Car Review: Citroen - C3  Series 09 (4 stars)

Recommended. Stylish and comfortable, the C3 has now become a serious proposition in the small family car market.

Although the previous generation wasn't much to shout about, receiving a lukewarm reception from critics, the previous-generation Citroen C3 has still managed to sell 2m units since its launch in 2002. The new C3 is a new model entirely and, in a bid to ditch much of the former car's poor reputation, it has been given a much higher-quality finish and a more grown-up look. There's a certain familiarity to its shape, but this is the only feature it shares with the previous C3.

Design-wise, this new model is sleeker, more modern and altogether funkier-looking, with a considerable overlap with the upcoming DS3.There are seven engines to choose from - four petrol and three diesel units, offering between 61bhp and 120bhp - plus three trim levels. The pick of the C3's engine range is the 1.6 HDi 90, which is likely to be the biggest seller: it offers a good balance of power and fuel economy and pulls the car along relatively effortlessly.

One of the biggest selling points of the C3 is its large Zenith windscreen - available on VTR+ and Exclusive models as standard - which makes the cabin feel incredibly light and airy, and adds to the feeling of spaciousness.The C3 now feels like a decent proposition. It might not be the most entertaining car to drive in the segment, but it is certainly one of the most comfortable. With competitive pricing too, it's hard to really find much of an argument against it.

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Citroen C3 Series 09 StatisticsCar Reviews

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