Citroen C3 - Reliability and safety

Entry-level versions of the C3 still get a good amount of safety equipment as standard, including lane-departure warning, speed sign recognition and speed warnings, LED headlights, six airbags and three Isofix mounting points (two in the rear, one in the front passenger seat). Top-of-the-range Max models are also fitted with autonomous emergency braking, driver attention alert, collision risk alert and Intelligent Beam headlights.

The C3 achieved a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2017, receiving a strong 88 per cent score for adult occupant and 83 per cent for child occupant safety. Although it was worth noting that Euro NCAP’s standards and testing procedure become more stringent every couple of years, so the C3 might not be able to achieve the same results if it was tested today.

The C3 came a respectable 31st in our 2023 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, while the bigger C4 managed a great result, topping the poll ahead of the Kia Sorento and Lexus RX. Citroen itself continued its rise up the ranks; having finished in 28th place in 2021, the manufacturer rose to a lofty 13th out of 29 manufacturers in 2022's best brands poll, while this year saw the French maker up to 11th spot.

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Warranty

There’s nothing particularly special about Citroen’s warranty; it lasts for three years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes soonest. That being said, the first two years are not limited by mileage, but should you exceed 60,000 miles, you will not get the final 12 months of cover. This is just about standard for the industry, but some rivals – notably offerings from Kia, Hyundai and Toyota – offer much longer cover, at up to seven years in Kia’s case.

Servicing

The servicing intervals on the C3 are as conventional as its warranty; it requires maintenance every year or 12,500 miles, and Citroen offers a simple service plan for customers to help spread the cost.