Citroen C3 1.4 16v VTi VTR+ 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The 1.4 16v VTi is an engine that performs reasonably well, but those who are concerned about the figures can find better engines in the class. The 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds isn’t particularly quick, and the top speed of 114mph isn’t something that many C3 drivers will ever really have to contemplate. Overall the engine does enough to keep the driver happy, but there are other issues to think about for those driving this car.

Comfortable suspension means that drivers won’t be experiencing every minor bump and pothole, and the car is perfectly stable on the straight and gradual corners. However, the tendency to understeer can be a worry for many drivers who tend to be quite quick through the corners, and the steering doesn’t inspire as much confidence as it should do. The driving position is very good, and the array of dials is simply displayed with the minimum of fuss.

The style and the image of the C3 will certainly be one of the main reasons that people will be interested in the car, and the ‘Zenith’ windscreen which extends back over the driver’s head is certainly a big selling point. The styling is sleek with a large grille at the front end, and the alloy wheels available on this particular model are a very welcome addition.

Bluetooth connectivity is included as standard, and the in car entertainment is perfectly adequate for the car, but the buttons can controls can be a little fiddly. Air conditioning and cruise control are both included as standard, but the omission of ESP on this model is a drawback.

One disappointing aspect about the Citroen C3 is that it only managed to achieve a four star rating in the Euro NCAP test, which is unusual for a modern vehicle. This is largely because ESP isn’t included as standard, and does affect how the C3 performs in terms of safety. There are however the usual range of airbags for drivers and passengers along with the side and curtain airbags that are commonly found in larger cars these days. The fact that there is no alarm and immobiliser can be a concern for those who live in areas with high car crime, but the rest of the usual security equipment is also there.

The C3 is quite practical when compared with other cars in the class, and the space in the front seats is ample. However, the boot and rear seats can be quite cramped, and those who will try and squeeze five people into the car will find that those in the back seats will be in very close quarters.

This model of the C3 is listed at £13,890, and is the lowest priced of the C3 models that comes with the ‘Zenith’ windscreen. Although it isn’t as cheap as many of the models down the range, the attractiveness of the windscreen does add to the overall package. The C3 is quite well priced when compared with the rivals in the class, but competing with the Volkswagen Up on price and performance is a difficult challenge for superminis.

The performance of the vehicle is quite good for a petrol engine delivering an average 47.9mpg in terms of the fuel efficiency. The low insurance group will certainly attract younger drivers, and the reasonably low depreciation is also a big plus point. The C3 comes with a three year warranty and one year of roadside breakdown assistance to complete the package which makes for a competitive and attractive car.