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Cheeky Citroen full of French charisma

The chic interior.

The Citroen C3, a perfect inner-city vehicle.

Citroen Specs

Price:
SX Manual $19,990
Exclusive $20,990
Exclusive auto $22,990
0-100 km/h
14.2 seconds
Economy
8.2 l/100km city
5.0 l/100km h/way
Warranty
3 years/60,000 kilometres
Options
Leather $2500 and
Sunroof $1500

There’s no two ways about it – the Citroen C3 is one of those cars you can’t help falling in love with even before you sit behind the wheel.

Most other hatches are rather bland, but the French mini is cute, funky, charismatic and, best of all, is reasonably priced!

The C3 is the replacement for the legendary 2CV – a sedan that was as recognisable as Bridget Bardot and a car that justifiably developed a reputation as a tough, reliable and economical workhorse.

The C3 isn’t obviously retro but it does make a similar impact. The high roof gives a light airy feeling and the curved front pillars and short, abrupt snout makes sure this car stands out in the crowd.

Citroen has done its research and expects the C3 to appeal to young women who might see the car as not only a functional buy but as an appropriate fashion accessory.

Colouful interior trim on the Exclusive model I drove is heavy on plastics and the door trim has an interesting pimple finish.

The extra $1000 for the Exclusive also provides anti-lock brakes, fog lights, arm rests for the front seats and velour upholstery.

The driving position is reasonably upright, the seat high off the floor but the steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach to ensure driving comfort. Foot room in the rear is restricted but acceptable for short trips.

Behind the wheel the driver is provided with an excellent view and more than ample seat adjustment to fit all but the most outrageous shapes.

A modern dashboard with a large digital speedo and a central screen shows the time, date and stereo settings. The arched strip rev counter above the speedo fits in with the design but is hard to read when the sun is directed at the dash.

The big hatchback provides excellent luggage space and the rear seats are split for carrying awkward loads. Safety is taken care of with four air bags and a dash-mounted door lock button provides added security.

As in many French-designed cars, the C3 has a number of clever features including electrically operated child safety locks for the back doors and a rear washer/wiper that provides a full 180 degree clean.

For Australian motorists who turn their nose up at any car with a capacity of less than two litres, the C3’s 1400cc engine might appear inadequate.

With the optional auto I would agree and potential buyers should wait for the 1600cc version which currently powers the smaller engined Xsara. It is expected to be released within six months.

I know from a previous road test that the Xsara’s engine is smooth and reasonably pokey.

However, in Europe with the high cost of fuel, manufacturers have extracted maximum performance from small capacity engines.

And the C3 in five-speed manual form is reasonably nippy (power output is 57kW at 5400rpm) in the city and provides adequate performance on the open road.

Suspension is not particularly sophisticated with front strut/rear torsion bar set-up.

In a typically French manner, Citroen has done a pretty good job and the ride is compliant, yet gives the driver excellent control. Handling is also good for its class and the electric-assist steering makes parking a breeze.

In an emergency the disc/drum brakes do an excellent job while in the Exclusive, anti-lock brakes and electronic brake distribution further assist the driver in critical situations.

The hazard lights come on during hard braking, providing another safety feature.

The mini-class is expanding rapidly with the Honda Jazz, Renault Cleo, Peugeot 206, Hyundai Getz, Kia Rio and Mazda 2.
All are good cars and readers of the column know I recently tested the excellent Mazda 2.

However, the 2, for example, primarily appeals to logic whereas the C3 appeals to the emotions.
Ateco, the Citroen importer, expects to sell more than 1000 cars in its first year.

Judging by the response from friends who insisted on being taken for a drive in the French cutie I expect the importers will find it difficult to satisfy demand.

I admit I didn’t want to give the car back. On paper there appears to be little to really grab your interest in the C3, but in reality the quirky French manufacturer has built a very loveable package.