Published:
21 May 2024The C3 is a very different car to the model it replaces; even the badge has a new design. Whereas the previous model was quite rounded, the new car is boxy and more upright, and designed to resemble an SUV.
Despite the clear visual differences, the old and new C3 actually share the same footprint and only the height has increased, up 10cm on the previous model. The new C3 is a touch over four metres long and 1.75m wide, dimensions you would expect in the supermini segment.
Styling-wise, there are a few tricks to give a stronger SUV flavour such as a horizontal bonnet, roof rails and skid plates. The result is something that’s quite plain, without the charm and daring you would expect from a Citroën and all very inoffensive. It’s not bad looking by any stretch – we just wish it had a bit more character.
The new C3 is built on a clever architecture, using 30% fewer parts than the old car’s, in order to simplify it and therefore make it cheaper to produce. The Smart Car platform is also going to be used by the new Citroën C3 Aircross and Vauxhall Frontera, as well as other Citroën and Fiat models in time.
