After a brief absence in South Africa, eclectic French brand Citroen has rejoined the local market. While their line-up remains small for now, they’ve got entrants which compete in key segments. The C5 Aircross, for example, does battle with established midsized SUVs such as the Tiguan and Mazda CX-5. In the middle of their range is the C3 Aircross, which competes in the lucrative compact crossover segment.
On the lowest rung of the ladder sits the C3. Going up against the Polo and Fiesta, the littlest Citroen relies on a left-field approach to attract buyers for whom the VW and Ford are just a touch too plain and common.
And from the styling, it’s clear to see that nobody will be mistaking the C3 for any other hatchback. The styling is chic and distinctive - it also divides opinion like very cars can. While the quirky exterior design didn’t do it for some, others on the AutoAdvisor team loved the design. The Airbumps lend some visual character, while the slim daytime-running lamps and bulbous headlamps give the Citroen plenty of presence.
Pop inside the cabin and it’s a similar affair. Undoubtedly a pleasant place to be, some of the materials found within the interior aren’t up to the same standard as the Volkswagen Polo - and even other Stellantis offerings, like the 208 and Corsa.
The seats are lovely, though. They’re beautifully-trimmed in a tasteful cloth upholstery and offer decent thigh support. We’d appreciate a touch more side bolstering, though. In terms of equipment, our Shine test unit boasted plenty of standard kit. Cruise control, automatic wipers, six airbags and ABS with EBD all form part of the R334 900 list price.
The infotainment screen, while feature-rich, can feel rather cumbersome. The complicated layout of the menus - and sub-menus - can leave users feeling confused, as they stab endless functions. For example, adjusting the temperature is far more complicated than it should be. This afflicts most Stellantis products and some Volvo models.
The 81 kW/205 Nm 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine is also used in the Corsa and 208 - albeit in different states of tune. In the C3, you receive the detuned variant. But that’s no bad thing. Thanks to the fast acting six-speed automatic gearbox, it feels sprightly and responsive. It pulls strongly from low speeds and is a joy to drive in town. With regards to fuel economy, Citroen claims an average fuel-use figure of 6.0 l/100 km. We found our best figure to be 7.1 L/100 km.
It’s not as entertaining as a Fiesta through the bends, with notable body roll. However, we must commend Citroen on providing the C3 with such a supple ride quality. Although the Corsa comes close, the C3 undoubtedly has the best ride quality in the segment. It’s properly smooth, dismissing bumps and ridges with ease.
Verdict
At this price point, we think the C3 offers tremendous value for money. It’s packed to the rafters with comfort and safety equipment, offers an incredible soft ride and a three-year/60 000 km service plan. We worry, though, about resale value and the lack of dealer network when compared to more established rivals. That being said, the C3 is a compelling alternative to the more ubiquitous hatchbacks it competes with. If style and standing out from the crowd are important to you, there may not be another choice for you.
Also worth a look: the New Citroën Aircross: Family-Friendly and Feature-Packed and the Citroen C3.
FAQ
Q: What does the Citroen C3 1.2T Shine cost in South Africa?
The Citroen C3 1.2T Shine is priced at R334,900 in South Africa, which puts it in direct competition with the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta in the premium hatchback segment.
Q: Is the Citroen C3 worth buying over a Volkswagen Polo?
The Citroen C3 is worth considering if you want something different from the usual German fare, but the Polo offers better interior materials and a more intuitive infotainment system for similar money.
Q: What engine does the Citroen C3 1.2T have and how powerful is it?
The Citroen C3 1.2T features a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, though Citroen hasn't disclosed the exact power output for the South African market specification.
Q: What safety features come standard on the Citroen C3 Shine?
The Citroen C3 1.2T Shine comes standard with six airbags, ABS with EBD, cruise control, and automatic wipers as part of its comprehensive safety package.
Q: How reliable is Citroen in South Africa?
Citroen has recently returned to the South African market, so long-term reliability data is limited, but the brand comes with Stellantis backing and a standard manufacturer warranty.
Should You Buy It?
The Citroen C3 1.2T Shine at R334,900 is a maybe for buyers wanting something genuinely different in the premium hatchback space. If you're after distinctive French flair and don't mind slightly inferior interior materials compared to the Volkswagen Polo, the C3 delivers bags of character with its quirky Airbump styling and comfortable seats. However, the cumbersome infotainment system and questionable long-term reliability record make this a head-over-heart purchase. For most buyers, the Polo remains the sensible choice, but the C3 rewards those brave enough to think outside the box.
