Citroen C3 – Funky Hatch but Not Enthusiastic

  • By Sohan Ingole

Introduction-

French automobile manufacturer Citroen debut in India last year with its mid size suv C5 Aircross. Well this C5 Aircross is a feature packed compact size suv with lots of tech in it, costlier price structure and poor numbers of service stations is the main reason for low sales of this C5 Aircross. But now Citroen India revealed its another mass market car named C3, this time Citroen focused on entry level hatchback segment and we have this C3 in this B segment.

They are not calling this a suv and that’s why this C3 slots between Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Tata Punch. We can easily identify price structure of this Citroen C3, this is budget entry level hatch which is costs between 6 to 10 lakhs. In this new hatchback we have 3 packs and 74 accessories available for customisation. We have lots of options in accessories and customisation but that will cost a little bit more than regular. Now we have its 3 versions which are Live 82, Feel 82, Feel 110.

Engine and Performance-

Under its engine bay we have 2 powertrain options which are Puretech 82 and Puretech 110. The Puretech 82 engine is a 1198cc petrol unit produces 82ps of power with redlines at 5750Rpm and 115Nm of torque with redlines at 3750Rpm.

And the Puretech 110 is also a 1199cc petrol unit generates 110ps of power with redlines at 5500Rpm and 190Nm of torque with redlines at 1750Rpm. Both the engine units are 3 cylinder and mated to a manual gearbox. We don’t have automatic gearbox option in this Citroen C3 which is a mandatory thing nowadays. Performance from this Puretech 110 engine unit is it goes 0 to 100 in 10 seconds which is a claimed number but in real world it will cross triple digits in 12 to 13 seconds. In this turbo engine we have a 6 speed manual transmission which has tall gears and goes 100 in 3rd gear. The midrange of rave range is quite punchy here and that’s why when we shift the gear sometimes it also wheelspins. The 190Nm of torque is the main thing behind this wheel spin, we got beast torque in this small engine.

This 1.2 litre turbo engine is peppy and punchy motor which is bit vocal at the top end of the rave range but most of the time it is quite silent and never feels like a 3 cylinder unit. The refinement level in this turbo motor is outstanding. Citroen claimed that this turbo motor will give you 19.4 L average fuel economy, but in real world this engine unit will write the fuel efficiency in between 11 to 16 kmpl. Coming to the Puretech 82, we get a 1198cc naturally aspirated motor which produces 82ps and 115Nm. In this NA unit we have 5 speed manual gearbox and again missed out automatic transmission. This engine will go 0 to 100 in between 12 to 15 seconds. We can feel the difference between these two engine unit definitely. This 1.2 litre NA engine is laggy and doesn’t feel enthusiastic. Citroen claimed that this NA unit will give you 19 kmpl fuel economy but in on road it will write the fuel efficiency in between 15 to 10kmpl.

This non turbo unit gets 5 speed manual transmission either 6 speed MT. Talking about both engine options, the turbo motor is very punchy and juicy motor which is more sportier than naturally aspirated unit. But the no turbo unit is bit more fuel efficient and good for city driving. Still both of them missed out automatic transmission which is a disappointing thing here, cause now most of the peoples are buying automatic transmission over manual gearbox.

Exterior-

This C3 is 3981mm longer, 1733mm wider and 1605mm taller. The wheelbase is 2504mm and ground clearance is 185mm.

After seeing the dimensions of C3 we will know that this is a under 4 meter sub compact hatchback, and the 2504mm wheelbase is also the longest in the segment. Starting from the front we get a well merged Citroen logo inside the chrome strips which connects both the ends and at the end the drl also merge inside it.

We have led drl but halogen headlights and fog lamps. There are orange inserts around the fog lamps which is in the accessory pack. The vehicle is standing on 15 inch steel wheels with a wheel cap. That wheel cap design is very much similar to alloys but end of the day they are steel wheels. We can also opt for alloys but they are in accessory pack. There are black body cladding which is running throughout the length of the vehicle and we also have some orange inserts there too.

