely raised our expectations. Then the Skoda Fabia. And, this year, all in a rush, the Honda Jazz, the new Ford Fiesta, the new VW Polo and now the Citröen C3.
There are a few more to come, in the forms of the new SEAT Ibiza and new Nissan Micra. But here I'm going to concentrate on the cutely curvaceous Citröen C3, which arrives in the UK late April to early May.
You'll either like the shape or you won't. But you can't accuse Citröen of building boring cars that look like everyone else's. I quite like it, but the sharply fall-away front means you drive the windscreen rather than the front wings of the car.
Reviews for Citroen C3 (2002 – 2010)'s top 3 rivals
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Citroen C3 (2002 – 2010) interior
- Boot space is 282–1160 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of four stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3860–3941 mm |
| Width | 1667–1986 mm |
| Height | 1510–1538 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2451–2466 mm |
The cockpit is really nice. Seats and steering wheel both adjust for height and reach, so everyone from four foot six to six foot four should be able to find a decent driving position. The dash itself is digital, with a central large speed display and a sort of wraparound rev counter, with engine temperature and fuel contents measured by stacked LEDs rather than fiddly needles and gauges.
The electric door mirrors fold electrically, which is very handy for anyone with a narrow garage and for parking on narrow streets. Acoustic parking is provided by optional reverse distance bleepers rather than the crunch of plastic bumpers. If cruise control is fitted it's controlled from the steering wheel, with a button to set a speed alarm. There are plenty of storage places and cubbies, including a pair of drawers under the front seats. Cupholders abound and, as part of a special option pack for keeping children happy there are small folding trays on the backs of the front seats.
Citröen has been particularly clever about the 305 litre boot, which is very deep and carries a full-size spare wheel in a well inside rather than on a wire frame slung underneath. To make life easier for all of us, the boot has a split-folding false floor, which raises load height to sill height and gives a flat floor when the back seats are folded. Bottles, bags and all the things that fall over and spill in a conventional boot can be kept upright and safe by this 'Moduboard'.
Though everyone sits upright, the big disappointment about the interior is a surprising lack of legroom and headroom in the back. Kids will have no problem, but a six footer cannot comfortably sit behind himself and may well find his hair rubbing on the ceiling.
Safety is well covered by standard ABS with EBD, automatic hazard lights under emergency braking, a big dashboard button to lock and unlock the rear doors, and, of course, five lap and diagonal seatbelts, plus front and front curtain airbags.
Citroen C3 (2002 – 2010) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3860–3941 mm |
| Width | 1667–1986 mm |
| Height | 1510–1538 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2451–2466 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1010–1183 kg |
| Boot Space | 282–1160 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12500–20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Full-size spare wheel / Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £9,395–£16,840 |
| Insurance Groups | 4–19 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–G |
| Official MPG | 40.1–74.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4 |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | 4 |
On sale until April 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive 1.6 16v VTi Auto 120 5dr | £16,250 | 42.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| VT 1.4 HDi 16v 70 5dr | £13,230 | 74.3 mpg | 13.5 s |
| VTR+ 1.4 HDi 16v 70 5dr | £14,590 | 72.4 mpg | 13.5 s |
On sale until September 2014
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive 1.6 16v VTi 120 5dr | £15,250 | 49.6 mpg | 8.9 s |
On sale until September 2013
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| VTR+ 1.4 16v VTi EGS 5dr Auto | £14,150 | 51.4 mpg | 13.2 s |
On sale until September 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive 1.4 16v VTi 5dr | £14,790 | 48.7 mpg | 10.6 s |
| VTR+ 1.4 16v 5dr | £13,890 | 47.9 mpg | 10.6 s |
| VTR+ 1.4i 8v 5dr | £13,390 | 47.1 mpg | 14.2 s |
On sale until December 2011
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4i 8v VT 5dr | £12,290 | 47.1 mpg | 14.2 s |
On sale until October 2011
