I had a C3 for a hire car and I must admit I was very impressed with how comfortable and how smooth it was very enjoyable easy to live with. I had the 82 bhp flair and it was very nippy definitely put the cars I’ve previously owned to shame. It’s definitely worth a look
Finally a supermini with plush ride, not the rock hard ride of the rest. Good Citroen dare to design a car for consumers who want a comfortable ride, not automotive jounalists. Cheers.
I currently have this one as a rental. Now, I travel a lot and rent cars up to 9 months in a year. So I get to drive a lot of different models, and I must say, this is one of the very few where I have pretty much no complaints. Everything works well, it's comfortable and also not bland. I had a brand new Peugeot 2008 a couple months ago, and even though I was surprised by it's quality feel, this can hold up and actually has a better and more responsive infotainment system. I just really like it.
Hello. I rent a Citroën C3 for 10 days in May 2021. 👍The style. 👍The comfort. Seats and suspension. 👍The engine voice. 👍The rear capacity to put everything you bought at the supermarket. 👍Rear seats are for the children and the dog. The C3 is a kind of "boy toy" for every day use. I really like and enjoy the Citroën C3. Greetings from France! 🇫🇷🇬🇧 Yours videos are 👍👍👍🏆🏆🏆
The wipers have a mode....when you switch the car off and pull the wiper stalk down it stops the wipers mid way of the windscreen so you can lift it. It's been like that in PSA cars for years now....
Quite a lot of cars have a service position for the wipers like that It actually surprises me a bit when I turn the ignition off, pull the handle and nothing happens :P
SDav21 Wow! Driving my Peugeot 307 tonight and noticed when the engine was off and I knocked the stalk that the wipers parked at the fully open position and I wondered why. Now I know!
I think is because once he shows you a more expensive car in superlatives then you'll more likely to buy that car from the website he is promoting / commission 💰💰
I think an inbuilt dashcam is long overdue. Provided that you can turn it off and what not it really ought to be standard let alone an option on all cars.
Goot There's legal issues in some countrys...that's why you don't get them as standard. And I wonder if YOU really want to be secretly recorded by every car on the street.
Ah yes, forgot about Germany and their rules. Utterly stupid, you're using a public road in a machine surrounding you in glass for everyone to see yet a front facing dashcam that only records whats ahead is banned because of "privacy". Whats stopping someone from whipping out their phone or DSLR for that matter and sticking it onto their car? Its a dumb law, end of. What else are you going to be doing that you shouldn't other than driving? Snorting a line of coke? In this day and age you can't go out in public and expect *not* to be accidentally recorded, its inevitable, speed cameras take a picture too, I assume that evading your privacy too huh? Accept it, you can't expect to have total privacy in public, its the dumbest thing I've ever heard, maybe 60 years ago but not today.
for the haters of Citroën , this new C3 is a big sucess in france ( 1 st ,number one in april ) and even for the car rental companies ! And the VW polo ? 14 th in april ... we are not brainwashed by VW .
Glad you frenchies are not, the dutch are... shame. I dispise the people that bash on citroen beforehand. they probably never drove a real citroen! love the cx
Well, VW is more expensive than Citroen. I'd choose C3 just for the price of buying and maintaining the car (taxes and pieces). But yes, it's seems like a good car :)
@carwow Maybe read the manual when it comes to the wipers. On most modern Citroens you're supposed to raise the wipers into the 'up' position by tapping the wiper stall after switching off the ignition. This clears them out of the way of the edge of the bonnet. Come on!!!
Bought this car this month. I've only ever driven hatchbacks or compact SUVs in my driving life. I've owned Kia Rio, two Nissan Pulsas, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Micra, VW Golf, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Fiesta, Renault Megane and most lately Citroen DS3. (Yes. I have changed cars on average every 1.5 years. Yes. I'm an idiot as I have wasted a lot of money in the process.) I've driven as a hire car Fiat Punto, Mitsubishi Colt and Mazda 3. Buying Citroen C3 was a total impulse buy. I went into Peugeot dealer to buy 3008, then saw this car...and bought this one also. In any case, I have to say...wow. This car is fantastic...especially given that I've owned and driven a lot of hatchbacks. I was initially worried about its engine output that is rather diminutive on paper... But, I have absolutely zero problems zipping around town, overtaking, pulling out of junctions, etc. The car's cabin is a fantastic place to be. Very comfortable, very chic. After driving all those very mundane every day cars, I began detesting the idea of being yet another VW Golf driver. This car certainly isn't mundane. And common, it ain't. Couldn't be happier with the car and the way it drives and its design.
Thanks for the info, looking to buy one as well. Actually, having a dilemma between C3 110hp and 2018 C4 Cactus 110hp, either way in top trim ("Shine" here, in UK it would be Flair). What do you guys think would be a better choice from cost-benefit standpoint?
