Model tested: Citroen C3 1.4 VTi 95hp VTR+
Price as tested: £14,440
Date tested: January 2010
Road tester: Richard Dredge

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 74%
Citroen sold over two million examples of its previous C3; this all-new model offers a neat design and decent practicality at an affordable price. But is this enough in an increasingly competitive supermini market?

1. Looks
The new C3 is a neat-looking car with its raised roof line and wheel-at-each-corner stance. The key stand-out feature is a panoramic windscreen which extends into the roof. Fitted to all C3s above the entry-level VT, it opens up the cabin brilliantly.
8/10

2. Looks inside
For a small car, the dash is grown up. Our test car featured an integrated screen for the computer, stereo, sat-nav and climate control system - for £1,150 extra. Some of the cabin materials look or feel cheap, but the overall feel isn't cheap.
8/10

3. Practicality
Rear seat leg room is disappointing while the 300-litre boot isn't huge with the rear seats up. Drop the seats though, and the load bay volume jumps to 1,160 litres.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The C3 is comfortable, but there's a lot of body roll and the rear suspension feels crude - hit a pothole or bump mid-corner, and the car can be thrown off line.
7/10

5. Performance
The mid-range 95bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine offers 114mph and 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds; plenty quick enough. There are 61bhp 1.1-litre and 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol options too, plus a 120bhp 1.6 petrol unit. There are also 1.4 and 1.6-litre diesel engine, with top speeds of 101mph - 118mph.
8/10

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6. Running costs
With 20,000-mile service intervals, the C3 should prove cheap to run, but Citroens tend to depreciate heavily, so you must secure a decent discount before buying.
7/10

7. Reliability
This hasn't been a strong point for Citroen recently, with electronic and trim glitches common. The new C3 feels more solidly built than its predecessor, but we'll see if the electrical systems prove more durable.
7/10

8. Safety
The C3 has a four-star EuroNCAP rating; it comes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, but Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) isn't standard on any C3, and it's optional only on the range-topping Exclusive.
7/10

9. Equipment
The entry-level VT gets a CD player with steering wheel-mounted controls, front electric windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors. Move up to the VTR+, and cruise control, front fog lights, alloy wheels and air-con become standard.
7/10

10. X-Factor
The new C3 is a big improvement on the old car. It looks and feels more grown up, comes with some big-car features and is cheap to buy. However, it's also not as well equipped as some rivals and the cabin isn't especially spacious.
7/10