Why Lease The C3 Hatchback?
by: Donna KellyDonna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.
Citroen C3 Hatchback Review 2021
The Citroen C3 is a funky-looking supermini, ideal for drivers looking for a small car at a reasonable price with great comfort and efficiency.
Rivals to the Citroen C3 include the Skoda Fabia, Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 208.
Our Citroen C3 review covers:
Citroen C3 Key Features
- Extrovert exterior style new Citroen illuminated signature LED headlights
- Comfortable and spacious interior with advanced Comfort seats
- 300-litre boot, which expands to 922 litres with rear seats down
- Three engines including two petrol and one diesel
- Three models available, including C-Series, Shine and Shine Plus
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
On the outside, the C3 combines Citroen's design traits with a funky-looking exterior, making this supermini more stylish than the Hyundai i20 or Skoda Fabia. Recent changes include a new front grille and front bumper, along with revised wheel arch extensions.
Citroen has also refreshed the C3's side panels, giving it revamped Airbump rubbing strips. There is also plenty of colour, roof decals and wheel options available.
Thanks to advanced Comfort seats, all the seats feel like you’re sitting on a comfortable sofa, which comes in handy for long journeys. There is a decent amount of head and legroom inside, however, rivals such as the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo have more rear legroom.
As for luggage space, the Citroen C3 has a boot that can hold up to 300 litres, expanding to 922 litres with rear seats down. This means there is enough room in the back for the weekly shop and some passenger luggage, however, you'll need to pack wisely if you're going to squeeze in overnight bags.
Interior and Trims
The C3’s stylish good looks continue inside. A fully integrated infotainment system takes centre stage and controls the music, radio and key vehicle functions, including the heating and air-conditioning. Citroen also offers a wide range of interior ambiences to create a cabin to suit your taste.
The cabin feels well put together despite its hard plastics. For the price, the Citroen has an excellent modern interior, but those looking for something more upmarket would be best sticking to the Volkswagen Polo.
Three trim levels are available, including the C-Series, Shine and Shine Plus.
The entry-level C Series model comes with cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic air conditioning, dark tinted rear windows and a seven inch touchscreen.
The mid-spec Shine trim adds lane departure warning, Citroën Connect Navigation, rear parking sensors and 16" 'X Cross' Diamond Cut alloy wheels.
The top-of-the-range Shine Plus comes with extras like rear electric windows, a rear vision reversing camera, keyless entry and start and 17" 'Origami' Diamond cut alloy wheels.
Power and Performance
Under the bonnet, Citroen has kept it relatively simple with the C3’s engine line-up. Just two engines are available - one petrol and one diesel - with the petrol offering two power outputs.
All the engines are reasonably efficient, with the more powerful 1.2-litre 110hp petrol engine standing out for its low running costs and zippy performance.
The less-powerful 1.2-litre 83hp petrol engine feels a little lethargic on the motorway but perfectly capable of driving through town, making it the ideal choice for city drivers.
The more expensive 1.5-litre 102hp diesel is only worth considering if you cover lots of miles where its improved fuel economy will pay off.
All three engine variants are fitted with a stop-start system, denoted by the S&S badge.
Out on the road, the C3 is great to drive, and its suspension is capable enough to soak up any lumps and bumps in the road.
As for handling, agility or out-and-out performance, the Ford Fiesta and the Skoda Fabia still stand out in the class. However, if you want a stylish, reasonably priced supermini, the Citroen C3 is a great option.
Leasing vs Buying
Prices for the new Citroen C3 start from £12,975.00 OTR* or to lease from £172.83 per month.
Want to know more about leasing the Citroen C3? As one of the UK's leading providers of car leasing, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a vast range of lease deals on the Citroen C3, including the full manufacturer's warranty, breakdown cover, road tax and free mainland GB delivery (exclusions apply).
Plus, with fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay and flexible mileage and contract terms, leasing a new Citroen C3 could be cheaper than buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance.
*'On the road' price is correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.