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 16v HDi (110hp) Exclusive 5dr | £16,840 | 64.2 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 1.6 16v HDi Airdream+ 5dr | £15,190 | 74.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
| 1.6 16v HDi Exclusive 5dr | £15,890 | 70.6 mpg | 11.3 s |
On sale until January 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.1i First 5dr | £10,790 | 47.1 mpg | 15.9 s |
On sale until October 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.1i VT 5dr | £10,840 | 47.1 mpg | 15.9 s |
| 1.4i 8v VTR 5dr | £11,945 | 46.3 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 1.6i 16v Auto Exclusive 5dr | £14,445 | - | - |
On sale until May 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 HDi VT 5dr | £11,445 | 64.2 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.4i 16v Exclusive 5dr | £12,545 | 45.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.4i 16v SensoDrive Stop & Start VTR 5dr | £12,645 | 49.6 mpg | 13.0 s |
| 1.4i 16v VTR 5dr | £11,745 | 45.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v Exclusive 5dr | £13,245 | 64.2 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v VTR 5dr | £12,445 | 64.2 mpg | 10.8 s |
On sale until December 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.1i Vibe 5dr | £9,688 | 47.1 mpg | 15.9 s |
| 1.4 HDi Rhythm 5dr | £11,448 | 64.2 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.4 HDi Vibe 5dr | £10,959 | 64.2 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.4i 16v Rhythm 5dr | £11,156 | 45.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.4i 16v SensoDrive Stop & Start Rhythm 5dr | £12,037 | 49.6 mpg | 13.0 s |
| 1.4i 8v Rhythm 5dr | £10,667 | 46.3 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 1.4i 8v Vibe 5dr | £10,178 | 46.3 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v Rhythm 5dr | £11,840 | 64.2 mpg | 10.8 s |
On sale until October 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4i SX 5dr | £11,195 | 46.3 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 1.6i 16v SX Auto 5dr | £12,595 | - | - |
On sale until June 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.1i Desire 5dr | £10,195 | 47.1 mpg | 15.9 s |
| 1.1i L 5dr | £9,395 | 47.1 mpg | 15.9 s |
| 1.4 HDi Desire 5dr | £11,385 | 64.2 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.4 HDi L 5dr | £10,695 | 64.2 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.4i Desire 5dr | £10,695 | 46.3 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v Exclusive 5dr | £13,195 | 64.2 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v SX 5dr | £12,495 | 64.2 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v VTR 5dr | £13,495 | 62.8 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.6i 16v Exclusive SensoDrive 5dr | £13,095 | 45.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
| 1.6i 16v VTR 5dr | £12,895 | 43.5 mpg | 10.0 s |
On sale until April 2006
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4i 16v XTR SensoDrive 5dr | £12,040 | 47.1 mpg | 13.0 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v XTR 5dr | £12,960 | 64.2 mpg | 10.8 s |
Model History
- February 2002: Citroen C3 launched
- September 2005: Citroen C3 facelifted
- July 2008: Citroen C3 given a range refresh
February 2002
Citroen C3 launched
Small car from Citroen in 5-door format. Dimensions of the 5-door in the photo: length 3,815mm (12 ft 6in); width 1,670mm (5 ft 6in); height: 1,520mm (5ft 0in). (Shorter, but four inches higher than Ford Fiesta.)
Luggage volume is 305 litres to the parcel shelf with the rear seats up (slightly greater than the new Fiesta) with a clever modular floor to keep things in place.
Five different engines. Most interesting are the two PSA/Ford 1,399cc aluminium block, common rail direct-injected HDI diesels. Power output of the 8 valve HDI is 70bhp with 150Nm (111 lb ft) torque. Power output of the 16 valve HDI coming later is 92bhp with 200Nm (148 lb ft) torque. With 65bhp per litre, this is the most efficient engine available in cars of the C3's size. 1.4 HDI 70bhp emits just 110g/km CO2 and qualifies for £80pa VED from April 2002. 1.4 HDI 92bhp launched June 2002. Does 65.7mpg combined, emits 112g/km CO2 (£80pa VED), gets to 60 in 11.4 seconds and goes on to 110mph.
The 1.1 litre petrol engine develops 61bhp at 5,500rpm and 94Nm (69 lb ft) torque at 3,400rpm. The 1.4i petrol engine develops 75bhp at 5,500rpm and 120Nm (89 lb ft) torque at 3,400rpm. While the 1.6i 16v puts out 110bhp at 5,750rpm with 147Nm (108 lb ft) torque at 4,000 rpm. Optional with the 1.4 engine is the AL4 auto-adaptive automatic transmission featuring three operating programmes with the option of manual sequential shift override.