The door handles are classic and simple here, maybe that can remind you the WagonR. We don’t have any keyless entry or smart key function, there is one big key hole which is placed near the door handle. Roof is orange coloured which is again in the accessory pack, on its roof we have a old book classic antenna and roof rails which is quite functional.

Coming to the rear we have a big Citroen logo placed middle of the tailgate and have squared taillights which is also halogen unit. We have black coloured bumper with some aluminium finish on it to reduce the overall visual bulk. We don’t get any wiper washer at the rear windshield, there is one high mounted stop lamp which is also halogen. The design of the vehicle is quite funky and Citroen added some old European bits. Still it looks stunning in this dual tone paint job and steals your attention very easily on the road.

Interior-

Inside this C3 we have dual tone interior with 2 customisation options for dashboard, we will get grey coloured dashboard for non turbo variant and orange for turbo variant.

The dashboard is small unit with vertical AC vents placed both the ends of dash and we have two of them placed below the infotainment screen. The dashboard design is funky and gets some treatment over there. Coming to the that 10 inch infotainment screen, we have wireless android auto and apple car play, radio, media, navigation system, vehicle settings and more data.

This is a basic touchscreen unit but gets decent amount of tech inside it. The resolution and graphics of this screen are not that great but still compared to its rivals, it works flawlessly well. Below that screen we have traditional rotary dials for air conditioning controls and some USB’s placed there. Centre console gets lots of cubby holes which is more useful nowadays.

We don’t get centre armrest and automatic climate control in this C3. The steering wheel is bit small here which get mounted audio controls on it and adjustable for height only. The instrument cluster is simple basic unit which gets 4 inch TFT multi information display, in this small screen we get driving data and trip information. This screen is very simple and its rivals are already offering big screens.

The front seats are very much comfy and adjustable in lots of ways, like that rear seats have ample legroom and knee room. Headroom is bit issue for tall passengers but still Citroen scooped out its roof to increase headroom. Headrest are fixed and centre armrest is missing here. We have power window controls at the centre console with two usb also.

The seats are wide enough for two people but three people can be a tight fit. Coming to the boot, we have 315 litres of space there. We can increase that by reclining the second row seats, after splitting down the second row seats we can carry large items easily.

Interior of this C3 is very much basic but still Citroen tried to add some new age bit like that 10inch infotainment screen which is a practical unit. It’s interior is rugged with lots of storage space options for convenience in everyday life.

Comfort and Convenience-

In this Citroen C3 we get some new age features like 10 inch touchscreen infotainment system,

air conditioning, all four power windows, manually adjustable orvm, 4 speakers sound system, reading lights, led drl and more. Now this Citroen C3 has wide range of colours, we have 4 monotone and 6 dual tone colours available.

Monotone-

  1. Platinum Grey
  2. Zesty Orange
  3. Polar White
  4. Steel Grey


Dual Tone-

  1. Steel Grey with Platinum Grey
  2. Polar White with Platinum Grey
  3. Zesty Orange with Platinum Grey
  4. Steel Grey with Zesty Orange
  5. Polar White with Zesty Orange
  6. Steel Grey with Zesty Orange

Conclusion-

The introductory price of this Citroen C3 starts from 5.70L and will goes till 8.05L (Ex-showroom Delhi), in this starting price range this C3 will compete with Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Tata Altroz, Toyota Glanza, Maruti Suzuki Baleno. This price slot is very crowded segment where we have mini suv’s, compact sedan and hatchback also. Well Citroen tried to enter in entry level segment with its C3. If we add all the accessories and customisation packs, the top end trim will surely cross 10 lakhs.

