1.     Built in India 

Being a European brand, you would expect all of Citroen's vehicles to be manufactured in Europe, but like many vehicle OEM brands Citroen has production plants in different corners of the globe. The new C3 is built in their Indian facility, and because of this, lacks the superior refinement you experience in other Citroen models like the larger C5. Conversely, the benefit is that they've managed to keep costs low, and ultimately give the consumer value for money.

2.     The engine

When keeping costs low, an important consideration is running costs. The Citroen C3 has a 1.2 3-cylinder engine on board, and although it isn't turbocharged, there are things to look forward to like decent fuel economy. Citroen's C3 ticks this box with its small-capacity engine. Despite hard driving, it maintained an average fuel economy of between 5.9 and 6.l/100km. According to its makers, it averages 5.6l/100km under the best circumstances, a realistic figure considering our average fuel consumption reading.

 

3.     Handling

Despite playing in a lower segment, the C3 doesn't feel like the average B-segment participant. It's noticeably composed on the road, especially when cruising on the highway. It's void of flimsy handling and body roll normally associated with vehicles in this segment. A fine job was done by its engineers on the dampening too - it handles bumps and road imperfections with skill and steadiness.

4.     SUV-ish

When the French developed the new Citroen C3, they did their homework, thereafter they set out to offer all the things a buyer in this segment would want in a car. One of these is a raised ride height for an SUV look and feel. At a glance, the C3 exhibits both of these traits and on more than one occasion, we often found ourselves searching for it in plain sight. It blended in with larger vehicles while we were looking for something small. The upgrade in stance also means a roomier-than-expected interior from a B-segment car.

5.     Price

We touched on value for money in our first point, and this is where the C3 shines. The French are offering you more car for your money, front and rear electric windows, a large 10-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android auto, and good handling/driving comfort for what it is. There aren't any options to tick off apart from trendy styling packages. Everything here comes up to R229 900.

 

 

Gugu Masuku – proudly CHANGECARS