It’s the nature of the automotive business that I rarely get a car to review which has a relatively basic specification, writes Brian Byrne. When I do, I don’t see it as a comedown; I find it refreshing.
It could be said that the industry will ensure its press fleet cars are at least mid-level spec to impress reviewers. But it equally reflects that buyers themselves rarely go for the basic. Even the hire car business, once notorious for picking bog-standard, is now generally going for an upgrade. Their customers want it, and it also makes the cars more saleable when returned to the market.
My recent Citroen C3 experience grounded me. The car had a petrol-only engine, a manual transmission, ignition operated by a real key, and no heated seats. Yeah, heated seats are far from what we were raised with in temperate Ireland, but we have come to expect them now. Along with so many other motoring fripperies, like variable-mood interior lighting or a dozen speakers to hear Liveline whines at concert-hall quality. No wonder the average price paid for a new car in Ireland is north of €41,000.
The current C3 B-segment hatchback is the fourth generation to wear the nameplate. It now has a chunky SUV-like styling that delivers the real benefit of more room for adults, front and rear, without becoming much longer or wider. The highish hood — ‘bonnet’ is sounding increasingly archaic to even my archaic sensibilities — along with a suitable-to-the-brand eccentricity of the headlights design, suggests a peppy disposition. The Citroen badge is large and proudly worn. Hardly any overhangs, front or rear, indicate efficient use of space. The almost straight-up rear has enough detailing to keep it interesting.
The exterior’s straight-edge style concept continues inside, with the dashboard giving a visual sense of width that suggests a bigger space. The driver instrumentation is set just below the windscreen, offering the advantages of a head-up display without the expense and adjustment system required for one. The central infotainment screen is sizeable but not over-large, and its menu system is agreeably manageable. The squarish, curved shape of the steering wheel is something you get used to very quickly. It’s even likeable.
The new C3 — it’s a 2024 model in Europe but only arrived in Ireland this year — is Citroen’s first car in the segment to get its full Advanced Comfort technology, which includes special suspension and seat designs. I’ve experienced it in larger Citroens and have been impressed. It’s just as impressive in the smaller C3, maybe even more so because, in their nature, smaller cars generally give a choppier ride.
The engine in my car was the familiar 1.2 inline-3, marketed as Puretech. The 100hp is more than adequate for the car's size and weight, and though the 100km/h sprint is a little beyond 10 seconds, the performance feels quite zippy when pushed. The 5.8L/100km doesn’t match the frugality of the mild hybrid or electric options, but is reasonable unless you’re a high-mileage driver. In which case, you probably should be looking for something in a different class.
The 6-speed manual gearbox is quite a joy to use, especially compared to the clunky 5-speed, which used to be standard in basic PSA Group (now Stellantis) cars in this segment. As I said, I don’t get many manuals these days, and I do prefer automatics, but this was a treat to operate.
The new C3 is on a platform significantly more advanced than the original model from some 24 years ago. Roomier for the occupants, and with a tad more boot space at 310 litres than any of the earlier versions. It all feels, especially to this no longer supple reviewer personally well out of warranty, a really good people-packaging offering.
I also appreciated that, despite it being a fairly basic car, I didn’t feel I was missing out on anything I would need as personal or small-family transportation.
PRICE: From €23,900, petrol or electric. WHAT I LIKED: A basic car I could comfortably live with.