Kudos to Citroen for this budget hatchback C3, they built a funky hatch which also have turbo engine but no automatic transmission end of the day. C5 Aircross is big, powerful, tech loaded suv but poor after sales service and low dealership network is the main reason for low sales of C5 Aircross. Now Citroen have 20 sales and service outlets in India, but this budget price segment hatchback will definitely improve the network of Citroen in India.

Rating From Team Ignition To Citroen C3

Citroen C3 – Funky Hatch but Not Enthusiastic

– Team Ignition
  • CreditsTeam Ignition and Citroen Baner (07428006400)
  • Edited By Atharva Patil

More Post

  • Maruti Suzuki Swift Celebrates 3 Millions Sales Milestone
    The Maruti Suzuki Swift continues to be a significant player in the Indian automotive market. Recently, the company announced an impressive milestone, surpassing 30 lakh units in sales since the Swift’s launch. This achievement underscores the model’s enduring popularity and importance in India. The fourth-generation Swift, launched in India this year, starts at an attractive price of Rs. 6.49 lakh (ex-showroom). This new model features a completely revamped engine that…
  • Mahindra XUV700 Surpassed 2 Lakh Units Milestone 
    The Mahindra XUV700 has reached a remarkable milestone by exceeding two lakh units of production in India. It achieved the first lakh units in just 21 months and reached the two lakh units mark within 33 months. To commemorate this achievement, Mahindra has introduced two new colors for the SUV: Deep Forest and Burnt Sienna. While Deep Forest is already used in other Mahindra SUVs, Burnt Sienna is exclusively available…
  • Hyundai Inster EV Is Here, Offers 355 KM Of Range
    Hyundai’s new entry level electric car is here, automaker has officially revealed Inster EV in global market. Hyundai Inster EV is a Casper based EV which is a currently selling in Korea and due to its compact size, it is known as a fun to drive sub-compact suv. This car will be launched in Korean market first and Hyundai will bring Inster EV in other countries later. Right now Hyundai…
  • All New BMW M5 Revealed, Now Has Plug-In Hybrid System
    BMW has unveiled the new generation of the M5, a performance-oriented luxury sedan. The latest model features a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, making it the most powerful M5 to date. The global launch of the new BMW M5 is set for November 2024, and it will be accompanied by the introduction of the new BMW M5 Touring.
  • Audi RS Q8 Now Gets Performance Variant, Produces 640HP
    The Audi RS Q8 now has a new top-tier Performance variant, making it the brand’s most powerful internal combustion engine car. This performance variant of RS Q8 now gets an additional 40hp of power and 50Nm of torque, which makes this suv 0.2 seconds faster goes 0 to 100 KMPH in just 3.6 seconds.
  • Hyundai Kona Electric Discontinued, New Creta EV In The Pipeline
    Hyundai India has delisted all-electric Kona SUV from their website, suggesting it may be discontinued in the country. The Hyundai Kona Electric, introduced in 2019 as India’s first electric SUV, had a last-recorded ex-showroom price of Rs. 23.84 lakh.To boost sales, the company has frequently offered substantial discounts, sometimes up to Rs. 1.5 lakh. The Hyundai Kona Electric came equipped with a 39.2kWh battery pack paired with a single motor,…
  • Nissan X-Trail India Launch Confirmed, First Teaser Out
    Nissan has provided a sneak peek of the updated X-Trail for the Indian market in a teaser video. The X-Trail, along with the Qashqai and Juke SUVs, showcases several key design elements. Nissan X-Trail is already selling in few countries, but now Nissan is gearing up the launch of its mid-sized suv in India. The X-Trail will be available in India via CBU route. X-Trail Exterior Design – Notably, it…
  • Tata Curvv, New Details Revealed Ahead Of Its Launch
    As the launch of the Tata Curvv approaches, more spy shots continue to reveal new details about the coupe-SUV. The homegrown automaker will first introduce the EV version, followed by the ICE variants. The Tata Curvv is now confirmed to feature an electric panoramic sunroof. On the exterior, it is expected to have a split headlamp setup, redesigned front and rear bumpers, new alloy wheels, flush door handles, an LED…