+Ivan Negrojevic Back when Citroen Cactus was first released, I seriously wanted to buy the car. But, I was not in a financial situation to buy a new car then. It's amazing how far the aftereffect of a very simple financial mistake can linger around for. Anyway, that aside, in regards to your question, I guess it really depends on what your needs are. Cactus, being a compact SUV of a sort, will be a bit more functional than the new C3. Having said that, I don't think Cactus is that much bigger than C3. If the extra space isn't the issue, I think C3 would do the job just fine. A big minus for me, which ultimately deterred me away from Cactus was its rear windows design. I have dogs. So, not being able to wind the windows down to get the dogs some fresh air is a kind of a bit deal to me. But, as always, going to the dealer around you and seeing the cars in person and test driving the car would be the best way to find out. : )
Joe Lee thanks a lot for the feedback, much appreciated! I actually did test both at my local Citroën dealer albeit C3 they only had an 82hp test car, but 2018 Cactus in 110hp - they both feel great and comfy with Cactus being a bit more spacious (although difference is more in terms 17cm total, with 6cm difference in cabin space and slightly larger trunk) but nothing dramatic. And regarding bodyroll I only noticed a tad bit of it in Cactus (and I drove a 1998 Opel Vectra for years, for the sake of comparison). Found that 110hp engine would suit me perfectly and since most of my driving would be in urban conditions with occassional long distance road trip I have a feeling that C3 will do the job fine for me. I assume you have the same version, 110hp? If so, roughly how many km of distance do you cover with a full tank? Did you have any issues with C3 so far? Thanks in advance :)
do you still have it? 😁 anyways, thanks for the comment! It made me consider the car. The suspensions should come quite comfy in this pothole-laden country of mine
I have driven both the new polo and C3 and I assure you as someone who felt a distaste for the VW brand Polo is light year ahead, in comfort, quality, feel, driving responseand practicality
at last ,some bravery when we talk about design.I am tired of this German lack of inspiration.....Same boring mood everywhere,in every car they made.Just like their wheather....And about reliability? VW is the protagonist at the biggest scandal in car history(diesel gate) they cheat everywhere but they control the media so you only listen about French craps and nothing else.I had a vw passat and the whole interior was shit....So i don't bite the german propaganda....The car is so beautiful in and out,very safe and comfort and also something different on the road that while attract the eyes plus with a great price tag...
@@FiuzA2k The C3 is shit to drive. Yes, it has a nice interior and it's comfortable over bumps but the steering is spongey, body roll in bends is quite bad and the gearbox feels like a fork in a hard block of butter.
@@VoodooMadMike41 I totally agree, just hired one while my golf gti mk7 is in the garage and the C3 feels like a toy car so spongy and the manual gearshift 1.2 is horrible the car is so wallowy and body roll is laughable, but apart from that the C3 is a decent cheap car a sort of plug and play modern car you just drive and forget about, also love the side body protection and quirky looks. I'd give it a go but the Drive train and body roll are a deal breaker foe me.
I've been driving 2017 C3 for half a year now and I don't agree with much of this review. For instance, it has a lot of room in the back, more than Volvo XC60, touch screen is very responsive and pretty fast, but put too low, and clutch isn't that bad. Also, breaks are strong, but you'll be glad they are! And it has many, many more positive sides (audio system is very powerful, it rides high and you can go a little bit off road, light on your gas money...). On the other side, some plastic parts are not so so, they are cheap and clunky.
Nah, they're all the same. Bland, over-featured, gutless, feel as if they are fall-apart fragile, and with annoyances built in to every single aspect. At least the C3 doesn't have the plastic edge on the central console that digs into the left shin constantly. Shame on VW and Seat for incorporating that into the Polo and Ibiza. But the boot catch alone ought to be enough to deter even the most devoted Citroen lover from buying a C3. I could go on... see my main comment
@@AlloAlloVeraLynn VW group cars may not be perfect but I have a 6J 2017 Ibiza FR and when I had an equivalent C3 as my courtesy car, I wanted to cry. It drives like an elephant, there is no feel to the steering, the gearbox feels like a toy or a fork stuck in a block of hard butter and the car feels unstable near or abobe 70 mph. I drove it up to Edinburgh and back with my sister and even she was scared on the motorway at times when I was only doing like 74mph... Not to mention the body roll on sharp bends. The interior is quite nice, I'll give them that but it's awful to drive. When I came back to my Ibiza after 2 weeks of driving that thing, I felt liberated. A car that actually sticks to the road, is responsive and a gearbox that feels solid through the gears and not like a toy. I almost forgot how solid of a car it was until I tasted the C3... So unless you completely don't care about the driving experience or do less than 500 miles per month without long commutes, I would wholeheartedly avoid the C3.
@@VoodooMadMike41 sure it aint a VW, and far from me to defend it. But I took a 7 hour drive to and around the west country in the C3 yesterday - with every kind of road you can think of, bearing your comments in mind as I went - and I can't agree the difference is that great. I think you're exaggerating. Perhaps the one you were lent was sick for some reason. Did you check the tyres? Sure it lacks feel and character, but they all drive like sewing machines, frankly. Any extra enjoyment from the Polo/Ibiza is more than offset by that stupid wedge of plastic digging into my left leg, which is mental torture. It could also be that none of them is my kind of car at all. Last 'mini' I had was a 1987 Peugeot 205. I refused for 20 years to drive anything but Citroen ZX/Xsara Turbo diesels. My current 'zoom-around' is a 2000 Hyundai Accent. I know we aren't supposed to take Acc-id-ents seriously but I actually think they're the best thing since screw top wine bottles
I got the diesel C3 and its one of the best cars I've owned, soft ride yes, great MPG yes, reliable yes, cheap tax £30 yes, comfortable seats yes, No no's i can think of. . . . what do you want from a car, speed buy a Ferrari, style buy a Mercedes, as for no A/C mat are you sure, I think you access it through the satnav screen on these models, does anyone make a car without A/C nowadays that is sold in europe,
I agree. I think they tried to do something refined in the second generation, but the first was more successful and the third one is like the first one was in 2002. I had one post-facelift first generation and liked very much. The materials were cheap, the handling was average, but was confortable and looked good.
Been driving this for a week as a courtesy car, as the days have gone on, I've really enjoyed it, yes super comfy, brand new so the gears can be slightly sticky and there is a little difficulty looking back over my right shoulder past the thick space between front and back driver side windows, would I buy it, probably, you tend to get used to a car after a few days and I will be looking for something reliable in the not too distant future :)
I think it's a fresh looking little car. He is right about the brakes though, they are too sensitive/jerky around town and the pedal feel is weird. It's the same story with the C4, hydraulic system just feels strange.
