Citroen C3 VTi 1.0 68 Exclusive

Costs

The new VTi 68 engine has reduced the likely costs of an owner by a significant margin. The new version is much more tax-friendly, sips fuel at a much slower rate if the driver is careful, and being both new and better will hold onto more of its value. It also makes a lot more sense than it used to as a company car proposition. In terms of purchase price it looks expensive, but dealers can usually offer big discounts.

Space and practicality

There are precious few storage solutions in the C3's cabin, with short, narrow door pockets and a small space for loose items ahead of the gear stick. The boot is limited in size because Citroen, like most supermini makers, has decided to dedicate more room to rear passenger space. But with soft baggage the C3 can turn into a surprisingly capable load-lugger. The rear seats fold down to create a more van-like load bay.

Controls and display

A three-dial design is stylish and clear, placing speed in the centre as the number one priority and making it easy to keep an eye on it. The functions linked to the ancillary stalks are predictable and user-friendly and the three-section air management controls are equally easy to understand thanks to the central digital display, but the stereo controls are fiddly, too low and too far away from the media interface screen.

Comfort

The C3 is not the most streamlined of cars and creates a moderate amount of wind noise around its windscreen, door mirrors and A-pillars. The suspension is generally pretty quiet, though, until a large bump sends a loud thump through the cabin. The front seats offer basic adjustment and suitable comfort, while the back row offers ample room for two average-height men over shorter distances. Younger children would be perfectly comfortable.

Car security

The large windscreen area could potentially give thieves an easier view in, and there are no covered storage spaces in the cabin. The boot is fully enclosed with a parcel shelf hiding its contents from view. Deadlocks attached to the remote central locking system prevent the doors from opening from the inside, so a thief cannot just smash the window and open them. In addition, Exclusive models benefit from an alarm.

Car safety

The C3 Exclusive is well equipped with passive safety for front occupants, with dual front, front side and curtain airbags installed as standard. The body is also well constructed, only missing out on the full five stars for adult occupant protection because full stability control is not standard fit. It can be added for a sensible fee. However, ABS and braking aids to ensure a fast, safe stop are standard, as is a basic traction control.

Driver appeal

The new engine has made a big difference to every aspect of the C3's drivability. It has a useful amount of extra power, but also the larger cylinders generate more low-down torque that makes it easier to get the car up to speed gently and efficiently. The sense of feedback and involvement is about average for the class, but the increased visibility out of the C3 gives an airier feel which some will think improves the experience.

Family car appeal

A young family could look on the C3 as a prime candidate for them thanks to its happy, cheerful demeanour and low running costs. Two sets of Isofix child seat mounts are fitted to the outer rear seats and getting three small children across the bench is theoretically possible, but Citroen recommends against putting child seats on the middle of the three. The only other real down-side is the boot space restrictions. Only small or comprehensively folding pushchairs will fit.

First car appeal

The supermini class is one that many first-time new car buyers look at, since the cars here are the same size as compact family hatchbacks used to be. Cars like the C3 are easy to drive, offer adequate space and a good spread of equipment spanning both the luxury and the safety strands. The C3 is a great example and in its functionality is perfect for a new driver. It's not cheap at its list price but discounts are usually readily available.

Quality and image

Citroen's brand image is perhaps not what the company would like it to be, with sales struggling recently, especially in the brand's key European markets. However the truth is that Citroen is in the middle of the car industry pack when it comes to build quality and reliability, with some more prestige and more successful firms actually placing lower on reliability scales. The C3 is a solid enough proposition and feels well put together.

Accessibility

The C3 is only built for the UK as a five-door, so rear passengers have much better access by default. Although the door aperture sizes are limited by the length of the car, it's a relatively tall supermini and that means people don't need to tuck into a ball on the way in and out. The boot is similarly practically shaped, but with the drawback that the seat backs begin to impinge on the luggage space.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

The buttons that control the main stereo functions can sometimes seem like too much of a stretch away, and with the media interface screen on the Exclusive being so far away from the controls it can be a real test of your motor skills to work neatly. It does, however, have a USB input for MP3 players and a full complement of speakers including one on top of the dashboard and an amplified subwoofer.

Colours and trim

The range of colours for the C3 is typical of many cars, with the only free option being flat white. Then there is a range of metallic and pearlescent shades covering silver, grey, black, white, red and blue, with the only unusual exception being a fashionable brown. Bright colours best suit the C3's cheerful looks and it's a shame there aren't more to choose from. The interior trim has a generally upmarket look, although shiny dashboard plastics are a matter of taste.

Parking

Rear visibility is no problem in the C3 and the boot length is easy to judge to avoid bumps, so reverse parking is as easy as it can be. No parking assistance systems are fitted as standard, but rear parking sensors can be added optionally for a very reasonable price. As a supermini the C3 is compact enough to fit into most spaces without drama, and the five-door layout means the shorter doors open wider.

Spare wheel

Full-size steel spare wheel supplied as standard.