Citroen has introduced the internal combustion engine (ICE) variants of its latest C3 supermini, presenting options with both standard and mild hybrid powertrains, following the debut of the fully electric e-C3 six months prior. This fourth-generation C3 inherits a more pronounced crossover aesthetic and emphasizes affordability, with pricing kicking off at €14,990, positioning it as a more economical choice compared to its forerunner.
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Externally, distinguishing between the C3 and its e-C3 counterpart proves challenging, given their shared bodywork. The sole discernible disparities lie in the absence of the "e" emblem on the profile and the C3 badge adorning the tailgate. Citroen offers two trim levels as part of its efforts to streamline its range.
The minimalist dashboard presents a 10.25-inch infotainment display on the flagship "Max" trim, whereas entry-level "You" buyers make do with a smartphone holder. Both trims feature the new Citroen Head Up Display, compensating for the lack of a traditional instrument cluster. Numerous storage compartments enhance the supermini's practicality. Equipment options encompass automatic A/C, wireless charging, and smartphone mirroring, with ADAS features primarily focused on essentials.
Despite its 4,015 mm length, the new Citroen C3 purportedly offers more interior space and easier ingress than its predecessor. This is chiefly attributed to a heightened ground clearance of 197 mm and a taller body. Additionally, the boot capacity has expanded by 10 liters to a more ample 310 liters.
Maintaining its predecessor's emphasis on comfort, the new C3 features plush seats with ample foam padding. Standard Citroen Advanced Comfort suspension, incorporating progressive hydraulic cushions to adeptly absorb bumps, further contributes to ride quality. Notably, the EU-spec C3, based on the Smart Car architecture, undergoes region-specific modifications, differing from the mechanically-related New C3 marketed in India and South America.
The entry-level C3 variant houses a non-electrified turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine, generating 100 hp, exclusively channeled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
The more efficient "Hybrid 100" version harnesses the same gasoline engine as its base iteration, augmented with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and an electric motor integrated within the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The electric motor alone delivers 28 hp, with only 12 hp available for acceleration when necessary. Notably, this configuration mirrors that of the Jeep Avenger Hybrid.
Citroen asserts that the mild-hybrid variant can operate in electric mode for up to 50 percent of urban journeys, concurrently curbing emissions and fuel consumption by nearly 10 percent relative to its non-electrified counterpart.
European deliveries of the 2024 Citroen C3 are slated to commence this summer. In France, pricing starts at €14,990 for the C3 You with the non-electrified 1.2-liter engine and manual gearbox. Regarding the fully electric 2024 Citroen e-C3, it starts at €23,300, though a more budget-friendly variant is scheduled for 2025, priced at €19,990.