Although there are no mechanical or performance changes to the 2021 Citroen C3 hatchback, an exterior styling refresh is complemented with an improved interior featuring greater comfort.
In the metal
The Citroen C3 has been something of an outlier in the B-segment, as it has more of a crossover vibe to its design in comparison to its more traditional hatchback competition such as the Ford Fiesta, SEAT Ibiza and Toyota Yaris. To bring the C3 more into line with the recently revealed Citroen C4, it gets a refreshed front-end that mimics the V-shape design that premiered on the 2016 Cxperience concept car. Of more importance is the introduction of LED headlights across the range. Not only do these improve the illumination at night, but they also sharpen up the face of the car and they fit in better with the strip of LED daytime running lights.
Four colour packs are available to add further personalisation to the C3's exterior. These add contrasting elements to the lower bumper sections and roof, and are available in white, red, black or anodised emerald, the latter being a new hue. New exterior colours include Spring Blue (as pictured here) and Elixir Red. These join five other paint options to create up to 97 different combinations. Other minor changes include the 'airbumps' along the lower section of the doors as well as new 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheel designs.
Of more significant news is the inclusion of two seat options featuring Citroen's lounge-like 'Advanced Comfort' design. Available in two upholstery options, they feature 15mm thick padding with a new higher density structured foam to create comfort levels we haven't seen in modern cars at this end of the market. Meanwhile, a new glossy finish to the seven-inch touchscreen improves its appearance and perceived quality, though it is more susceptible to showing fingerprints now. Rear passenger space remains good for the segment and the boot holds 300 litres.
Driving it
This update to the Citroen C3 is largely an aesthetic one, and it hasn't brought any notable changes to the engine line-up. The range will start with a naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine producing 83hp mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. For a lot of people this engine will suffice for frequent town and urban driving and the fifth gear is long enough to provide an adequate compromise on motorway journeys at higher speed.
If budget permits, it is worth spending the extra to upgrade to the more powerful turbocharged engine. This, badged 'PureTech 110', only comes with the six-speed automatic transmission and it makes for a much nicer combination to drive. As the C3 isn't exactly a heavy car at 1,090kg, there's a briskness to it when you use the accelerator pedal more freely.
There's a characterful thrum from the three-cylinder engine under the bonnet and the soft, cushioned suspension is undoubtedly optimised for comfort. Ease off the throttle a bit and you'll find that it isn't a particularly thirsty engine, nor does it perform badly in the emissions stakes, so running costs should be quite agreeable. Comfort is indeed the name of the game here and it's what Citroen is using to demarcate itself from others in the segment. The six-speed auto isn't lightning quick with its changes, but in a way that echoes the more relaxed nature of driving that Citroen seems keen to portray with this car.
What you get for your money
The Citroen C3 will be available in three specification trims: Feel, Feel Exclusive and Flair. Both engines will be available to order with these, but the 1.2 PureTech 82 will come only with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the more powerful 1.2 PureTech comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic, as mentioned above.
Front and rear parking sensors are also now available on the C3. Other driver assistance functions include active safety brake, hill start assist reversing camera, lane departure warning, blind spot detection and intelligent beam headlights. Irish pricing is to be confirmed, but when the C3 arrives in early 2021 it is expected to carry a price increase of around €400 over the outgoing model. Our advice is to choose the PureTech 110 engine.
Summary
Rather than trying to do what so many others attempt in making smaller hatchbacks look and feel sporty, Citroen sticks to what it does best and provides a plush and comfortable base for its latest C3. Improved styling keeps it looking good and that hint of crossover about it is sure to add further appeal. But it's in the interior that it excels, particularly with the comfort seats. The 2021 update serves to emphasise the C3's good points.
