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The Citroën C3 is a small supermini-class five-door hatchback. The current model was launched in the summer of 2016 before going on sale in the UK in early 2017. A mid-life update arrived in showrooms in the second half of 2020, which consisted of revised specifications and updated engines.
The C3 has received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, with scores ranging from poor to above average. Its overall Expert Rating, based on 27 reviews as of April 2021, places it in the midfield of the supermini category but well behind the scores of the class leaders.
The Citroën C3 has received particular praise for its distinctive design and many personalistion options, but has been criticised for poor driving dynamics and limited practicality compared to more conventional rivals.
Key specifications
Body style: Small five-door hatch
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £15,675 on-road
Launched: Winter 2016/17
Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media
The Car Expert
Score: 8 / 10
“The new C3 adds a distinctive option to the supermini market, but not at the expense of practicality with many plusses and few minuses.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair
Score: 8 / 10
“Make sure you get the newest of the new Citroen C3s to benefit from the latest, most efficient engines. We like its focus on comfort, its quirky styling, and there’s decent space on offer, too. It’s not the last word in quality inside, nor the most fun car to drive, but it’s still a supermini worth considering.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The efficient Citroën C3 brings personalisation to the masses in the supermini class.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.8 / 10
“The Citroën C3 certainly isn’t a class leader among the very impressive array of superminis on offer in today’s market, because – looks aside – it doesn’t really dazzle in any single area. It is, however, a very charming and likeable little car, with bags of style and some fairly tempting equipment.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair Plus
Score: 7 / 10
“Refreshed and more customisable supermini feels bigger than it looks, which doesn’t always work in its favour.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“Dynamically challenged, but cheery design makes the Citroën C3 interesting.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual 110 Flair
Score: 8 / 10
“Citroën has done a great job here – the new C3 is comfortable, engaging, roomy and economical.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 110 Flair
Score: 8 / 10
“The Citroën C3 feels a little different, with its chunky, characterful and cohesive design, emphasis on comfort, and relevance to youthful customers. If that sounds like your kind of car, then the charming C3 is well worth a look.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“When it comes to ease of use and comfort, the Citroen C3 is pretty hard to beat for a small car.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“While it might not be the last word in driving fun, the Citroën C3 is a charming, practical and affordable supermini that more than holds its own in the crowded supermini class.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The Citroen C3 is now just as quirky as iconic models from the French firm’s past, boasting novel features that help it stand out.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Citroën C3 has quirky looks and a cabin that’s comfortable unless you’re a tall person in the back. However, it’s hard to drive smoothly in town and the infotainment system is clunky.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair
“Shame about the tight pedal position, but otherwise the new Citroën C3 dares to be different and offers looks, feel and technology that mark it out as something different for the right reasons.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair Plus
Score: 6 / 10
“If you want a supermini that’s fun to drive, buy a Ford Fiesta. If you want comfort, I’d pick a Citroën C3 in Flair spec with the optional seats and a fun colour combo.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“This French fancy isn’t like anything else – thankfully.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“There’s nothing else in the class that’s quite as characterful looking as the Citroën C3, with its round-cornered rectangle motifs all over and its ability to sit outside the regular mainstream/premium hierarchy.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 82 Feel
Score: 7 / 10
“The Citroën C3 has gained more character and it does most things competently for a car in this class. It has a comfortable ride, but beyond that it doesn’t really have a stand-out unique differentiation.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re more interested in style, customisation and comfort than sporty driving, then the Citroën C3 is a great choice of small hatchback. It’s surprisingly practical, with a spacious, airy cabin, plus it’s reasonably priced and should prove affordable to run.”
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“The new C3 works on a lot of levels. It’s interesting and different to look at. It can be personalised. It’s very comfortable. It’s reasonably spacious. The interior is sensibly thought out.”
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Inside, the latest Citroën C3 is a much more interesting place to be than before thanks to design tweaks and although it may not be as dynamic looking as some of its rivals, it is both comfortable and customisable, so customers can give it their own personal twist.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“French Fiesta fighter is a quirkily appealing alternative.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Range review
“Fresh, fun and full of smiles per gallon.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 110 Flair
Score: 8 / 10
“So good looking you’ll forgive it its problems.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“On the one hand, the C3 is no better than average to drive and is on the small side for passengers. However, while the Ford Fiesta and Skoda Fabia remain better all-rounders, we can see why you’d be tempted by Citroën’s quirky styling.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Good but not great supermini for dynamics, but a thoroughly enjoyable object.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 4 / 10
“With its funky looks, the Citroën C3 does a great job of turning heads. However, it’s poor to drive and not very practical, so any number of rivals are more recommendable on an objective level.”
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Which?
Model reviewed:
Score: 5.8 / 10
“The C3 certainly looks different, and it has its own unique way of doing things.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 4 stars
Date tested: March 2017
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Citroën C3 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic. It is due to resume in the second half of the year.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Citroën C3 has received
2018
- FirstCar Awards – Driving Instructor Car of the Year
2017
- Fleet News Awards – Best Small Car
- Contract Hire and Leasing.com Awards – Supermini of the Year
2016
- BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards – Best Urbanite
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