The market will decide but I think Citroen can command a premium over Dacia and knocking a chunk off the C3 price would hit any profit hard.

I also wonder about the effect on used C3 prices. A new C3 for the price of a used 2018 (higher spec) one will tempt some folks. Not so good if you already own one and were looking to change. Trade-in prices for C3s will presumably soften.

All that said my 2018 Golf 1.4 is priced at £13k by WBAC. There is no way I would swap for either of these budget options but I am not their target market.

Recently spent several weeks in Spain and needed to hire cars. Drove 3 - Vauxhall Corsa (old model), Seat Ibiza, and Citroen C3.

All were basic spec, low powered. The C3 stood out as the most pleasant to be in - seat comfort, suspension compliance. Not the sharpest handling - it depends what you want.

Have been considering a second car to replace 12 year old Hyundai. The C3 would be top of the list but for the absence of air-con in this version. Sandero does look interesting!

Lack of aircon wouldn't put me off - I don't think. Although it might be one of those things you don't miss until you don't have it...

However I would still rather spend the C3 money on a different nearly new car although that probably doesn't buy much at the moment.

I applaud Citroen for providing a relatively affordable new car when most manufacturers are slimming their range down at the expense of the cheaper end.

A good first car (if you have the funding)?

Citroen have indeed slimmed down their range at the cheaper end, taking the C1 out of production and ending the joint production venture with Toyota - no doubt this is part of Stellantis's rationalisation with too many brands and too many models.