New Citroën C3: one year of success and the first major review

It has been just over a year since the new generation of the Citroën C3 arrived on our streets, heralding a true revolution in the competitive B-segment. With its fourth generation, Citroën made a bold statement by disrupting established norms, notably through an audacious pricing strategy that makes it exceptionally accessible. This approach immediately won over a broad customer base, eager to discover a car with a confident design and modern features. Today, with the model firmly established in the automotive landscape, it is time to examine the initial major purchasing trends. How have customers embraced this new vehicle? Which trims, engines, and customizations have captured their attention? The analysis of the first sales figures provides a fascinating profile of the 2024 C3 and the choices of European drivers, revealing preferences that are sometimes surprising but consistently logical given the car's unique market position.

High-end tims dominate thanks to accessible pricing

One of the greatest achievements of this new C3 lies in its ability to make top-tier features widely accessible. While one might have expected a rush towards the entry-level "You" version, the sales data tells a very different story. The most luxurious trim, named Max, alone accounts for a remarkable 55% of total sales. This is an outstanding figure that demonstrates the effectiveness of Citroën's strategy. By offering a richly equipped vehicle at a price point where competitors often provide mid-range versions, the brand encourages customers to treat themselves. Conversely, the entry-level trim accounts for only 7% of orders, confirming that buyers see the C3 as an opportunity to move upmarket without straining their budget. For Citroën, this trend is excellent news, as these higher-spec versions are also the most profitable, ensuring the model's economic success.

Regarding powertrains, the C3 innovates by being available, for the first time in its history, in a 100% electric version, the ë-C3. At this stage, however, the majority of sales are concentrated on gasoline engines. This observation should be nuanced. The Hybrid 100 version was just launched a few weeks ago, and its commercial potential is only beginning to unfold. Furthermore, the production of the ë-C3 is still facing constraints that limit its availability. We will therefore need to wait a few more months to get a clear and definitive picture of the energy mix distribution, once all powertrains have reached their full production and delivery capacity.

Conservative colors but a strong appetite for personalization

While new C3 customers are bold in their choice of high-end trims, they tend to be more conservative when it comes to colors. Despite a palette offering bright and modern shades, the timeless classics remain the safe bets. Banque White and the various shades of grey (Mercury Grey and Platinum Grey) collectively represent 50% of sales. This preference for sobriety does not prevent some more daring colors from standing out. This is particularly the case for Monte Carlo Blue, a vibrant and dynamic hue that is performing well and establishing itself as an attractive alternative for those who wish to make a statement.

Where buyers truly express their desire for personalization is through options. The top-selling Max trim is already so well-equipped that the list of available options is intentionally short. However, this doesn't stop customers from being tempted by the few possibilities offered to make their car unique. On the mid-range "Plus" trim, the two-tone roof option, which creates an elegant contrast with the body color, is particularly popular. It enhances the C3's strong character and assertive design. For buyers of the electric ë-C3, the optional 11 kW onboard charger is a frequent choice. This feature, which significantly reduces charging time at public stations, is seen as a wise investment for daily convenience. Once again, the car's attractive overall price encourages customers to add these features to configure a vehicle that truly reflects their personality.

A commercial success that continues to grow

The initial sales assessment of the new Citroën C3 is clear: it is a resounding success. The city car has found its audience across Europe, to the extent that demand is currently outpacing initial production capacity. To meet this demand, an additional production line has been opened in Serbia to support the Trnava plant in Slovakia, which is already operating at full capacity. With a backlog of several months of orders, Citroën can look to the future with confidence.

The analysis of these early trends provides valuable insights. It shows that the C3 is predominantly chosen in its highest trim level, that its buyers favor rather neutral colors while allowing for touches of personalization, and that the gasoline engine remains the majority choice for now. We will, of course, need to wait a few more months to observe the ramp-up of the hybrid and electric versions. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to see how Citroën's strategy, based on fair pricing and generous equipment, has successfully redefined customer expectations in this segment.