Citroen C3 XTR 1.4-litre HDi 16-valve

Costs

It's rare these days to pay full price for any Citroen, thanks to the firm's numerous attractive promotions. Residuals should be stronger than on standard C3 models as there are fewer XTRs in circulation. Insurance groups are low, as are parts and servicing costs, so running an XTR should be relatively inexpensive. Good fuel economy on the diesel model also helps.

Space and practicality

The C3's boot is spacious for a car so small and the Moduboard (essentially a split, folding rear seat) opens up even more stowage potential. There are a few cubbyholes dotted around the cabin in which to place loose change, keys and the like. The glovebox isn't particularly spacious, however.

Controls and display

Clear and concise' sums up the XTR's major controls and instruments. The only disappointment is the fuel gauge - a collection of LCD 'blobs' that make judging accurately what's left in the tank a little tricky. Otherwise, switchgear is logically placed and the digital speedo requires only a brief acclimatisation period. The combined trip computer and radio display mounted high in the driver's eye line is a welcome touch.

Comfort

Front occupants are treated to a slightly elevated seating position but back seat passengers will baulk at the prospect of long trips thanks to the car's distinct lack of legroom. The seats themselves are soft and flat, which is good if comfort is a priority, but not so when cornering as lateral support could be better.

Car security

Remote control central locking with deadlocks and automatic door and boot locking when the car is in motion should at least ward off any would be carjackers. A group 5E insurance grouping suggests that the XTR isn't particularly high up on anyone's 'to steal' list.

Car safety

ABS with EBD and EBA, dual front and side airbags and side impact protection are charged with keeping the XTR's occupants safe and sound. A passenger airbag cut-off switch will be very handy for those with small, precious bundles to transport.

Driver appeal

The XTR is not a sportscar, but as far as tootling around town goes it is more than adept. Light steering and quick engine pick-up make it an ideal car for zipping in and out of busy side streets. Motorway driving isn't quite so pleasant due to the wind noise thrown up by the roof rails and its propensity for catching side winds.

Family car appeal

Realistically, the only function the C3 could perform competently in the family arena is that of the second car. Being a supermini, it would be asking a lot for the little Citroen to cope with the rigours of ferrying around 2.4 children and their various bits and bobs. But as a second car it looks and feels rugged enough to cope with taking little Johnny to football practice.

First car appeal

Given the low insurance grouping, affordable asking price and funky styling, there won't be any shortage of young drivers keen to get their hands on an XTR. There is room enough for a couple of mates and their surf/skate/snowboards on the roof. Parents will also be happy with the C3's reasonable safety package.

Quality and image

French cars used to have a reputation for being a little brittle when it came to build quality. Things are greatly improved these days and there is no reason to believe that the C3 will be any less reliable than its competitors. In terms of image, however, the Gallic firm still struggles. Say Citroen and the phrase 'bargain deals' springs instantly to mind, but that's about it. The C4 goes some way to creating a wow factor but on the whole the brand has a rather staid imaged.

Accessibility

Being a five-door makes the job of getting in and out of the back far easier. Nicely elevated seats mean that it isn't too much of a drop down before bum touches fabric. Forward passengers have plenty of leg and headroom.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

Citroen's decision to fit a decent quality radio/CD player as standard will please anyone who bemoans the current trend to skimp on in-car audio. Column stalk-mounted controls for the basic functions make changing the volume or radio station safe when on the move. A dealer-fit option on both cars is an in-dash CD changer, which makes rummaging in the boot to change a disc a thing of the past.

Colours and trim

As is the trend among car manufacturers, the C3 XTR is available in a wide variety of oddly-named shades. Sahara Gold, Hurricane Grey, Artic Steel, Oriental Blue are among the more pleasant hues. The plastic cladding that covers much of the exterior is always black, however. Inside and one can't fail to notice the prevalence of harsh, shiny plastic. The seats, which have been specially designed for the XTR are covered in dark grey cloth. It looks hardwearing but does little to alleviate the sombre mood in the cabin.

Parking

Boasting the dimensions of a conventional supermini, the XTR is fairly easy to park. Steering is pleasingly light at low speed, as is the action of the other major controls, and visibility is good. Familiarisation with the SensoDrive gearbox is the key to confident and swift manoeuvres. Parking sensors would make things easier, but are not offered as an option.

Spare wheel

Space saver fitted as standard on all models.