I have a 15 yr old petrol berlingo. 1.6 petrol. Had many cars. This can do everything and the ride and comfort incredible. Almost silent at 70. Versatility second to none. No rust, paintwork as new, 120,000 miles. Original clutch. Only niggles central locking intermittent but cba to fix. I have 2 cars but berlingo is my go to. Also people like to borrow it.😂. Nicknamed the pope mobile
They're actually there to solve a problem of people losing things in their door bins. It's a design solution - don't overlook it and selectively ignore all the car's other good points.
Josh Bacon Nobody does, not the Germans not the Italians neither the French. They simply don't care about the brits. Actually they don't care about anyone but their pockets.
Mario Kajin But then that means they also don't care about people in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan....all who have right hand drive. It is just a cost thing. There are more left hand drive markets it seems and where those cars are developed, it is left hand drive. Having to re engineer the wiring loom will probably cost quite a bit if the wires are designed to run a certain way. Although look at all the markets that are right hand drive....they aren't small markets so they should just move it. It irritates me that they don't. If other manufacturers can make it not intrude into the glovebox then surely they can do the same.
Noah Wyverkens Is there no Citroen in New Zealand? Oh no. But they have also recently stopped selling cars in South Africa. Sad really because the C4 Picasso and DS5 and DS3 are really good.
I am usually not a fan of French cars even though I live in France and they are everywhere, but I drove the C3 a few times while learning to drive and I really liked it (as opposed to the 208 and the fiat500 available at the driving school).
I bought the new one a week ago,tho i went with the 83hp manual and just had a chiptune to get to 95 hp which is plenty on this little car...the suspensikn and seats make it feel like a mercedes c klasse,its just so smooth and relaxed
@@Jeremy-ff7gv I've only noticed this a year on hahaha 🤣 better late than never. Well I got one 😉 and she's bloody fantastic I bought my new car then had to shield for the next three months staring at the car from the window. Charming and we still in lockdown (shielding) so I've barely used it. But thee second I'm free we are driving into the sunset hahaha
At least Citroen was able to make a good looking C3 after ages(at least in my opinion, I'm aware beauty is subjective). I would go for the DS3 though, that car is just better and, if I recall correctly, shouldn't cost too much
Got one. And the massive frame and huge rear view mirror mount makes for a huge blind angle. I have to lean and weave every morning as I approach the parking at work. My turn is a right turn just after a zebra crossing. I have a left hand drive. Apart from that, I am quite satisfied with it. Oh. Another thing. The active temperature thingy (not real Air Condition) causes some tiny actuators to open and close some sort of ducts every now and then. They give a tiny whining noise. Irritating.
Heam. I was searching for the Ford Explorer trial but you didn't make it. It could be great to do it. I'll really enjoy to know what you think about this iconic American SUV. Best regards. 🍀🏆🍀
But why does it look a bit cheap inside? It's surprising because cars like the C4 Picasso and DS5 are really well made. Also its sister car, the 208, is much better made it seems. So odd....
this new citroen c3 is very sexy! i bought the 82 petrol engine with Feel pack last week and i can prove it that is a funky car. cool design every where. it can prove that cheap cars can give you intelligent design. I don't appreciate the soft suspension but this is absolutely personal. Electronics and info entertainment are more that enough! you can call to anyone in you smartphone contact list just using the voice command! you can also install android auto app and use usb port to mirror your screen to the car info entertainment so you can use google map as a navigation! i would like that citroen let me choose the Bluetooth audio font by default instead of FM radio. but if you plug a usb with mp3 the car can play your favorite paylists in firts place! Citroen did a great job! congratulations!
If u are in city 1.2 Puretech 82. For highway is best 1.5 BlueHdi 100. I am in Croatia so we have difrend equipment but i have Shine version, In UK feel is same as Shine i think.
Literally the exact same situation on any supermini (B segment) car out there. Entry level versions of the Polo and Fiesta (that car reviewers love so much) don't come with A/C nor even a radio. You're free to chose a trim level higher than entry level, and 98% of buyers do just that.
Had this as a courtesy car for 3 days, very nice & comfy car. Only problem is that the ventilation a/c controls are on the touch screen & the sunroof is just a fixed glass panel. When I updated my lease car I nearly chose this car, I wanted an opening sunroof so ended up getting a Fiesta. Still this is a nice distinctive car & such lovely seats.
As for the wiper problem. That's why there is a setting for changing the wipers. Also the Volkswagen Polo suffers from the same problem with the wipers. I didn't see you complain about that though! Once again Mat is being biased towards the German car!
I have this car as a courtesy car at the moment. There is one really annoying feature: the dashboard is deep, shiny black plastic so it constantly reflects sun into your eyes whatever the weather!
In Iran government sell this car to us x10 the price and it is considered as a luxury car, people have to pre purchase it and they didnt deliver cars yet. by the way in Iran we get 1.6 liter Turbo version which is exclusive
Had one of these as a hire car recently. It's easy to live with - if you like driving a blancmange. Would I have one as a hire car? Yes, definitely. Would I buy one? No, never.
Was looking at cars to lease, and there are some good deals at the moment on Fiesta Active X and ST Line X. But they've got 18" alloys and rubber bands for tyres, never mind the ST Line's sports suspension. The C3 is starting to look quite appealing...
@@bekirilkyaz2368 I drive a Citroën c3, It's a great car that drives pretty nice. It ain't no luxury car but it does the job and is very comfy. And I personally don't think the gearbox feels like shifting cake mix around, And i've driven a lot of cars. But it's just all personal preferences. Matt doesn't like the feel of the clutch and gearbox, But some people do. So my advice is to just test drive one.
I had one as a curtesy car from a local garage. Nice smooth ride, but awful pedal layout and slow throttle response. Also the AC/fan controls are on the touchscreen, which is annoying.
