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Self test. A small petrol Citroën C3 full of talent

Its tall silhouette makes it immediately recognizable. It has a large interior for a car measuring just 4.02 m. The welcome on board is welcoming, with a style that is both modern and friendly. Visually, the dashboard with its very horizontal design appears modern and original. Its plastics, although economical, maintain a good surface appearance.

From the rear, the significant height of the bodywork is clearly visible. Well seen: the trunk capacity is among the best in the category. But loading threshold a little high. | JEAN-REMY MACCHIA
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From the rear, the significant height of the bodywork is clearly visible. Well seen: the trunk capacity is among the best in the category. But loading threshold a little high. | JEAN-REMY MACCHIA

Real comfort on board, frankly!

The most surprising thing comes from the comfort: the well-balanced suspension is considerate, the roughness of the road is filtered with finesse. Just, the rolling noises stand out a little too much on grainy roads. On the Max finish which is the most chic, the enhancing presentation upholstery is particularly comfortable, with its small soft layer on the surface, which makes the seat really welcoming.

Simple and yet very honest finish. The modern dashboard adopts an original style. The central screen lacks height, which makes it less practical to use. | JEAN-RÉMY MACCHIA, WEST FRANCE
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Simple and yet very honest finish. The modern dashboard adopts an original style. The central screen lacks height, which makes it less practical to use. | JEAN-RÉMY MACCHIA, WEST FRANCE

Good for the city and the road

100 hp: the power appears very correct, especially for an entry-level model. When accelerating, the 3-cylinder is sufficiently lively, it is at ease on the road to ensure acceleration without laziness. Overall, the ride appears smooth and easy. The 6-speed manual gearbox is easy to operate. Without the engine using any hybridization, consumption turned out to be positively low: we noted 5.2 l on the road, and the same in town. Honestly reasonable.

A somewhat narrow range but a clever pack

The C3 offer only has two equipment levels: You and Max. the first includes: automatic LED lights, reversing radars, manual air conditioning, cruise control. But there is no central screen (replaced by a smartphone holder), the bench remains in one piece and the driver's seat is not height adjustable. To avoid these disadvantages, you have to upgrade to the Max version, which immediately costs €4,210 more! She compensates with a truly rich endowment. A new Pack Plus addresses these shortcomings. It is billed at €2,510. Which remains correct.

Downright shattering prices

The icing on the cake: this new C3 is offered at an extremely competitive price, even lower than the previous model! The old C3, with the 3-cylinder without turbo of only 83 hp, was significantly less efficient, and was €1,600 more. And with less equipment! At a time when all cars are becoming more and more expensive, it's just crazy!

We liked

Very well placed price, really good comfort, very valid road behavior, careful silence, correct performance, low consumption, fairly large trunk.

We appreciated less

Thick windshield pillars hamper visibility, small steering wheel requiring getting used to, excessive rolling noise, horrifying sound of the indicators.

Citroën C3from €14,990

Version tried: C3 1.2 Max, 19 200 €.

Length: 4.02 m

Trunk: 310 l

Engine: 3-cylinder turbo petrol, 1,199 cc, 100 hp

Performances. 160 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h: 10.6 s.

Mixed consumption: 5.6 l

CO2: 126 or 127 g/km depending on equipment

Bonus/penalty: neutral

Main equipment

17-inch aluminum rims, two-tone paint, automatic LED headlights, electric and heated exterior mirrors, AR radars, reversing camera, 4.2-inch digital dashboard, 10.25-inch touch screen, GPS, Apple Carplay and Android Auto without wire, induction smartphone charger, 1 USB socket at the front, 2 at the rear, single-zone automatic air conditioning, 4 electric windows, height-adjustable driver's seat.

The rivals

Dacia Sandero 1.0 ECO-G 100 ch Journey, 16 750 €

It is also very inexpensive. Here in the LPG version, which is extremely advantageous for both purchase and use.

Dacia Sandero 1.0 ECO-G 100 ch Journey, €16,750. | JEAN-RÉMY MACCHIA
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Dacia Sandero 1.0 ECO-G 100 ch Journey, €16,750. | JEAN-RÉMY MACCHIA

Opel Racing Edition20 900 €

Same mechanics as on the C3. Homogeneous and convincing, slightly firm comfort. Higher price, less equipment.

Opel Corsa Édition, €20,900. | JEAN-RÉMY MACCHIA
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Opel Corsa Édition, €20,900. | JEAN-RÉMY MACCHIA

Skoda Fabia 1.0 Selection, €23,670

Skodas are no longer very cheap! Too bad: good habitability and good road performance with the 3-cylinder 95 hp.

Skoda Fabia 1.0 Selection, €23,670. | JEAN-REMY MACCHIA
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Skoda Fabia 1.0 Selection, €23,670. | JEAN-REMY MACCHIA
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