Citroën C3: a welcome in Greece that raises questions about the perception of Citroën in France
- Jérémy
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Arriving on Greek roads just a few weeks ago, the new Citroën C3 carries an important legacy: that of succeeding a third generation car that made its mark and won the hearts of many Greek motorists. The mission was a tall order, but the initial feedback is more than promising. Awarded the prestigious title of "Car of the Year 2025 in Greece" by a jury of specialist journalists, the new C3 already seems to have found its place. And who better than the Greeks themselves to tell us about this car that seems to be unanimously acclaimed in their country?
The successful challenge of renewing a bestseller
Admittedly, the previous generation Citroën C3 wasn't just another car on the Greek market. It was a real pillar of the Chevron brand, contributing significantly to Citroën's growth in Greece in recent years. Thanks to its endearing style, renowned comfort and versatility, it established itself as a benchmark in the multi-purpose city car segment, allowing the brand to gain valuable market share. Replacing such a success is never easy. There's a great risk of disappointing or failing to rediscover the magic formula that made the outgoing model so successful. However, reading the first reviews in the Greek trade press, it seems that Citroën has not only risen to the challenge, but has done so brilliantly. The enthusiasm is palpable and the feedback is glowing, suggesting that this new C3 has what it takes to follow or even surpass the success of its predecessor.
Praise from the Greek press: style, comfort and price all there
NewsAuto magazine is full of praise for this newcomer. The tone is set from the very first lines of their article: the C3 is described as "beautiful", capable of "stealing the show anywhere". The Greek journalists highlight a design that is "a hit at first glance", oozing "confidence" and "dynamism". They particularly appreciate its ability to stand out, to "go against the uniformity of the market" to offer a car that is an "extension of the driver's personality". This bold style, which combines SUV-inspired elements with a compact and youthful silhouette, seems to have immediately seduced, attracted attention and aroused admiration from "baby boomers to Generation Z". The article even evokes scenes of passers-by abandoning ancient monuments to photograph the C3, a sign of its strong visual impact.
In addition to style, comfort, a Citroën core value, is emphasised. The new C3 is described as "as comfortable as a real Citroën". The use of Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension is logically praised, as are the new seats, which offer immediate comfort and better support. The interior, redesigned according to the "C-Zen Lounge" philosophy, is also praised for its "minimalist aesthetics", its "warm and welcoming atmosphere" and the successful integration of the new Head-Up Display, which replaces the traditional instrument cluster and improves safety by keeping essential information in the driver's field of vision. The increase in interior space and boot capacity to 310 litres are also cited as strengths that improve everyday practicality.
But the point that really cements the new C3 in the eyes of the Greek press is its price. Described as "unbeatable" and "the best value for money", it is seen as the "icing on the cake". The starting price of €16,900 for the petrol version is seen as a "real challenge to European competition". Even more impressive is the price of the ë-C3 electric version, which starts at €18,900 (excluding the Greek government subsidy) and is seen as "the best ticket to enter the wonderful world of electric mobility", especially for a car made in Europe and designed to meet the needs of consumers on the continent. It is this combination of strong style, benchmark comfort, modern equipment and an extremely competitive price that leads NewsAuto to conclude that Citroën has created a car that "avoids standardisation, has character" and embodies "joie de vivre" on four wheels.
A striking contrast to the French reception?
Reading these glowing reviews from Greece, it's hard not to draw a parallel with the sometimes mixed, even critical, reception of Citroën's new models in some sections of the French motoring press. At Passionnément Citroën, we often see what could be called "Citroën bashing", a tendency towards systematic criticism that sometimes seems to lack objectivity or to ignore the intrinsic qualities of the vehicles. Without wishing to generalise, there is a noticeable gap between the enthusiasm expressed by our Greek colleagues - and often by other European media - and the reticence, or even harshness, of some French commentators.
The reception of the new C3 in Greece, crowned with the Car of the Year award, is a striking example of this difference in perception. While some in France may point to details of the finish or technical choices, the Greek press celebrates a car that is bold, comfortable, practical and, above all, incredibly well-priced. This invites us to take a step back and consider the international reception of Citroën models in order to gain a fuller and perhaps more accurate picture of their potential and qualities.
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