Currently have a 5 week old 1.2 petrol on hire here in serbia. Seats uncomfortable for me at 5'11", gutless engine and the clutch is very weak. Interior wise all hard plastic and why are manufacturers putting heating controls on the touch screen, you have to take your eye off the road. I currently drive a b8 Passat because vw virtually gave it away but am going back to Honda at the end of the year for the crv.
Well first of all the zips do hide isofix points..so unless someone stole them on Mats car they are there. Also PSA have been putting a clean/change position on their wipers since the 307. Switch the engine off, move the stalk up and they move to the vertical position and stop..you'd think motoring journalist would know that..it's only been around for 20 years. Also it's not the easiest car to drive smoothly but unless you are a cretin after a few hours exposure you should be able to get it to drive smoothly enough. All in all it's a nice thing to live with as long you aren't expecting a race car..
They put this awesome entertainment system with all the features yet no RCA output on the back. So to connect a damn regular subwoofer or replace the crappy paper speakers you'll end up buying a Pioneer radio anyway. And getting the steering wheel buttons to work is a pain in the butt. Sadly this applies to most car brands not just Citroen...
Hello Mat, could you please do a review on the new ford mondeo estate? It has been a while since we've seen that car. I mean is it complete garbage or what is the deal?
Costs as much as a Cactus, and is basically the same car, only a bit smaller. The fact that a touchscreen, air bumps and wheels can only be had in the top spec basically means you'll pay as much as for the mid spec Cactus. Yes, the base car is much cheaper but it looks nothing like the one Mat reviewed.
I have been around some dealers recently in order to replace my aging Vauxhall Aguila, most cars wil be an automatic upgrade over that no doubt but two things in modern cars which I think is bad design, is the lack of spare wheel and non flush boot/rear seats, massive design flaws, all across the board, puts me off Ford Focus/Fiesta, same with Mazda, and Toyota's. I find it al very annoying, also very annoying is the Yeti is no more.
I had a C3 for a hire car and I must admit I was very impressed with how comfortable and how smooth it was very enjoyable easy to live with.
I had the 82 bhp flair and it was very nippy definitely put the cars I’ve previously owned to shame. It’s definitely worth a look
this is what car design should be like. there´s no need for unnecessary surfaces that don´t do anything. i really like the simplicity of this car.
Finally a supermini with plush ride, not the rock hard ride of the rest. Good Citroen dare to design a car for consumers who want a comfortable ride, not automotive jounalists.
Cheers.
Exactly! It's not a sports car! It's super comfortable to drive, it's like driving in a spaceship, the suspension makes it feel like I'm floating
It looks more like a hatchback than a supermini
@@SenorJagWire you should try riding in a Citroen DS or SM
Is it me or does the Citroen C3 look like the tiniest SUV
@@glennchinyangarara8225 same here haha
I currently have this one as a rental. Now, I travel a lot and rent cars up to 9 months in a year. So I get to drive a lot of different models, and I must say, this is one of the very few where I have pretty much no complaints. Everything works well, it's comfortable and also not bland. I had a brand new Peugeot 2008 a couple months ago, and even though I was surprised by it's quality feel, this can hold up and actually has a better and more responsive infotainment system. I just really like it.
Hello. I rent a Citroën C3 for 10 days in May 2021.
👍The style.
👍The comfort. Seats and suspension.
👍The engine voice.
👍The rear capacity to put everything you bought at the supermarket.
👍Rear seats are for the children and the dog.
The C3 is a kind of "boy toy" for every day use.
I really like and enjoy the Citroën C3.
Greetings from France! 🇫🇷🇬🇧
Yours videos are 👍👍👍🏆🏆🏆
At least it's not boring looking like all other cars and the engines are pretty good.
The wipers have a mode....when you switch the car off and pull the wiper stalk down it stops the wipers mid way of the windscreen so you can lift it. It's been like that in PSA cars for years now....
Quite a lot of cars have a service position for the wipers like that
It actually surprises me a bit when I turn the ignition off, pull the handle and nothing happens :P
SDav21 can't believe they felt the need to highlight this as a negative! I was watching it like "READ THE MANUAL!!!!"
Idiots. How unprofessional!
CJ P Well, what if someone wants to put something below your wipers and don't know? They're gonna scratch the paint.
TheRealJoL You wouldn't have to lift the wiper that high to the point where it touches the paint though.
SDav21 Wow! Driving my Peugeot 307 tonight and noticed when the engine was off and I knocked the stalk that the wipers parked at the fully open position and I wondered why. Now I know!
I don’t get why you were so negative with the Lower price cars that people can actually afford but the expensive ones you boast over the top?
I think is because once he shows you a more expensive car in superlatives then you'll more likely to buy that car from the website he is promoting / commission 💰💰
Rich people
Because they're better cars
Ah, it is the way this society motivates people to work more, isn't?
@@lunavistapaolayes the French people are clever with their cheap cars. Us British love wasting money on overrated German cars
Comfortable, nice seats and quiet on the road. This could be my next car. And thankfully NOT premium. :-)
I think an inbuilt dashcam is long overdue. Provided that you can turn it off and what not it really ought to be standard let alone an option on all cars.
And the resolution is pretty good too.
Goot There's legal issues in some countrys...that's why you don't get them as standard.
And I wonder if YOU really want to be secretly recorded by every car on the street.
Ah yes, forgot about Germany and their rules.
Utterly stupid, you're using a public road in a machine surrounding you in glass for everyone to see yet a front facing dashcam that only records whats ahead is banned because of "privacy". Whats stopping someone from whipping out their phone or DSLR for that matter and sticking it onto their car? Its a dumb law, end of. What else are you going to be doing that you shouldn't other than driving? Snorting a line of coke?
In this day and age you can't go out in public and expect *not* to be accidentally recorded, its inevitable, speed cameras take a picture too, I assume that evading your privacy too huh?
