CITROËN C3 (2013 – 2016)

By Jonathan Crouch

Models Covered

5 dr supermini (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 petrol, 1.4, 1.6 diesel [VT, VTR+, Airdream+, Exclusive])

Introduction

Citroen’s C3 supermini has always focused on comfort and value, along with an extra dash of the kind of innovation we expect from this enduring French brand. Here, we’re going to look at the facelifted version of the second generation model, which sold between 2013 and 2016. It featured more efficient engines than the original post-2009 version of this design, a clever range of three cylinder ‘Pure Tech’ units that transformed its petrol proposition, plus a clutch of Airdream micro hybrid diesel models that’ll cost just pennies to run. The result still isn’t sporty but as before, the ride’s great, the interior’s smart and the boot’s practical.

The History

Citroën knows a thing or two about small family cars, especially those with a dash or two of character. Here, after all, is the marque that over sixty years ago, brought us the iconic 2CV, a model which established its maker as an innovator, an embracer of technology and a brand in tune with the fickle finger of fashion.

Over the years, we’ve seen further moments of shining innovation, design bravery and unadulterated quirkiness, but never really amongst Citroen superminis. The Nineties Saxo was a rebadged Peugeot 106, while its first generation C3 successor was flimsy and forgettable. In the second generation C3 though, a car launched in 2009, we got a very different proposition. It wasn’t a current-day 2CV but it was about as innovative as a practically-sized five-door modern supermini from this era was ever going to get. And therefore a proper Citroen.

Here, we focus on the lightly revised sleeker-looking version of this MK2 model we first saw in the Spring of 2013, a car that like its pre-facelifted predecessor, shared its engines and underpinnings with similarly-sized Peugeot models. Which is important to know as it explains why this facelift really transformed this car. In the Spring of 2012, Peugeot had introduced their all-new 208 supermini, completely with a high-tech range of 1.0 and 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engines. This improved C3 got all the same technology, which meant that at last, it had a credible petrol-engined line-up. Previously, you had to stretch to a pricey HDi diesel if you wanted a really efficient version of this car.

Like its predecessor, this model was rather refreshing in its refusal to prioritise the ‘sportiness’ that other brands from this era seemed to feel was necessary in their small runabouts. The French maker had its more dynamic three-door DS3 line to provide that. Which left this five-door C3 to create its own distinct, more laid-back market niche as something smartly fashionable that offered higher quality and greater comfort than a Fiesta, without the potential priceyness of a Polo. The facelifted MK2 model C3 sold from 2013 to 2016 before being replaced by an all-new third generation design.

What To Look For

This particular era C3 hasn't experienced any significant reported problems to date. Examine for flaking of paint on the bumpers and check that the air conditioning works and that the pixels on the centre display are all good. Also check for rear bumper scrapes. Finally check that the Bluetooth pairs reliably with your phone handset. Otherwise, it’s down to the usual things. So check that the service records have been properly stamped up. Look for signs of plastic scratches and dens around the interior caused by unruly children. And check for scrapes on the alloy wheels caused by distracted mums not paying attention properly when parking.

On The Road

Small French cars used to ride beautifully, grip tenaciously and flow from corner to corner with relaxed, unflustered motion. As, by and large, this one does. It may come as news to some motoring journalists but most supermini buyers don’t routinely want to throw their cars about as if they were on stage from the RAC Rally. What most of them would prefer is a model that rolls the red carpet over the average appallingly surfaced British road. As this one does.

The trick, which Citroen hasn’t always mastered, is to offer this without inducing the kind of bodyroll and handling woollyness that removes any element of enjoyment from the driving experience altogether. In this respect, this impressively refined C3 is a world away from its first generation predecessor and was further improved in this enhanced guise with an increase in the anti-roll bar rates by about 15% and an increase in the damping rates by around 20%. So it didn’t roll and wallow as much as before. True, a Ford Fiesta from this era would still be a tauter, more eager proposition for enthusiastic drivers but this C3 we think, is the car a significant number of people would prefer to live with day-in, day-out - though we would say that on longer trips, the seats could do with a little more support.

As for the changes to this improved second generation C3, well, most of them lie beneath the bonnet. For this enhanced MK2 model, Citroen was able to borrow the light, revy little three cylinder ‘Pure Tech’ petrol engines from Peugeot’s rival 208 supermini and they really transform this car’s buying proposition for green pump buyers. First up is a 1.0-litre 68bhp unit that needs to be revved quite hard if you’re to get anywhere near the quoted performance figures (rest to 62mph in 14.2s en route to just 101mph). Much better is the 1.2-litre 82bhp version of this unit. This delivers the same distinctive three cylinder thrum, but accompanies it with pokier performance, 62mph from rest taking 12.3s on the way to 108mph. It’s a pity you only get a 5-speed manual gearbox though: on the open road, this car would be much more relaxing with a 6th speed.

Overall

Overall then, this improved MK2 model C3 is a strong contender if you’re looking for an affordable supermini from the 2013 to 2016 era. Best of all perhaps, it’s a car that’s distinctively Citroen.