The French will tell you this is the most beautiful small car in the world. The C3 price is less attractive, although the equipment list is enough to widen any smile. The sensible mix of safety and comfort features is close to best in class.
Citroen C3 is selling well, no doubt helped by excellent styling that carries a theme with just a hint of the much-loved old Citroen 2CV.
The often criticised self-shifting manual gearbox has been replaced by a conventional five-speed unit, which makes it a more attractive proposition to many. Best to steer clear of changing gears when the armrests are down, though.
A full automatic was finally offered with the C3 at the time of the 2006 facelift, but only when the car was specified with the 1.6 engine.
The automatic car doesn't have a great deal of grunt but is generally OK for stop-start suburban work - which would be its natural territory.
Inside the cabin of the C3 the complete instrument panel has received a styling rework and there are also changes to the door trim design and colours to complement this. However, the LCD speedometer and the tiny tacho needle that runs outside it can be hard to see in strong Australian sunlight.
The Citroen C3 is best regarded as a two-plus-two rather than a full four-seater, unless those in the back seats are on the small side. Things are improved and a bit roomier if the front-seat occupants can afford to move their seats forward two or three notches.
As a practical city car the C3 makes a lot of sense due to its compact dimensions.
The next Citroen C3 update is expected around November 2007. A diesel engine is expected to be added to the C3 line up. It will be a 1.6 with a manual transmission.