Accept it, you can't expect to have total privacy in public, its the dumbest thing I've ever heard, maybe 60 years ago but not today.
for the haters of Citroën , this new C3 is a big sucess in france ( 1 st ,number one in april ) and even for the car rental companies ! And the VW polo ? 14 th in april ... we are not brainwashed by VW .
Glad you frenchies are not, the dutch are... shame. I dispise the people that bash on citroen beforehand. they probably never drove a real citroen!
love the cx
69@nd I not dare to give u another like
Cars always sell good in the country they are from...
baren
Well, VW is more expensive than Citroen. I'd choose C3 just for the price of buying and maintaining the car (taxes and pieces). But yes, it's seems like a good car :)
I love this car. It's eccentric and comfortable as what Citroen should be.
How many rectangles do you want?
Citroen designers : Yes
Central armrest is available as an option.
Damn, i really like the way it looks. No joke.
Man, I know taste is subjective and all, but that's probably least stylish car I've seen all year
You know it's not an appealing car to the masses when you have to add 'No joke' ;)
i actually like the looks of the C3
Mohammed Aso I know,you may not agree with me but being unique is the best way to be,they are always seeming to take steps from the future
My mum has one
Me too, its cool isnt it!
Ohk
Dreadful car but looks good
@carwow Maybe read the manual when it comes to the wipers. On most modern Citroens you're supposed to raise the wipers into the 'up' position by tapping the wiper stall after switching off the ignition. This clears them out of the way of the edge of the bonnet. Come on!!!
Bought this car this month. I've only ever driven hatchbacks or compact SUVs in my driving life.
I've owned Kia Rio, two Nissan Pulsas, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Micra, VW Golf, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Fiesta, Renault Megane and most lately Citroen DS3. (Yes. I have changed cars on average every 1.5 years. Yes. I'm an idiot as I have wasted a lot of money in the process.)
I've driven as a hire car Fiat Punto, Mitsubishi Colt and Mazda 3.
Buying Citroen C3 was a total impulse buy. I went into Peugeot dealer to buy 3008, then saw this car...and bought this one also.
In any case, I have to say...wow. This car is fantastic...especially given that I've owned and driven a lot of hatchbacks. I was initially worried about its engine output that is rather diminutive on paper... But, I have absolutely zero problems zipping around town, overtaking, pulling out of junctions, etc.
The car's cabin is a fantastic place to be. Very comfortable, very chic.
After driving all those very mundane every day cars, I began detesting the idea of being yet another VW Golf driver. This car certainly isn't mundane. And common, it ain't.
Couldn't be happier with the car and the way it drives and its design.
Thanks for the details, i am planning to purchase one of those, looks fantastic.
Thanks for the info, looking to buy one as well. Actually, having a dilemma between C3 110hp and 2018 C4 Cactus 110hp, either way in top trim ("Shine" here, in UK it would be Flair). What do you guys think would be a better choice from cost-benefit standpoint?
+Ivan Negrojevic
Back when Citroen Cactus was first released, I seriously wanted to buy the car. But, I was not in a financial situation to buy a new car then. It's amazing how far the aftereffect of a very simple financial mistake can linger around for.
Anyway, that aside, in regards to your question, I guess it really depends on what your needs are. Cactus, being a compact SUV of a sort, will be a bit more functional than the new C3.
Having said that, I don't think Cactus is that much bigger than C3.
If the extra space isn't the issue, I think C3 would do the job just fine. A big minus for me, which ultimately deterred me away from Cactus was its rear windows design.
I have dogs. So, not being able to wind the windows down to get the dogs some fresh air is a kind of a bit deal to me.
But, as always, going to the dealer around you and seeing the cars in person and test driving the car would be the best way to find out. : )
Joe Lee thanks a lot for the feedback, much appreciated!
I actually did test both at my local Citroën dealer albeit C3 they only had an 82hp test car, but 2018 Cactus in 110hp - they both feel great and comfy with Cactus being a bit more spacious (although difference is more in terms 17cm total, with 6cm difference in cabin space and slightly larger trunk) but nothing dramatic. And regarding bodyroll I only noticed a tad bit of it in Cactus (and I drove a 1998 Opel Vectra for years, for the sake of comparison). Found that 110hp engine would suit me perfectly and since most of my driving would be in urban conditions with occassional long distance road trip I have a feeling that C3 will do the job fine for me.
I assume you have the same version, 110hp? If so, roughly how many km of distance do you cover with a full tank? Did you have any issues with C3 so far?
Thanks in advance :)
do you still have it? 😁
anyways, thanks for the comment! It made me consider the car. The suspensions should come quite comfy in this pothole-laden country of mine
I like Citroen’s design at the moment, definitely more appealing than what vw and Ford are throwing out
I have driven both the new polo and C3 and I assure you as someone who felt a distaste for the VW brand Polo is light year ahead, in comfort, quality, feel, driving responseand practicality
at last ,some bravery when we talk about design.I am tired of this German lack of inspiration.....Same boring mood everywhere,in every car they made.Just like their wheather....And about reliability? VW is the protagonist at the biggest scandal in car history(diesel gate) they cheat everywhere but they control the media so you only listen about French craps and nothing else.I had a vw passat and the whole interior was shit....So i don't bite the german propaganda....The car is so beautiful in and out,very safe and comfort and also something different on the road that while attract the eyes plus with a great price tag...
As a german, I do agree with you. Just bought myself a C3, let's see how it drives/feels :)
@@Sikknz how does it feel after all these months?
@@FiuzA2k The C3 is shit to drive. Yes, it has a nice interior and it's comfortable over bumps but the steering is spongey, body roll in bends is quite bad and the gearbox feels like a fork in a hard block of butter.
@@VoodooMadMike41 I totally agree, just hired one while my golf gti mk7 is in the garage and the C3 feels like a toy car so spongy and the manual gearshift 1.2 is horrible the car is so wallowy and body roll is laughable, but apart from that the C3 is a decent cheap car a sort of plug and play modern car you just drive and forget about, also love the side body protection and quirky looks. I'd give it a go but the Drive train and body roll are a deal breaker foe me.
