Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017) Review

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017) At A Glance

2/5
Honest John Overall Rating
An unassuming small car, the Citroen C3 offers easy driving and practicality. But don’t expect any of the excitement behind the wheel that the likes of a Ford Fiesta of a similar age delivers.

+Neat styling. The 1.6 HDi is a decent all-rounder. Excellent ride.

-Lacklustre handling. Interior looks good, but lacks quality of rivals.

Insurance Groups are between 7–21
On average it achieves 74% of the official MPG figure

The 2010 generation of the Citroen C3 was the French firm’s idea of a compact hatchback, long before oddball ideas such as air bumps and square circles were introduced to its range. It was pretty dull, but got the job done in a straightforward fashion with low running costs. However, it misses any of the panache found in the likes of the Ford Fiesta or French rival the Peugeot 208. Read on for our full Citroen C3 review.

Small hatchbacks remain big news and used buyers have a plethora of options.

On the original Citroen C3, the firm, as we have become accustomed to, played it a bit different, making the car taller and more mini MPV-like than a run-of-the-mill small car.

So what could it do to make this second-generation Citroen C3 stand out from the crowd?

The answer came from France, naturellement, where the authorities considerately place a small set of traffic lights at eye-level. This means that if you can’t see the overhead lights, you still know when to get moving.

Citroen’s designers must have travelled to more backward countries, like the UK, to realise the need we have to see the lights when we are at the head of a traffic queue.

Hence the Citroen C3’s unique feature: a screen that doesn’t stop until it’s on top of your head. 

Called the ‘Zenith’ screen, it is progressively tinted front to back, so you don’t get progressively tanned. Instead of the normal 28-degree angle of vision, it gives you 108 degrees.

And if it’s all too much, you can pull a roof-lining down to where the screen top rail would normally be.

Yes, it gives this Citroen C3 a hint of the quirkiness that fans of the brand love. But in truth, there’s not much else to get excited about here other than low prices.

Fancy a new Citroen C3? Read our Citroen C3 review here.

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017) handling and engines

Driving Rating
If you place any importance on driving enjoyment, the Citroen C3 is probably not for you. There are plenty of other used small cars that are far more engaging from behind the wheel.

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017): Handling and ride quality

Oddly for the French brand, the Citroen C3’s ride is a little on the fidgety side at low speeds.

Where we’d expect it to slither effortlessly over fractured surfaces, it often feels like it’s bouncing from one rut or ridge to the next. 

This is compounded by steering that feels heavier than necessary when parking, and yet doesn’t deliver much feedback at higher speeds.

When you do up the pace, there’s a lot of wind and road noise, although the engines are hushed.

Nor does the Citroen C3 offer any compensation with agile handling. A Ford Fiesta runs rings round it, even when you are not attempting to drive the Citroen with any great verve.

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017): Engines

The 68PS 1.0-litre petrol engine will work for learner drivers or those who have just passed their test, but for most needs it’s a little short on puff once you head out of town.

For this reason, the 1.2 PureTech petrol is the one we’d aim for thanks to its 82PS and broader spread of ability. A manual gearbox is standard, and what you should choose, as it is a better bet than the automated manual, which has jerky changes.

Citroen also offered a 120PS 1.6-litre petrol, but it doesn't deliver much extra over the 1.2.

For longer-distance driving, the excellent 68PS 1.4-litre and 92PS 1.6-litre diesel motors are sound bets.

They are not the quietest engines in operation, but they give a good account of themselves on steeper inclines and offer excellent economy.

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017): Safety

When this Citroen C3 was tested by Euro NCAP at its launch, it achieved an adequate four-star rating.

It comes with front and side airbags, but curtain airbags were only standard when you moved up from the base trim level.

All Citroen C3s come with ABS anti-lock brakes, but ESP traction control was not standard on every version until the car was updated in 2013.

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017): Towing

The Citroen C3 can tow a modest 450kg with an unbraked trailer, or you can pull up to 1150kg with a braked trailer depending on the model you choose.

