Get social with me on Twitter and Instagram @DanielCalbacho

And they are back in the game…French carmaker, of the eccentric variety, Citroën relaunched in South Africa in October 2019.

A wind of change as they say! The C3 brings an aesthetic breath of fresh air into the world of compact hatchbacks. Fashionable, the C3 is characterised by a trendy and optimistic design, animated by coloured inserts and graphic elements like the Airbump® panels. These Airbump® panels are air-filled bumps with a scratch-proof surface that are not only a Citroën signature feature, offering personality, as well as protecting the vehicle. 

The Airbump® panels also have a white or red graphic motif, depending on the version you order.

The unique shape of the C3 is charismatic with a bold front face and generous curves which give it a powerful and energetic stance. Its smooth lines, its graphic signature and its colours make it stand out from the more conventional crowd.

Locally, the C3 has three colour options available: Polar White, Platinum Grey or Soft Sand. These three colours are combined with the Sport Red Roof. These combinations reinforce the cars unique edge. 

The C3 is designed to feel like you are at home when you are at the wheel – those big comfy seats are visceral examples. The interior style is inspired by non-automotive worlds, with touches such as the luggage style door handles and textiles on the dashboard. It’s a rectangle haven, a style cue that’s borrowed from the Airbump®, which is carried through into interior design elements. A first, in my recollection, are the off-white storage compartments that contrast with the items being stored to make it easier to find them.

Space for four in comfort and a boot volume of nearly 300 litres!

Start the trend-setter up and you’ll hear the faint sound of 3-cylinder - a thrumming sound that warms my heart. A 1.2-litre churning out a modest 60kW and matted to a sloppy 5-speed manual gearbox. This particular model is badged a Feel which offers ample mod cons like cruise control, lane keep assist, a touchscreen infotainment system that operates the climate control, Bluetooth connectivity available with Apple CarPlayTM, Android Auto and MirrorLink® and others. You’ll still need to turn on your headlamps, windscreen wipers and wind down the rear windows – these are all old-school manual. Or, if you have an extra R50 000 and love an automatic, opt for the Shine model. This model offers a more powerful version of the same engine but boast an extra 21kW due to a turbocharger and an enjoyable 6-speed self-shifting gearbox.

Being French, the ride is soft, supple and relaxed. Not a dynamic drive. Leave that to the Fiesta but comfortable, yes!

Pricing

Feel 1.2 60kW manual R249 900

Shine 1.2 81kW automatic R299 900

Warranty and Service Plan

The C3 is sold with a 5-year/100 000km service plan. For those of you who are nervous about buying French, Citroën’s come standard Peace of Mind promise: Courtesy Car, Citroën Parts Basket, Complimentary Vehicle Health Check. Microdot - Quick and easy identification in the event of theft.

www.citroen.co.za