Tell me , how is it safe to drive with a plastic-dash?
I love this car. When my life finally works out I'm getting it
it’s a really nice ride hope everything works out for you
This was the car I used in driver's school. Was really fun and now I am planningg on buying one as my first car
Just bought a c3 flair and its a great car really lovely to drive - this is my 6th Citroen they are totally reliable.
Best thing about the C3:
*Airbumps*
I've been driving 2017 C3 for half a year now and I don't agree with much of this review. For instance, it has a lot of room in the back, more than Volvo XC60, touch screen is very responsive and pretty fast, but put too low, and clutch isn't that bad. Also, breaks are strong, but you'll be glad they are! And it has many, many more positive sides (audio system is very powerful, it rides high and you can go a little bit off road, light on your gas money...). On the other side, some plastic parts are not so so, they are cheap and clunky.
Easily the best car in the segment. Polo, Fiesta and similar crowd are just so dull compared to C3.
g00dfeeling drive more cars...
If anything is dull, it's the C3 to drive. Seriously, it drives like an elephant.
Nah, they're all the same. Bland, over-featured, gutless, feel as if they are fall-apart fragile, and with annoyances built in to every single aspect. At least the C3 doesn't have the plastic edge on the central console that digs into the left shin constantly. Shame on VW and Seat for incorporating that into the Polo and Ibiza. But the boot catch alone ought to be enough to deter even the most devoted Citroen lover from buying a C3. I could go on... see my main comment
@@AlloAlloVeraLynn VW group cars may not be perfect but I have a 6J 2017 Ibiza FR and when I had an equivalent C3 as my courtesy car, I wanted to cry. It drives like an elephant, there is no feel to the steering, the gearbox feels like a toy or a fork stuck in a block of hard butter and the car feels unstable near or abobe 70 mph. I drove it up to Edinburgh and back with my sister and even she was scared on the motorway at times when I was only doing like 74mph... Not to mention the body roll on sharp bends. The interior is quite nice, I'll give them that but it's awful to drive. When I came back to my Ibiza after 2 weeks of driving that thing, I felt liberated. A car that actually sticks to the road, is responsive and a gearbox that feels solid through the gears and not like a toy. I almost forgot how solid of a car it was until I tasted the C3... So unless you completely don't care about the driving experience or do less than 500 miles per month without long commutes, I would wholeheartedly avoid the C3.
@@VoodooMadMike41 sure it aint a VW, and far from me to defend it. But I took a 7 hour drive to and around the west country in the C3 yesterday - with every kind of road you can think of, bearing your comments in mind as I went - and I can't agree the difference is that great. I think you're exaggerating. Perhaps the one you were lent was sick for some reason. Did you check the tyres?
Sure it lacks feel and character, but they all drive like sewing machines, frankly. Any extra enjoyment from the Polo/Ibiza is more than offset by that stupid wedge of plastic digging into my left leg, which is mental torture.
It could also be that none of them is my kind of car at all. Last 'mini' I had was a 1987 Peugeot 205. I refused for 20 years to drive anything but Citroen ZX/Xsara Turbo diesels. My current 'zoom-around' is a 2000 Hyundai Accent. I know we aren't supposed to take Acc-id-ents seriously but I actually think they're the best thing since screw top wine bottles
I got the diesel C3 and its one of the best cars I've owned, soft ride yes, great MPG yes, reliable yes, cheap tax £30 yes, comfortable seats yes, No no's i can think of. . . . what do you want from a car, speed buy a Ferrari, style buy a Mercedes, as for no A/C mat are you sure, I think you access it through the satnav screen on these models, does anyone make a car without A/C nowadays that is sold in europe,
It's much better than the old C3. That was just boring, this looks funky.
Ben Mayall Yeah, today Citroen is funky, but still out made of cheap material and impractical.
Sirion yeah, the looks has improved but that's it
I agree. I think they tried to do something refined in the second generation, but the first was more successful and the third one is like the first one was in 2002. I had one post-facelift first generation and liked very much. The materials were cheap, the handling was average, but was confortable and looked good.
Its Me yeah, it's just made cheaply but that's because it's cheap. It's not cheap and cheerful though
Sirion what makes you think the car is made of cheap materials?
Been driving this for a week as a courtesy car, as the days have gone on, I've really enjoyed it, yes super comfy, brand new so the gears can be slightly sticky and there is a little difficulty looking back over my right shoulder past the thick space between front and back driver side windows, would I buy it, probably, you tend to get used to a car after a few days and I will be looking for something reliable in the not too distant future :)
For the isofix on the front seat, there’s a zipper to open the whole element and the anchors should be there
I think it's a fresh looking little car. He is right about the brakes though, they are too sensitive/jerky around town and the pedal feel is weird. It's the same story with the C4, hydraulic system just feels strange.
I have a 15 yr old petrol berlingo. 1.6 petrol. Had many cars. This can do everything and the ride and comfort incredible. Almost silent at 70. Versatility second to none. No rust, paintwork as new, 120,000 miles. Original clutch. Only niggles central locking intermittent but cba to fix. I have 2 cars but berlingo is my go to. Also people like to borrow it.😂. Nicknamed the pope mobile
You know a car doesn't have positive points when Mat has to list "white door bins" as one of them.
Raptorel Well it was either that or perhaps the fact that you can get it with a dash cam I guess, but it was already mentioned earlier in the video.
My car dealer threw in a free dash cam with my new nissan so... no big deal
You were buying a new Nissan, he just felt sorry for ya. ;)
They're actually there to solve a problem of people losing things in their door bins. It's a design solution - don't overlook it and selectively ignore all the car's other good points.
Matt is too biased but what can you do?
