New vs old Citroën C3: What are the top 3 differences?
At the time of Citroën’s withdrawal from the local market at the end of 2016, their C3 supermini had already been dropped from the price list, because buyers mostly ignored the C3 in the showrooms, and rather looked towards the C4 Cactus crossover or the C1 city car. But things are different now. Since Citroën was re-introduced here in 2019, the latest-generation C3 serves as the new entry-level model. Let’s examine the top 3 differences between the old C3 and the new one.
Funky little foreigner
Modern-day Citroëns appear to embrace the characteristics which made their earlier (mid-to-late-20th Century) offerings so appealing. This is mostly a perception rather than a reality, though – today’s Citroëns rely on the Peugeot corporate parts bin (and have done so since the 1970s), and essentially offer funkier outfits for their somewhat more conservative Peugeot relatives.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, mind you: today’s Peugeots are well-engineered cars with up-to-date technology, so dressing them in more-enticing attire should result in cars with strong appeal to individualists who appreciate mainstream values but crave something that at least looks unique. This approach has been at play for decades, with a certain measure of success in its home (European) market over the years. But what sets today’s Citroën C3 apart from its predecessors? Let’s find out.
Related: Get the facts about Citroën’s local re-launch here.
1. New-generation, downsized engines.
At the time of its discontinuation in South Africa, the second-generation Citroën C3 was available with a choice of three 4-cylinder engines: an 8V 1.4-litre petrol, a 16V 1.6-litre petrol, and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel. Outputs were either 55 kW/118 Nm (1.4-litre), 66 kW/230 Nm (1.6 diesel), or 88 kW/160 Nm (1.6 petrol). None of them were real powerhouses, and there was never any overtly sporty offering in the old range.
None of these powerplants carried over to the third- generation model, however, with the local range now comprising petrol-only variants. The latest engine selection comprises a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, either with- or without a turbocharger. In low-power trim, it produces 60 kW and 118 Nm, and in high-power (turbocharged) form, there’s a much handier 81 kW and 205 Nm on offer. The low-power variant can only be had with a 5-speed manual, but the high-power turbo derivative is paired exclusively with a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
2. Complete styling re-think.
The first-generation C3 (2002-2009) had cute styling, with a friendly face and a curvaceous body shape, meant to evoke fond memories of the immortal 2CV. For the second-generation C3, Citroën made a sharp U-turn, and endowed the car with a guppy-like mouth, amorphous headlights, and thoroughly unexceptional body styling. Literally the only interesting things about the 2009-2016 model were its wavy lower side window line and that oversized windshield (not a great idea in sunny South Africa), but even those details got lost in the abundant blandness of it all.
Related: Four Citroën C3 Accessories you didn’t know you needed.
Fortunately, the latest C3 has regained a lot of its off-beat appeal, and now looks anything but bland. Its kinship with the Peugeot 208 is clear, but imaginative front- and rear-end styling and a range of cheerful colours and personalisation options help to give the C3 a unique appeal. Notable on the options list are the installation of “Airbumps”, like those you’d find on a C4 Cactus, and red styling accents and roof rails.
The front end is particularly striking, and marries the current trend towards elevated bonnet lines with slit-like light units as per the latest fashion. Sure, it’s not conventionally pretty, but at least it won’t disappear in a parking lot, like its predecessor did.
3. Modern comfort- and safety technology.
With more than a decade separating the second- and third generation C3, it’s only logical that in-cabin technology and driver assistance systems will be much-improved in the latest model. Convenience is aided by automatic (single-zone) climate control, and a 7-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with full Bluetooth- and USB integration, and smartphone mirroring.
Related: We compare the Citroën C3’s infotainment system with two principal opponents.
Lane-departure warning is now standard, as is hill-start assistance – features that help the driver and improve safety feature count. The high-trim 1.2T Shine derivative also includes rear parking sensors, but 6 airbags and rear ISOFIX child seat mounts are included in both derivatives.
Citroën C3 range and prices:
Citroën C3 1.2 Feel: R 255 900
Citroën C3 1.2T Shine: R 307 500
*Pricing was accurate at the time of writing, but may change without any prior notice.
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