Ally Bally on Wheels: Review - Citroen C3

I am always in favour of manufacturers who try to stray from the crowd and come up with something just a little bit out of the ordinary. It doesn’t always work mind you, just think of the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Fiat Multipla!

On the other hand when Citroen introduced the C4 Cactus, I thought it was a significant move away from bland and boring, an opinion however that was not shared by many of our motoring colleagues. The new C3 is a smaller stable mate of the C4 and is now a much improved version of the previous supermini which was not considered to be much of a head turner. The latest version has much improved styling inside and out and is far more likely to turn heads even if it is only by those who are curious enough to wonder what it is, as it does in some ways look like a concept car. Following in the footsteps of the C4 Cactus, the unusual details and unusual bulbous lines attract plenty of attention, while the top spec version also has ‘Air Bumps’ which are optional on the mid-range car. These are rubberised panels with air pockets inside ( a bit like a jiffy bag) that run down each side of the car, providing a futuristic look, as well as a degree of protection from being hit by other car doors in car parks by careless passengers or even drivers. The benefit of these is that they can be replaced if required. The trim level you choose has several consequences for the looks of your car. Entry-level Touch models miss out on alloy wheels, while the Feel trim adds them and adds body-coloured door handles, wheel arch extensions and a contrasting gloss black finish for the roof and door mirrors. On top of the Air Bumps, Flair models add coloured fog light surrounds and darkened rear windows.

The supermini sector is one of the busiest in the market with mainstays like the Volkswagen Polo, the Ford Fiesta and the Citroen C3 is the French manufacturer’s offering to compete against them, which is a big ask. So what does the C3 have that the others don’t ? To be honest, it is somewhat limited depending on your requirements. I found it to be comfortable, something that Citroen was famous for in days gone by. The interior is very modern and will appeal to the younger market and if you have not been a fan of the former version, then you would need to admit that the new C3 is a vast improvement. In addition if you go for the top spec Flair model, it comes with a built in dashcam. Lots of options depending on your budget.

The lower-power engine version is great for town driving, but if you are a dual carriageway or motorway way driver, the 109bhp model will be a better option, and is a superior drive. As for the diesel, it has plenty of power that makes getting through the gears easy but as usual, it is more expensive.

Ally says: It is a fun, quirky car, with great interior, and a stylish exterior