Some variants are more limited, with a maximum braked trailer capacity of 775kg.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.0 Puretech 68 63–64 mpg 14.2 s 102–104 g/km
1.1i 64 mpg 14.2 s 102 g/km
1.1i 8V 64 mpg 14.2 s 98 g/km
1.2 Puretech 60 mpg 10.6 s 104 g/km
1.2 VTi 61 mpg 12.3 s 107 g/km
1.2 VTi ETG 66 mpg 14.4 s 99 g/km
1.4 e-HDi Airdream 70 EGS 83 mpg 16.2 s 87 g/km
1.6 BlueHDi 81–83 mpg 10.8–11.3 s 87–90 g/km
1.6 e-HDi Airdream 79 mpg 11.3–12.5 s 93–95 g/km
1.6 e-HDi Airdream 110 74 mpg 9.7 s 99 g/km

Real MPG average for the Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

74%

Real MPG

39–74 mpg

MPGs submitted

88

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017) interior

Interior Rating
The Citroen C3’s cabin is light and airy, and provides decent passenger space. But quality could be better, with some of the materials used feeling particularly cheap and flimsy.
Dimensions
Length 3941 mm
Width 1728–1994 mm
Height 1524–1538 mm
Wheelbase 2451–2467 mm

Full specifications

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017): Practicality

Starting at the back, this Citroen C3 offers a 300-litre boot, which makes it more adept at carrying luggage than most of its key rivals.

The load sill is also relatively low, which makes getting heavier items in and out easier. However, there is quite a drop from load sill to boot floor, which means you need some muscle to lift weightier bags up and out.

The shape of the Citroen C3’s boot is practical, but it’s a shame the tip and fold rear seat doesn’t stow flat, as this makes it trickier when trying to cram in long loads.

Things are better if you regularly carry passengers, as the Citroen C3 has reasonable space in the back seats for children, although adults might find room for their knees is a bit on the tight side.

In the front, the Citroen C3 gives the driver a good view in all directions, helped by the slightly raised seating position.

There’s also that huge windscreen in most models, which adds an airy feel to the cabin, if not much else in practical terms.

Driver’s seat height adjustment, plus two-way movement for the steering column, is standard in all versions.

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017): Quality and finish

The Citroen C3’s interior gives the impression of decent quality, with an interesting design and mix of materials and shapes.

However, let your hands wander to the edges of panels and plastics, and you’ll be disappointed. There’s a definite sense of ‘that’ll do’ to the fit and finish.

The dash is clearly laid out, though, and the optional sat-nav is placed high in the centre console.

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017): Infotainment

This Citroen C3 generation hails from a time when infotainment was still somewhat basic. However, if you went for a top-spec Platinum trim model, there was a seven-inch touchscreen system with DAB radio.

It seems dated now, but it does also come with Bluetooth connectivity to pair your phone to the car.

The Edition model, meanwhile, did without the screen, but has Bluetooth.

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017) value for money

Value for Money Rating
Cheap to buy, affordable to run and economical to look after, the Citroen C3 should appeal to those who are operating on a tight budget.

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017): Prices

Around £2500 is all you need to drive away in an early version of this generation of Citroen C3. That gets you a 1.4-litre petrol model in VTR+ trim, with around 70,000 miles on the clock.

For something newer, double that budget will net a 2016 car with the excellent 1.2 PureTech petrol engine in well-equipped Edition trim.

Spend £7500 and you can have an eight-year-old fully loaded Citroen C3 Platinum, with less than 30,000 miles under its wheels.

Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017): Running Costs

Low running costs are one of the main reasons a used buyer should consider picking the Citroen C3.

There are some impressive claimed fuel economy figures for models with diesel engines, reaching as high as 83.1mpg when paired with the ETG automated manual gearbox.

Whichever diesel you choose, more than 60mpg is easily achievable with little effort on the driver’s part.

That’s fine if you’re covering plenty of miles, but many Citroen C3 drivers will be better served by a petrol engine, and there were some good choices available.

The 68PS 1.0-litre PureTech petrol is fine around town, but we’d go for the 1.2-litre version with 82PS, as it’s more rounded and delivers 55mpg in normal driving, which is very commendable.

