Citroen C3 - MPG, CO2 and running costs

Citroen has a decent record on fuel efficiency and the C3 continues in that vein, despite now only featuring a single PureTech petrol engine in the lineup. The 1.6 BlueHDi diesel is no longer available from new, but if you decide on a used example you'll benefit from fuel economy of up to 70.6mpg with 112g/km of CO2.

The core 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit does a pretty decent job of maximising fuel economy. Citroen claims the base PureTech 83 can return up to 53.4mpg, with CO2 emissions from 123g/km, while the range-topping turbocharged PureTech 110 emits 130g/km of CO2 and is capable of up to 53.3mpg.

In theory, then, the PureTech 110’s 45-litre fuel tank easily gives a range in excess of 450 miles – and thanks to the tougher WLTP test, that's more likely to be achievable in regular driving. The diesel’s range is more impressive again, of course, and you should be able to travel for 600 miles without worrying about refuelling.

When we tested the entry-level Citroen C3 You! head-to-head against the similarly priced Dacia Sandero, the PureTech 83 petrol engine paired with a five-speed gearbox returned a respectable 48.5mpg, but it was pipped by the Dacia’s 49.3mpg.

Insurance groups

The most basic C3 slots into insurance group 14, while top-spec Shine Plus models with PureTech 110 power and extra kit slots in group 16. Diesel versions attract a slightly higher insurance rating of group 19. Find the cheapest insurance deal with our partner Quotezone.

Depreciation

The C3 looks to be a steady performer according to current residual values. It should retain around 47 to 50 per cent of its original showroom price after a typical three-year/36,000-mile ownership period.