This is a short review of new Citroën C3 PureTech 110 auto.
Citroën’s last C3 was a bit uninspiring in a hotly contested market, but the company has come out fighting with its new C3.
Oddly, for a manufacturer which has just gone to a lot of trouble to separate its Citroën and DS brands, it looks quite like a DS, with contrasting roof colours and detailing around the fog lamps and door mirrors. Practical Airbumps on the doors are a no-cost option on upper trim levels and you can customise the look.
Styling is good, with a tall bonnet line and two-layered front lighting, and black plastic mouldings around the wheel arches and rear valance.
Engines are a three-cylinder 1.2 petrol with 67, 81 or 108bhp or a 1.6-litre turbodiesel with 74 or 99bhp and prices range from £10,995 to £17,095. Lack of time decreed I could only try one model, the 108bhp petrol with automatic transmission. At low speeds, this PureTech engine is quiet and smooth and only makes it presence felt when tackling hills.
The cabin is simple and stylish and includes an HD camera which saves the previous 30 seconds of your journey prior to any incident. You can also press a button on the rear-view mirror to record snaps.
On the road, the test car showed understeer through moderate low-speed corners, but this is apparently less of an issue on other versions.
The rear seats are a bit cramped but the front ones are comfortable and it is an enjoyable car to drive at low speeds. The C3 looks great and has oodles of Gallic charm, but it is competing with some big hitters.
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