  • Mini India To Launch Two New Cars on 24th July
    The Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper Countryman Electric are set to be launched in India on July 24th. Recently, the new generation Mini Cooper made its debut in the global market, and now Mini is ready to introduce these two fresh models in the country. Meanwhile, BMW is also gearing up to launch the new generation 5 Series LWB in India on the same day.  MINI Cooper S Highlights…
  • BMW 5 Series LWB Bookings Opened In India, Launch On 25th July
    BMW has opened bookings for the new-generation 5 Series in India ahead of its launch on 24 July. Notably, this marks the first time the BMW 5 Series will be available in a long-wheelbase version in the Indian market. Currently, customers can book the 530Li M Sport LWB variant. They can choose from three exterior paint options: M Carbon Black Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, and Mineral White Metallic. Additionally, there…
  • Tata Motors Has Sold Over 1.5 lakh EV’s In India !
    Tata Motors has reached a remarkable milestone in its electric vehicle business, selling over 1.5 lakh units of EVs in India. Moreover, the brand has seen an impressive year-on-year growth of 48 percent, with 73,800 EVs sold in FY2024 compared to 50,000 units in FY2023. Currently, Tata Motors boasts four electric vehicles in their lineup: the Tiago EV, Tigor EV, Punch EV, and Nexon EV. Additionally, the automaker is testing…
  • New Gen Skoda Kodiaq Spied First Time In India
    Skoda India has commenced testing the fourth-generation Kodiaq in India, as revealed by recent spy shots of an uncamouflaged test model painted in white. The new-generation Skoda Kodiaq is anticipated to make its debut in India towards the end of the year.
  • Hyundai Alcazar Facelift Spied, Front Design Leaked !
    Hyundai is set to introduce a facelift for the Alcazar, and recent spy shots have provided new insights into its updated design. The latest images reveal that the Hyundai Alcazar will feature unique LED daytime running lamps. Additionally, the grille is slightly larger and sports horizontal slats, giving it a fresh look. The main headlamp unit, which is vertically stacked, appears to be similar to the current model. New Alcazar…
  • 2025 BMW X3 Is Here, What’s New ?
    BMW has introduced the all-new fourth-generation X3 SUV, which is built on a new platform and features updated aesthetics both inside and out, along with an electric version which scheduled to reveal in global market soon. The dimensions of 2025 BMW X3 have been slightly increased compared to its predecessor, it measures 4,755mm in length, 1920mm wider and 1,660mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,865mm and ground clearance is 216mm. BMW X3…
  • Citroen C3 Aircross Dhoni Edition Launched
    Citroen India has introduced the C3 Aircross Dhoni Edition, starting at Rs. 11.82 lakh (ex-showroom). This special edition celebrates their brand ambassador, cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and is limited to just 100 units nationwide. The Dhoni Edition of Citroen C3 Aircross features unique ‘Dhoni’ decals, color-coordinated seat covers, cushions, seatbelt cushions, a front dashcam, and illuminated sill plates. Additionally, each unit includes a special goodie inside the glove box, with…
  • Jeep Renegade EV India Launch Confirmed For 2027 ?
    Stellantis has confirmed that a new-generation Jeep Renegade is under development and will debut by 2027. Additionally, the company announced that the new Renegade will include a battery-electric model priced under USD 25,000. As Jeep and Citroen are both part of the Stellantis Group in India, Jeep is likely to introduce a fully electric SUV based on the Renegade, built on Citroen’s CMP platform. What is CMP platform ? CMP,…
  • New MG Cloud EV Launch Timeline Revealed !