The 1.2 PureTech emits 107g/km of carbon dioxide, which equates to annual road tax of £20 per year at the time of writing. The diesels can go as low as 87g/km, which means free road tax.

The servicing costs of the Citroen C3 will be on a par with any other small car, and it won’t cause you sleepless nights for any routine maintenance.

Nor will insurance be a headache thanks to the Citroen ranking from groups 7 to 21 (out of 50).

It’s only the high-spec Airdream model that resides in group 21 – none of the rest goes higher than group 18.

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Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017) models and specs

The range started with the rather basic Citroen C3 VT model, which comes with electric front windows and remote central locking.

A better bet is the Citroen C3 VTR+ with its alloy wheels, Bluetooth connection, cruise control, air-conditioning and leather-covered steering wheel. This feels like a significant step up from the base trim.

The Citroen C3 Exclusive was the top spec to begin with, and offered climate control, electric rear windows and an alarm for added security.

The Citroen C3 Airdream model was introduced in 2011, with rear parking sensors and some extra trim to brighten its appearance.

After the 2013 update, the Citroen C3 Exclusive and Citroen C3 Platinum models replaced the VTR+ and Exclusive, respectively, but retained the same equipment levels.

Dimensions
Length 3941 mm
Width 1728–1994 mm
Height 1524–1538 mm
Wheelbase 2451–2467 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 973–1280 kg
Boot Space 300 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 12500–20000 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Full-size spare wheel / Space-saving spare wheel
Costs
List Price £11,580–£17,040
Insurance Groups 7–21
Road Tax Bands A–B
Official MPG 60.1–83.1 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 4

On sale until April 2017

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 Puretech 68 Edition 5dr £13,310 62.8 mpg -
1.0 Puretech 68 VT 5dr £11,580 64.2 mpg 14.2 s
1.0 Puretech 68 VTR+ 5dr £12,495 64.2 mpg 14.2 s
1.6 BlueHDi 75 VT 5dr £13,870 80.7 mpg 11.3 s

On sale until August 2015

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Exclusive 1.6 BlueHDi 100 5dr £16,790 83.1 mpg 10.8 s
Exclusive Pure Tech 110 S&S 5dr £15,640 60.1 mpg 10.6 s
Selection 1.6 Blue HDi 75 5dr £15,135 80.7 mpg 11.3 s
Selection Pure Tech 82 5dr £13,865 61.4 mpg 12.3 s
VTR+ 1.1i 8v Pure Tech 68 5dr £12,495 64.2 mpg 14.2 s
VTR+ 1.6 Blue HDi 75 5dr £14,785 80.7 mpg 11.3 s
VTR+ Pure Tech 82 5dr £13,515 61.4 mpg 12.3 s
VTR+ Pure Tech 82 S&S ETG 5dr Auto £14,135 65.7 mpg 14.4 s

On sale until April 2015

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Exclusive e-HDi 90 5dr £16,240 78.5 mpg 11.3 s
Selection e-HDi 90 5dr £15,740 78.5 mpg 11.3 s
VTR+ e-HDi 70 ETG 5dr Auto £15,210 83.1 mpg 16.2 s
VTR+ e-HDi 90 5dr £15,390 78.5 mpg 11.3 s

On sale until May 2014

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Exclusive e-HDi 115 Airdream 5dr £17,040 74.4 mpg 9.7 s

On sale until December 2011

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
e-HDi 90 Airdream (93g) VTR+ 5dr £15,390 78.5 mpg 12.5 s

Model History

June 2009

First details of new Citroen C3 revealed

A completely redesigned successor to the popular C3 supermini, with some elements of the DS Inside showcar, to arrive in the UK in 2010. 3,940mm long and 1,710mm wide. Unusual deep Zenith windscreen, like C4 Picasso. The screen helps to create a bright and pleasurable cabin environment for driver and passengers alike – improving visibility, road safety, driving pleasure, ambience and the overall feeling of spaciousness. Inside the cabin, "attention to detail and the use of high quality materials, delivers an air of refinement", complemented by enhanced sound insulation and an integrated air freshener.

