Citroen has unveiled the ICE versions of its new C3 supermini, available with both standard and mild hybrid powertrains, six months after the debut of the otherwise identical, fully electric e-C3. The fourth-generation of the C3 inherits stronger crossover styling cues and emphasizes affordability, with prices starting from € 14,990 (US$ 16,275), making it cheaper than its predecessor. The entry-level version of the Citroen C3 is equipped with a non-electrified turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 100 hp. Power is exclusively transmitted to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The more efficient “Hybrid 100” version
utilizes the same gasoline engine as its base, albeit enhanced with a 48-volt
lithium-ion battery and an electric motor integrated within the six-speed
dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The electric motor alone produces 28 hp, although only 12 hp of those can be utilized for
acceleration when required. It’s worth noting that the same setup can be found
on the Jeep Avenger Hybrid. Citroen claims that the mild-hybrid version can run
on electric mode for up to 50 percent of journeys in urban environments, while
reducing emissions and fuel consumption by nearly 10 percent compared to the
non-electrified equivalent.
From the outside, it’s hard to tell the C3
apart from its e-C3 sibling, as the models share the same bodywork. The only
difference is the absence of the “e” emblem on the profile, and the C3 badge on
the tailgate. The model is available in two trim levels as part of Citroen’s
efforts to streamline its range. The minimalist dashboard showcases a
10.25-inch infotainment display on the flagship “Max” trim, while buyers of the
entry-level “You” will have to settle for a smartphone holder. The new Citroen
Head Up Display compensates for the absence of a traditional instrument cluster
and comes standard in both trims. Additionally, there are plenty of storage
compartments that enhance the practicality credentials of the supermini.
Equipment options include automatic A/C, wireless charging, and smartphone
mirroring, while ADAS features are primarily limited to the essentials.
Despite measuring 4,015 mm long, the new Citroen C3 is claimed to offer more interior space and easier
ingress compared to the previous generation. This is largely attributed to the
higher ground clearance of 197 mm and the taller body.
Additionally, the boot has grown by 10 liters to a more
generous 310 liters.Similar to its predecessor, the new C3
prioritizes comfort, with plush seats that utilize a generous amount of foam.
Additionally, the model comes standard with Citroen Advanced Comfort
suspension, featuring progressive hydraulic cushions to efficiently absorb
bumps. It’s worth noting that the EU-spec C3 is based on the new Smart Car
architecture, featuring region-specific modifications compared to the
mechanically-related New C3 that is on sale in India and South America.
Deliveries of the 2024 Citroen C3 are
expected to commence in Europe this summer. In France, pricing starts from
€ 14,990 (US$ 16,275) for the C3 You with the non-electrified 1.2-liter engine and
a manual gearbox. For comparison, the outgoing C3 which was originally
introduced in 2016 and received a facelift in 2020, is currently priced from
€ 16,590 (US$ 18,014) in the same market. As for the fully electric 2024 Citroen
e-C3, it starts from € 23,300 (US$ 25,301) although a more affordable version will
follow in 2025 with a € 19,990 (US$ 21,708) price tag. The primary rival of the
Citroen C3 is the Dacia Sandero Stepway, which is the only other
crossover-style contender in the supermini segment. Another potential threat is
the closely-related next-gen Fiat Panda, set to debut in summer 2024, likely
mirroring the specs of its French sibling.
