Citroën C3 Crossover: Your Stylish, Fuel-Efficient Companion
By Prashirwin Naidu
The Citroën C3 offers a unique blend of distinctive French design and everyday functionality, all at an affordable price point for most consumers.
Looks are everything, and the Citroën C3 has the cute factor. This compact crossover stands out in the B-segment category with its trendy SUV-inspired design, characterised by Y-shaped headlamps, an updated front bumper, a chrome two-bar radiator grille, and an eye-catching faux aluminium skid plate. It also includes protective black cladding on the wheel arches and rocker panels, a vertical C-pillar, black roof rails, and tail light clusters.
The C3’s cabin layout was superb, given its affordable price tag of R 229 000. Interior-wise, it was lovely and modern. It boasts a spacious cabin featuring a vertical dashboard with an anodised orange or grey finish (depending on the exterior colour) and a chevron-textured pattern. It also incorporates contrasting seat stitching, a 1-litre storage cubby, and front and rear door panels.
Tech-wise, one benefits from a 10.1-inch infotainment system: Apple Carplay and Android auto-compatible, with three USB ports, park distance control, manual air conditioning, electric windows, and a multifunction steering wheel. The car also features a seven-inch digital instrument cluster offering six modes for displaying vehicle information and options for monitoring trip data, fuel consumption, and tire pressure.
Despite a whole house and the nifty Citroën C3 1.2L naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine, one was not expecting a fast drive. But it did the job. On occasion, on the highway, I had to push a little harder on the accelerator in the overtaking process.
It produces 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque. The 62 kilowatts of power would indicate that this would not be about power but more like the tortoise and the hare slowly; however, the space and tech made up for Citroën C3. It’s a straightforward five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels.
The vehicle boasts decent fuel economy, with Citroën claiming 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres. We achieved 6.2 litres per 100 km. As it was a small 1.2-litre tank, expect yourself to fill up a couple of times if you have a long journey ahead.
Regarding safety, the C3 Feel comes with dual front airbags for the driver and passenger, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, keyless entry, and an immobiliser. It rides on 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers fitted as standard, equipped with 195/65 tires.
The Citroën C3 is a sweet compact car that is light on fuel, with the bonus of being trendy and funky. It has all the modern features that many will want in a vehicle. It is not as solid and sturdy as its German competitors, but it gets the job done and is a bargain given the R229 000 price tag and its generous offering. No German car can compete with French flair, especially on price.
The new Citroën C3 Feel is now available at dealerships with a price tag of R229,900, which includes a two-year/30,000-kilometre service plan and a five-year/100,000-kilometre mechanical warranty.