10.2m turning circle. Careful control of weight, combined with optimised aerodynamics (Cd of 0.30), allows the new C3 to achieve excellent fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

From launch, an HDi 90 powered version will be available emitting just 99g/km CO2. Whilst the arrival of new power plants from 2011, incorporating second-generation Stop & Start technology, will see diesel versions emitting as little as 90g/km CO2, to be followed by new generation three-cylinder petrol engines with less than 100g/km CO2.

The new C3 can be well connected with USB, iPod and Bluetooth® functionality, as well as offering Citroën’s ‘MyWay’ satellite navigation and Hifi System.

May 2010

Three years or 35,000 miles 'Free' servicing offered

On C3 ordered and registered between 12-26 May, 2010.

November 2011

Citroen C3 Airdream announced

Citroen announced the introduction of its most CO2 efficient conventionally powered model to date - the new C3 e-HDi 70 Airdream EGS VTR+. With emissions of just 87g/km and combined cycle economy of 83.1mpg, this new version of the C3 supermini is now Citroën’s most fuel and CO2 efficient diesel powered car, ranking it amongst the very best in its class.

The highly specified e-HDi 70 Airdream EGS VTR+ is available to order from this month with an OTR MRRP of £15,290, complete with the C3’s renowned panoramic Zenith windscreen. The new model uses Citroën’s innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start technology, combined with a refined and efficient 68hp HDi diesel engine, to deliver fuel economy of up to 88.3mpg in extra urban driving.

March 2013

Citroen C3 2013 mid-life facelift

Premiered at Geneva Motor Show. The most obvious changes are at the front of the car, which gets a light restyle with new grille and bumpers. The tail lights have been lightly restyled, too.

A new colour - Ink blue – is available, as are new upholstery styles and interior trims, including dashboard strips in matte black, warm brown and ‘Moondust’ grey. New equipment includes a reversing camera, new sat nav system and a ‘connecting box’ with Bluetooth, Aux and USB connectivity.

The most important changes are under the bonnet. New 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre three cylinder engines shared with the Peugeort 208 improve fuel economy by around 25% over the older four-cylinder engines. The most efficient of the two – the 1.0 VTi – produces 68PS and has emissions of 99g/km.

A four-cylinder petrol is still offered – the VTi 120 – and there’s a quartet of diesel engines with power outputs from 70PS to 115PS, the most cleanest of which emits a competitive 87g/km of CO2. The facelifted C3 is due to go on sale in the UK this Summer, and should be around the same price as the outgoing model.

October 2014

1.0 and 1.2 3-cylinder PureTech engines added to C3 line-up.

1.0VT has 999cc 3-cylinder PureTech engine developing 69PS and 95Nm torque giving a top speed of 101mph and a 0-60 of 13.7 seconds. ECDC 65mpg and 99g/km CO2.

1.2VTR+ has 1,199cc 3-cylinder PureTech engine developing 84PS and 118Nm torque giving a top speed of 108mph and a 0-60 of 11.9 seconds. ECDC 62mpg and 107g/km CO2. Also available with 5 speed EGT automated manual transmission giving a top speed of 110mph and a 0-60 of 13.8 seconds. ECDC 65mpg and 99g/km CO2.

What to watch out for

05-07-2016:

Intermittent failure of electric power assistance to steering of C3 reported.

12-07-2016:

Failure of power steering rack of 34k mile 2011 Citroen C3 reported and quoted £1,300 to replace.

15-11-2017:

Report of problem with 2011 Citroen C3 automatic. After being stuck in traffic for a long period in rush hour the gearbox fault warning sign comes on and it jerks forward when car moves off, but once car been moving again it is fine.

27-03-2018:

Report of timing belt of 2013/63 Citroen C3 1.2 82Vti coming off at 12,996 miles. Car has been in for service action at 3,200 miles where the timing belt checked okay.

20-09-2018:

Report of repeated cracking of wrapover screen of 2012 Citroen C3. Has been replaced 3 times on the same car. Has now cracked again, right across on the inside this time, just above the bend.

What does the Citroen C3 (2010 – 2017) cost?