Citroën C3 Turbo 100 - The truth, one year after the first drive

After putting the entire range through its paces last year, I felt the need to take a step back. A launch test is often intense, marked by the discovery and excitement of novelty. Today, I’m getting back behind the wheel of the Citroën C3 in its 1.2 Turbo 100 hp version to see what remains of that first impression. Is it still the providential city car? The answer, in many ways, surprised me.

What immediately struck me upon getting back behind the wheel

A mechanical liveliness that feels good

From the very first miles, what surprises you at the wheel of this C3 Turbo 100 is its liveliness. In a market saturated with often heavy and muted hybrid or electric cars, finding a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) paired with a manual gearbox provides an almost forgotten driving pleasure.

The C3 is a light car, and you feel it immediately. With its 100 willing horsepower, pick-up is sharp, and the car never feels sluggish. I truly enjoyed playing with the gear lever to exploit the torque of the small 3-cylinder engine—an experience much more dynamic than the spec sheet suggests.

Comfort: A necessary mea culpa

I won’t lie to you: for a long time, I claimed that the comfort of this new C3 didn't appeal to me as much as other models in the range. For this generation, Citroën opted for a firmer compromise, prioritizing handling and dynamism over the usual "magic carpet" softness.

But after these few days of testing, I must make a mea culpa. Taking the car back on my usual routes allowed me to realize that Citroën has actually found a very good balance. Granted, the rear axle can still send a few dry jolts over large bumps (due to the narrower tire sidewalls), but the overall filtration is very satisfying. It’s less "mushy" than before, more precise in corners, while remaining soulfully a Citroën.

A pleasant small SUV stance

It’s often overlooked, but this C3 started from a blank sheet of paper with a very vertical style. Thanks to its generous ground clearance, it drives like a small SUV. This elevated driving position, which I perhaps didn't emphasize enough during my first test, is a real treat for daily use. It offers peripheral visibility that its lower rivals cruelly lack, allowing you to anticipate urban traffic with total serenity.

What truly convinced me over time

A rather fuel-efficient petrol engine

With the explosion of hybridization, we tend to condemn pure ICE for city use. Yet, my 15-day test and over 500 miles (800 km) proved the opposite. With a mixed route including 350 miles of motorway and numerous urban trips, my average consumption stabilized at 45.5 mpg (6.2 liters per 100 km).

This is a remarkable performance for a car without any electrical assistance. On secondary roads, I even saw much lower scores, proving the efficiency of this lightweight architecture. For a controlled fuel budget, the contract is fulfilled.

A "Zen" and warm interior atmosphere

The old C3 had that endearing, almost "cute" side. The new one, in Max trim, bets on a different but equally seductive atmosphere. The C-Zen Lounge concept works wonders: the horizontal dashboard opens up the space and doesn't "stifle" you.

The attention to detail, such as the Sofa Design 3D fabric strip or the new Advanced Comfort seats (whose pattern recalls the spirit of the CX Pallas), creates a bright and welcoming universe. You simply feel good in it, and it's a pleasure to settle on board, even for short trips.

The last bastion of affordability

Discussing the price with my family, the observation is clear: just over €20,000 for such a well-equipped high-end version has become a rarity. Today, that’s the entry-level price for a stripped-back Renault Clio or Peugeot 208.

One could always criticize the presence of hard plastics (which are, anyway, the norm in this segment), but Citroën is the only brand to have dared to lower its prices so significantly. It’s a rational car, but one that makes no compromise on style or engine power.

And today, would I still choose it?

If you had asked me the question last year, I would have been hesitant because of that comfort feeling I judged too firm. Today, my opinion has evolved. This C3 has entered my "short-list."

It might not replace a C4 for very long family trips, particularly because of its 310-liter boot which will quickly be saturated during holiday departures. However, as a main car for a couple or a second car for a household, it is practically perfect.

It offers a different concept, a modern look, and a spirited drive that many of its competitors lack. In a word: it is consistent. Citroën hit the mark by offering an accessible car that doesn't forget to put a smile on its driver's face. One year later, the C3 confirms it wasn't just a passing novelty, but a new pillar for the brand.