Standard equipment on all models includes electric power steering, ABS with EBD, six airbags, Multiplex wiring, two gloveboxes, dash 12v socket, passenger and driver's seat under-drawers, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver's seat, central locking and 60/40 split rear seat. Options include brake assist with automatic hazard warning lights; a large electric glass sunroof; manual or automatic air-conditioning; electronic park assist; and a 'Child Pack' of a special mirror for watching children in the back seat, electric de-activation of the rear child locks, 12 volt rear socket for games machines and folding trays on the backs of the front seats. 1.6i 16v 5-speed Sensodrive from November 2002 is an electric clutch manual with steering wheel paddle shifters.
Official insurance groups and prices are
- 1.4iLX IG 3E Price £8,995
- 1.4iSX IG 3E Price £9,995
- 1.4iSX auto IG 3E Price £11,215
- 1.6i 16v Exclusive IG 3E Price £11,995
- 1.6i 16v Exclusive Sensodrive IG3E Price £12,495
- 1.4 HDI 70 LX IG 3E Price £9,995
- 1.4 HDI 70 SX IG 3E Price £10,995
- 1.4 HDI 92 SX IG 4E Price £11,295
- 1.4 HDI 70 Exclusive IG 4E Price £11,995
- 1.4 HDI 92 Exclusive IG 5E Price £12,295
'Sensodrive' paddle shift electric clutch 5-speed with 110bhp 1.6 16v for 2003 at discounted prices from just over £10k. Additional 90bhp. 98 lb ft torque 1.4i 16v SX Sensodrive from February 2004 at £9,542 after 'VAT Back' offer, and Sensodrive available with 1.4HDI engine.
Stop/start system introduced. Cuts off engine when you brake, then restarts instantly you press the accelerator again, or when you apply the parking brake when in gear.
September 2005
Citroen C3 facelifted
1.6HDi 110hp diesel engine introduced. 2006 C3’s redesigned front end features more imposing bumper, wider lower air intake, single air intake slit below the restyled radiator grille and a re-positioned number plate. The rear is brightened up by the newly designed lights with crystal coloured section, while new 16" alloys and 15" embellishers can provide the finishing touches. Passenger compartment enhanced with the fitting of a restyled dashboard with high-quality finish, as well as a new, modern instrument cluster making the driver information easier to read.
Smart, light metallic grey embellishers around the central section of the fascia and air vents contribute to the updated interior, as do the completely re-designed front and rear door panels and trims. Steering improved so it weights up with speed. Sensodrive change points a bit more friendly. 1.6HDi 110hp engine combines useable low-rev pulling power (240Nm at just 1,750rpm) with fuel economy of almost 63mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 120g/km. A built-in overboost function delivers an additional 20Nm of torque when short bursts of acceleration are needed. Goes, steers and handles really well.
July 2008
Citroen C3 given a range refresh
Now three trim levels - Vibe, Rhythm and Exclusive - with equipment upgrades and updated colours. ‘Stop & Start’ now available on the C3 Rhythm model, which also feature air conditioning, rain sensitive wipers, automatic headlamps, front folding armrests, front seat back pockets and aluminium effect exterior door handles.
Rhythm also benefits from new equipment, including lateral airbags, fog lights, body-coloured front and rear bumpers and side rubbing strips, new interior trim and the option of a full size electric glass sunroof, perfect for those sunny summer days. 1.6HDi 92bhp offered in Rhythm trim level, delivering enhanced performance with CO2 emissions of only 118g/km. Upgraded engines are also available on the C3 Vibe - 1.1i 61bhp, 1.4i 75bhp and a 1.4 HDi 70bhp, which also benefits from MP3-CD compatibility as standard.
