Skip advert
Advertisement

Citroen C3 VTi

Our verdict on the new three-cylinder Citroen C3, which promises to return more than 60mpg

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£1,908 off RRP*
Find your Citroen C3
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The new three-cylinder needs to be worked hard, but that’s hardly a chore when it’s so fun to rev and sounds so sweet. And there’s the same supple suspension and surprising refinement we expect from the C3. It’s still doesn’t match certain rivals, but this new engine does add to the appeal.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Citroen is following the trend set by Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost and Renault’s 0.9 TCe engines with two new three-cylinders of its own. The Peugeot 208 already has them, but we travelled to Citroen’s Paris HQ to test the new units in the first of its cars to receive them – the C3.

The 67bhp 1.0-litre VTi and 81bhp 1.2 VTi will join the range in January. We drove the latter, which replaces the C3’s 1.4-litre four-cylinder in the line-up. The 1.0 supersedes the existing 1.1.

The two non-turbos are loaded with technology such as direct fuel injection, plus an aluminium block and cylinder head. All are designed to reduce weight (by around 25kg) and running costs. So how efficient is the 1.2?

It delivers 61.4mpg and emits 107g/km of CO2 (a 14.4mpg and 32g/km improvement over the outgoing 1.4), while the 1.0-litre achieves 65.7mpg and 99g/km of CO2 (17.8mpg and 138g/km better than the old 1.1).

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

C3

2018 Citroen

C3

11,941 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £9,700
View C3
C3

2018 Citroen

C3

20,581 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £9,149
View C3
C3

2014 Citroen

C3

59,457 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £4,650
View C3
C3

2018 Citroen

C3

20,886 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £8,995
View C3

Citroen’s engineers claim that a stop-start system would squeeze the 1.2-litre model under the 100g/km barrier, too, but the newcomer does without this tech – for now, at least.

The 1.2 is offered only on the VTR+ with a five-speed manual transmission. Start it up, and there’s a thrum that’s now becoming familiar thanks to the growing number of three-cylinder engines on the market.

Flex your right foot and the motor revs quickly with a throaty exhaust note and a gentle roar under full throttle.

One area that’s improved significantly is in-gear acceleration. For such a small engine it responds enthusiastically, despite its modest 118Nm of torque.

In reality, it feels no quicker than the four-cylinder it replaces, but the way it revs cleanly – and sounds great while it’s doing so – means you’ll have much more fun. Refinement has always been a C3 plus point, and the engine seemed near-silent while cruising at 70mph.

Around town, a few further changes to the C3 come into focus: the suspension is slightly firmer in order to sharpen up the handling, but even so the Citroen still can’t match rivals such as the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo through corners, where it rolls around on its axles. The ride is good, though, so despite its small engine this C3 makes good sense on long trips.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Citroen C3

Citroen C3

RRP £18,805Avg. savings £1,908 off RRP*Used from £4,930
Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen C3 Aircross

RRP £21,105Avg. savings £1,690 off RRP*Used from £7,120
Hyundai Inster

Hyundai Inster

RRP £23,505Avg. savings £2,522 off RRP*Used from £21,340
Dacia Sandero Stepway

Dacia Sandero Stepway

RRP £14,045Avg. savings £814 off RRP*Used from £9,399
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD
Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis stood next to the Honda 0 SUV prototype

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD

Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they’ll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
News
1 Jul 2025