    The MG Cloud EV will officially launch in India in the month of September. This new EV from MG Motors in India will be company’s most premium electric vehicle and anticipated to compete with BYD e6, and other upcoming EV suv’s like Hyundai Creta EV, Kia Carens EV, Tata Harrier EV, Tata Sierra EV. As we dig deep into this crossover, it measures 4.3 meters in length with a 2.7-meter…
  • Citroen Soon To Launch New Edition Of C3 and C3 Aircross
    Aligned with signing MS Dhoni as their brand ambassador, Citroen is set to launch special editions of the C3 and C3 Aircross this month, inspired by the cricketing icon. These editions will feature unique styling and accessories as part of the collaboration. The updates will be purely cosmetic with no changes to the mechanics. The MS Dhoni special edition will be include the distinctive striped ‘7’ stickers on the rear…
  • New Nissan Magnite Facelift Design Leaked Partially ?
    The Nissan Magnite facelift, set to be unveiled in the coming months, has been partially revealed, providing a glimpse of its updated design. As seen in the image, the SUV features a partially covered fascia, refreshed bumper, new faux skid plate, and a revised grille design. Additionally, the Magnite facelift is expected to include redesigned taillights, new alloy wheels, and an updated rear bumper. These changes aim to refresh the…
  • 2024 Tata Nexon EV, BNCAP Crash Test Results Out !
    The Tata Nexon EV has recently undergone crash testing by Bharat NCAP and achieved an impressive safety rating of five stars. Nexon EV is the fourth model from Tata Motors to perform in Indian crash test. Before Nexon EV, suv’s like Harrier, Safari, and Punch EV has performed in this homegrown safety assessment. In the adult occupant crash test, the Nexon EV scored 29.86 points out of a possible 32,…
  • Mahindra Thar 5 Door New Details Revealed, Launch On 15 Aug
    As the launch date for the new Thar five-door approaches, more details about the SUV have surfaced. This time, a Mahindra Thar Armada 5 Door was seen alongside other Mahindra test cars. The latest spy images of the 2024 Mahindra Thar 5 Door suggest that the model might come equipped with a dual-pane sunroof upon launch. Although the camouflage obscures most of the details, but the roof of the test…
  • New Mini Cooper S Bookings Open In India Ahead Of Its Launch
    All new Mini Cooper S is all set to launch in India, recently Mini India has begun accepting bookings for the upcoming Cooper S. Customers can reserve the 2024 Mini Cooper S on the company’s official website with a token amount of Rs 1 lakh. While the outgoing model is priced at Rs 42.70 lakh (ex-showroom), the new version is expected to be slightly pricier. 2024 Mini Cooper S Powertrain…
  • New BMW 5 Series LWB To Be Launch In India On July 24
    BMW is set to unveil the new 5 Series long wheel base in India on July 24. For the first time, BMW 5 Series will offer in a long wheelbase format in India. India will be the second market, following China, to receive the 5 Series LWB. This version is designed to compete directly with the E-Class LWB. While the new 5 Series LWB maintains the same appearance as the…
  • Skoda Kushaq Onyx Edition Now Gets An Automatic Variant
    Skoda India has introduced the automatic version of the Kushaq Onyx in the Indian market, with a price tag of Rs. 13.49 lakh (ex-showroom). This new variant of Skoda Kushaq Onyx Edition fills the gap between the Active and Ambition variants. Specifically equipped with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, the Kushaq Onyx automatic offers a blend of style and functionality. In terms of features, the Kushaq Onyx features LED headlamps…
  • Hyundai’s New Entry Level EV Teased, To Be Called As Inster
    Hyundai Inster, an all-electric micro-SUV, is set to debut at the Busan International Mobility Show on 27 June, 2024. Built on the Casper SUV platform, which has been popular in Korea since 2021, the Inster will be sold as the “Casper Electric” in its home market. The name “Inster” is a blend of “Intimate” and “Innovative,” reflecting the vehicle’s unique character. In India, the Inster might be introduced as an…

One thought on “Citroen C3 – Funky Hatch but Not Enthusiastic

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

×