- Citroën C3 Vibe 1.1i 61hp 143 g/km £9,695.00
- Citroën C3 Vibe 1.4i 8V 75hp 145 g/km £10,195.00
- Citroën C3 Vibe 1.4HDi 70hp 115 g/km £10,995.00
- Citroën C3 Rhythm 1.4 8V 75hp 145 g/km £10,695.00
- Citroën C3 Rhythm 1.4i 16V 90hp 148 g/km £11,195.00
- Citroën C3 Rhythm 1.4i 16V 90hp Stop & Start 135 g/km £12,095.00
- Citroën C3 Rhythm 1.4HDi 70hp 115 g/km £11,495.00
- Citroën C3 Rhythm 1.6HDi 16V 92hp 115 g/km £11,895.00
- Citroën C3 Exclusive 1.4i 16V 90hp 148 g/km £11,995.00
- Citroën C3 Exclusive 1.6i 16V 110hp Auto 172 g/km £13,195.00
- Citroën C3 Exclusive 1.6HDi 16V 92hp 115 g/km £12,695.00
What to watch out for
Check the trim carefully for teears and breakages.
Poor starting of 1.4HDIs often due to injector failures. Expensive to replace. More so on the 92ps 1.4 HDI.
On early 16v HDIs the high pressure fuel injection pump was prone to failure. Cured by a redesign but some cars fitted with replacement pumps of same design as the first.
Sensodrive 'snow mode' can be unreliable, failing to work at all in cold conditions and also suddenly coming on, unwanted, in very hot conditions, locking the box in 2nd gear.
Have been failures of the electric power steering pump and of the brake vacuum pump on diesel models. This can knock on via the Multiplex wiring to problems with other components.
One example of hole-through-block conrod failure on a 2002 HDI (noted here in case others come up). One further example on a 1.4 petrol C3.
End of plastic dipstick of 1.6 HDI engine can break and drop into sump requiring removal of sump to retrieve it.
'Whirring whine' from 1.4HDI may be failing timing belt tensioner, which is a roller bearing device like the idler pulley, but with a reddish rubber/nylon damper. Gates cambelt kits include this part. Wise also to replace waterpump which it driven by the timing belt.
2004 Citroen C3 1.4 Desire Petrol. Repeated problems with headlamp bulb failure six so far from new, both sides fail but the nearside bulb impossible to replace, requires removal of radiator grille and lamp assembly fixings – Citroen dealer price £50 plus. Two petrol injector failures @ around £140 in less than 30,000 miles.
, early C3s were suffering from an increasing number of electrical problems often starting with radio failures (can bus 'Multiplex' electrics).
16-06-2011:Problems with driver’s electric window and fuse caused by a defective wiring loom where the insulation had failed at the hinge point of the cable, exposing at least six bare wires, including some broken. Wires don't get trapped or scuffed but the insulation fails purely due to flexing as the door is opened and closed. New cable costs £150 plus VAT plus fitting.
30-06-2011:On 1.4 petrol engine, water pump bearting failure can throw off timing belt, wrecking the engine.
05-02-2012:More reports of turbo oil starvation on 1.6HDI DV6TED4 leading to expensive catastrophes at around 100,000 miles due to carbon build up in the oil feed to the bearing . The cure is not just a new turbo, but new oil pipe, pump, pick-up, etc., etc. Failure to replace these paerts will usually result in another failed turbo within 10,000 miles. There was a Ford TSB45/2008 about this. Newer engines (2008+) have modified parts.
23-11-2013:Desperate list of problems since new with 2009/59 Citroen C3 1.4HDI: New starter motor, replaced fixings on bonnet, corrosion noted on wheel nuts and engine mounts (owned for 4 days). The car also had: new oil sump, plus other repairs from the first year onwards for continuous oil leak, despite returning to dealership, not resolved, logged with leak on first MoT. This year the car has had: 2 new brake discs (due to excessive corrosion, not pad wear), two new wheel bearings, all within a fortnight, then replacement fixings on undertray as they were described as worn and diagnosed as the cause of rattling. The Citroen dealership quoted £800 for replacement oil pump when I returned the car yet again to address the leak, forcing partial payment. Now the garage says the alternator, tensioner and belt needs replacing at cost of £595 plus VATand also has faulty airbag warning system.
03-03-2014:Central locking problems are becoming common on ageing Citroen C3s fitted with it and can leave the car completely deadlocked.
27-10-2017:Report of rear brake cylinder popping out of back plate causing 2007 Citroen C3 to lose all braking.