Why can't Citroen or Peugeot be bothered to move the fuse box across to the driver's side when converting their cars to right hand drive?
Josh Bacon Nobody does, not the Germans not the Italians neither the French. They simply don't care about the brits. Actually they don't care about anyone but their pockets.
Mario Kajin But then that means they also don't care about people in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan....all who have right hand drive. It is just a cost thing. There are more left hand drive markets it seems and where those cars are developed, it is left hand drive. Having to re engineer the wiring loom will probably cost quite a bit if the wires are designed to run a certain way. Although look at all the markets that are right hand drive....they aren't small markets so they should just move it. It irritates me that they don't. If other manufacturers can make it not intrude into the glovebox then surely they can do the same.
SDav21 Read what I wrote. Quote: They don't care about anyone but their pockets.
SDav21 do you think people in new zeeland drive citroen?
Noah Wyverkens Is there no Citroen in New Zealand? Oh no. But they have also recently stopped selling cars in South Africa. Sad really because the C4 Picasso and DS5 and DS3 are really good.
I am usually not a fan of French cars even though I live in France and they are everywhere, but I drove the C3 a few times while learning to drive and I really liked it (as opposed to the 208 and the fiat500 available at the driving school).
I bloody love this car. I'm thinking of getting one this month
Yup i love uk, in america theres no 60 mpg car to be seen
I bought the new one a week ago,tho i went with the 83hp manual and just had a chiptune to get to 95 hp which is plenty on this little car...the suspensikn and seats make it feel like a mercedes c klasse,its just so smooth and relaxed
@@Jeremy-ff7gv I've only noticed this a year on hahaha 🤣 better late than never. Well I got one 😉 and she's bloody fantastic I bought my new car then had to shield for the next three months staring at the car from the window. Charming and we still in lockdown (shielding) so I've barely used it. But thee second I'm free we are driving into the sunset hahaha
@@smurfsrule9680 yes I like this car very much x
@@Jeremy-ff7gv is it any good ?
I’m in love with this car not even joking
Ohhh Matt.
Perhaps the jerky driving with the clutch and brakes are based on either driving skills or a need to learn the way it works.
indeed, you get used to a car after a few days and then this isnt a problem :)
It is a bit jerky in first gear.
Its a new car,u allways hotta work the transmission abit to get rid of that sticky feeling
I used to drive this car on vacation. Except that you have to use the 4th gear at full load, the car is top-notch.
Finally! A car with a built in dashcam. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👍
The isofix points in the front are actually under the zips - don’t know what he was struggling with...apart from that, good review
At least Citroen was able to make a good looking C3 after ages(at least in my opinion, I'm aware beauty is subjective). I would go for the DS3 though, that car is just better and, if I recall correctly, shouldn't cost too much
Your in-depth car reviews are great Mat
which one is better Citroen c3 or Renault clio
Got one. And the massive frame and huge rear view mirror mount makes for a huge blind angle. I have to lean and weave every morning as I approach the parking at work. My turn is a right turn just after a zebra crossing. I have a left hand drive.
Apart from that, I am quite satisfied with it.
Oh. Another thing. The active temperature thingy (not real Air Condition) causes some tiny actuators to open and close some sort of ducts every now and then. They give a tiny whining noise. Irritating.
I C what you did there... (C3-PO) 4:07
exactly what i were going to say;)
Miguel Noya Vargas o
I love the design
of the c3 it’s real neat
Heam. I was searching for the Ford Explorer trial but you didn't make it.
It could be great to do it. I'll really enjoy to know what you think about this iconic American SUV.
Best regards. 🍀🏆🍀
But why does it look a bit cheap inside? It's surprising because cars like the C4 Picasso and DS5 are really well made. Also its sister car, the 208, is much better made it seems. So odd....
this new citroen c3 is very sexy! i bought the 82 petrol engine with Feel pack last week and i can prove it that is a funky car. cool design every where. it can prove that cheap cars can give you intelligent design. I don't appreciate the soft suspension but this is absolutely personal. Electronics and info entertainment are more that enough! you can call to anyone in you smartphone contact list just using the voice command! you can also install android auto app and use usb port to mirror your screen to the car info entertainment so you can use google map as a navigation! i would like that citroen let me choose the Bluetooth audio font by default instead of FM radio. but if you plug a usb with mp3 the car can play your favorite paylists in firts place! Citroen did a great job! congratulations!
carlos m. I
I really like the look of this car, I just passed my test and was thinking of getting this car on finance. Any suggestions on what version to get?
If u are in city 1.2 Puretech 82.
For highway is best 1.5 BlueHdi 100.
I am in Croatia so we have difrend equipment but i have Shine version,
In UK feel is same as Shine i think.
my instructor has this car and imo it's the perfect car to learn in
how the f. a 2018 car comes without air condition?
Literally the exact same situation on any supermini (B segment) car out there. Entry level versions of the Polo and Fiesta (that car reviewers love so much) don't come with A/C nor even a radio. You're free to chose a trim level higher than entry level, and 98% of buyers do just that.
Had this as a courtesy car for 3 days, very nice & comfy car. Only problem is that the ventilation a/c controls are on the touch screen & the sunroof is just a fixed glass panel. When I updated my lease car I nearly chose this car, I wanted an opening sunroof so ended up getting a Fiesta. Still this is a nice distinctive car & such lovely seats.
As for the wiper problem. That's why there is a setting for changing the wipers. Also the Volkswagen Polo suffers from the same problem with the wipers. I didn't see you complain about that though! Once again Mat is being biased towards the German car!
Nothing much.
And the bonnet overlapping ever so slightly leads the air flow and saves on fuel.
I have this car as a courtesy car at the moment. There is one really annoying feature: the dashboard is deep, shiny black plastic so it constantly reflects sun into your eyes whatever the weather!
