Citroen C3 2024 review
Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Citroen C3 is one of the friendliest small cars you can buy in Britain, and the 2024 model keeps its reputation for comfort-first motoring at a price that undercuts almost every rival. With a starting price of £17,790, it sits well below the Ford Fiesta-shaped hole in the market and the Vauxhall Corsa, yet still brings five doors, a raised driving position and Citroen’s famously soft Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension.
Under the bonnet, the familiar 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder petrol does the heavy lifting, with the 100hp manual version hitting the sweet spot for most buyers: 0-60mph in under ten seconds, a claimed 53.3mpg on the WLTP cycle and low insurance groups that keep running costs gentle. A 315-litre boot swallows a weekly shop with ease, and the chunky Airbump side panels shrug off supermarket car park scuffs.
Inside, the C3 majors on clever touches rather than outright luxury. The Advanced Comfort seats are genuinely supportive on long runs, the 10.25-inch touchscreen (standard from mid-spec) carries Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the squared-off styling stands out against a sea of lookalike superminis. It is not the sharpest handler, but for easy, affordable, comfortable city motoring, few do it better.
UK price from: £17,790
Specifications
| Engine | 1.2-litre PureTech 3-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 100PS |
| 0-60 mph | 9.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 114 mph |
| Fuel economy | 53.3 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 | 121 g/km |
| Boot space | 315 litres |
| Length | 3,996 mm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
Features
- 1.2 PureTech 100 petrol engine with stop-start
- Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Advanced Comfort seats
- Airbump side protection panels
- Rear parking sensors and reversing camera
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- 315-litre boot with 60:40 split-folding rear seats
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads | £34.99 | Direct-fit pads for the 1.2 PureTech; 30-minute DIY job with basic tools. |
| Oil filter | £8.99 | Genuine-specification spin-on filter; change every 12 months or 12,500 miles. |
| Air filter | £14.99 | Panel filter behind the glovebox; keeps the little turbo breathing freely. |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £19.99 | Flat aero blades; two-minute clip-fit replacement. |
| 12V battery | £89.99 | Standard fitment for stop-start models; code the battery after fitting. |
| Timing belt kit | £179.99 | PureTech wet-belt kit with tensioners; check the service schedule carefully. |
Pros
- Exceptional ride comfort for a car of this size and price
- Low purchase price and cheap insurance groups
- Characterful design that stands out from rival superminis
- Airbumps protect against everyday car park damage
Cons
- Body roll in corners and vague steering feel
- Cabin plastics feel hard and scratchy in places
- Automatic gearbox option is expensive and slow to react
- No hybrid or electric version offered in 2024
