Citroën C3 Fresh looks and upgraded driver assistance systems for small hatchback
Stylish small hatchback gets a fresh look, upgraded driver assistance systems and more personalisation options On sale June Price from £16,500 (est)
IF YOU’RE THE kind of person who values large armchairs, uffy cushions and leather slippers over archery or rambling, the Citroën C3 has been designed with you in mind.this is a small hatchback that prioritises comfort over agility. Its suspension, for example, is softer than what you’ll nd elsewhere in this class, with the aim of allowing it to glide over imperfections in the road.
For this facelifted version, Citroën has given the C3 a new face inspired by 2016’s Cxperience concept car, with a different front grille and tweaked lights. Buyers now have more ways to personalise their C3, too, with new paint colours and new 17in alloy wheel designs.
Inside, Citroën’s Advanced Comfort seats are designed to make long journeys easier by offering more padding than rivals’ and incorporating adjustable lumbar support. We like these seats in the C5 Aircross large SUV, and they should be a big improvement over the outgoing C3’s, which offer precious little support.
A central armrest is also offered for the rst time, but it’s a shame that Citroën hasn’t upgraded the touchscreen infotainment system, beyond giving it a glossier appearance, because the existing setup has sluggish software and a confusing menu layout.
The C3’s range of driver assistance systems has been upgraded, with front parking sensors now available as an option.they join a driver attention monitor, automatic emergency braking and a lane departure warning system.
The engine line-up is unchanged, meaning our recommended 108bhp 1.2-litre petrol-engined model (badged Puretech 110) is likely to remain the best option for most buyers. Other choices include a lesser petrol (Puretech 83) and a 1.5-litre diesel (Bluehdi 100).
Prices are expected to increase slightly compared with those of today’s C3, with the range starting from around £16,500.