In Iran government sell this car to us x10 the price and it is considered as a luxury car, people have to pre purchase it and they didnt deliver cars yet. by the way in Iran we get 1.6 liter Turbo version which is exclusive
I'm glad the french is making their own style of car design
i love comfortable cars, like the c3 is.
i no need drive fast on this slow streets
how can you comment "there's a blind spot here" and point to the A pillar? EVERY. SINGLE. CAR. has an A pillar. lol
hey Matt, I'm considering to buy a Porcshe Cayman 2006 . and since you own one Porsche, I want to ask how much it cost to run one? is it expensive?
well this car is good for my tight parking space and of course for my daily office use...
Had one of these as a hire car recently. It's easy to live with - if you like driving a blancmange. Would I have one as a hire car? Yes, definitely. Would I buy one? No, never.
Why does the car dash cam footage look better than your expensive camera?
nyc863 haha because it’s better 😂😂😂😂
Was looking at cars to lease, and there are some good deals at the moment on Fiesta Active X and ST Line X. But they've got 18" alloys and rubber bands for tyres, never mind the ST Line's sports suspension. The C3 is starting to look quite appealing...
That car is beautiful I love it 👀👀👀
Should've told us the power outputs of the petrols. And the other diesel
I hope one day Citroen get the quirkiness / practicality balance right. Keep trying Citroen.
Its gorgeous 😍
I’m a C3 driver and I approve this car :)
How about the gearbox ? Is it like a cake mix
Are you happy with it ? What is your long term opinion ?
@@bekirilkyaz2368 I drive a Citroën c3, It's a great car that drives pretty nice. It ain't no luxury car but it does the job and is very comfy. And I personally don't think the gearbox feels like shifting cake mix around, And i've driven a lot of cars. But it's just all personal preferences. Matt doesn't like the feel of the clutch and gearbox, But some people do. So my advice is to just test drive one.
This cars when chance distribution motor?km?
Hello, which car is better? This Citroën C3 or Mazda 2 (both basic models)
Thanks
Where .....how ...do I wash the rear windscreen on a C3 Flair???? Can not find any mention of how to do it! Does it have one?
Dont know if u still need to know but u put on ur windscreen wipers,put gear in reverse and then u using ur rear wipers
You’re only here because Jeremy pulled a ship with this (although a few models ago)
what car does Mat Watson drive?
Audi RS 3
I recently had a C3 courtesy car 1.2 82bhp.
0:23 what’s up with the car in the left hand side of the screen
this is the car i'm learning in on my lessons
Review the facelifted seat leon and if the cupra 300 version it would be better, review the volvo S60 r design
Nice review. Really nice to hear a guy who pronounces the “g” in thing!
I don't know why, but i prefer the C3 more than the C4 Cactus
when does the all new fiesta come out? looking for a review want the ST-line as my 1st car!
It doesn't have air conditioning? My 1982 Mitsubishi Sigma had air-conditioning. That's a scary lack of features.
Does it have a plug in for a GPS? And is it a cigarette lighter plug in or a USB type?
It has 1 of both
@@Jeremy-ff7gv Thank you
I had one as a curtesy car from a local garage. Nice smooth ride, but awful pedal layout and slow throttle response.
Also the AC/fan controls are on the touchscreen, which is annoying.
Currently have a 5 week old 1.2 petrol on hire here in serbia. Seats uncomfortable for me at 5'11", gutless engine and the clutch is very weak. Interior wise all hard plastic and why are manufacturers putting heating controls on the touch screen, you have to take your eye off the road. I currently drive a b8 Passat because vw virtually gave it away but am going back to Honda at the end of the year for the crv.
Is this an SUV or supermini? what's with the black body cladding on the bottom?
f181234 I'm pretty sure he covered those two excellent questions in the review. Think that's the idea 💡
Alan B I guess it's a blend of both, it should sell well
Well first of all the zips do hide isofix points..so unless someone stole them on Mats car they are there. Also PSA have been putting a clean/change position on their wipers since the 307. Switch the engine off, move the stalk up and they move to the vertical position and stop..you'd think motoring journalist would know that..it's only been around for 20 years.
Also it's not the easiest car to drive smoothly but unless you are a cretin after a few hours exposure you should be able to get it to drive smoothly enough.
All in all it's a nice thing to live with as long you aren't expecting a race car..
They put this awesome entertainment system with all the features yet no RCA output on the back. So to connect a damn regular subwoofer or replace the crappy paper speakers you'll end up buying a Pioneer radio anyway. And getting the steering wheel buttons to work is a pain in the butt. Sadly this applies to most car brands not just Citroen...
I own one and would not even consider a fiesta.
Hello Mat, could you please do a review on the new ford mondeo estate? It has been a while since we've seen that car. I mean is it complete garbage or what is the deal?
Citröen has always been style over substance. And I love them for it!
Very avant garde... reminds me of Citroen in the older days!?
You film at the Longcross test track! Did you see the Millennium Falcon last year?
has it got a cup holder? the last one didn't..
"everywhere you look is rectangular"
(points to ) lock, side door, air vents, dash board......
screen: "am i a joke to you?" :):):):)
Costs as much as a Cactus, and is basically the same car, only a bit smaller. The fact that a touchscreen, air bumps and wheels can only be had in the top spec basically means you'll pay as much as for the mid spec Cactus. Yes, the base car is much cheaper but it looks nothing like the one Mat reviewed.
But does the seats have lower back support?
I have been around some dealers recently in order to replace my aging Vauxhall Aguila, most cars wil be an automatic upgrade over that no doubt but two things in modern cars which I think is bad design, is the lack of spare wheel and non flush boot/rear seats, massive design flaws, all across the board, puts me off Ford Focus/Fiesta, same with Mazda, and Toyota's. I find it al very annoying, also very annoying is the Yeti is no more.
Is they have an option for aircon this car?thank you.