To be C3, or not to be C3....that is the question! (Citroën C3)

Member Name: mighty_von_snare

Product:	Citroën C3
Date:	10/03/03 (6153 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Safety Features, Comfort Features, Value For Money

Disadvantages: Build quality not exactly Jaguar, Engine Management Problems?

After having various problems with my Renault 19 and parenthood approaching fast, I wanted a nice reliable new car. With the C3 safety features and 60k mile warranty you certainly can't go wrong there, with 4 airbags as standard and the Euro Ncap 4star rating, this I thought would be an ideal family car.
I have the base LX 1.4 model, so it doesn't come with ABS or the other thing (EBD I think).
Inside, the car has plenty of head and legroom for a small'ish car, a digital dash (which makes me feel like Buck Rogers), 101 storage pockets (okay...maybe more like 10), the stereo is pretty good too with 6 speakers and the steering column mounted controls, the seats comfortable enough, you get electric front windows as standard, height adjustable drivers seat and steering column.
The engine is a 1.4, 75bhp, economical little thing with quite some grunt in 3rd gear. The ride is enjoyable and not a chore as I find the handling pretty good.
I think Citroen have found a clever niche in the market... This car isn't for the Fiesta or the Corsa driver as all C3s are 5 door, so you will never find a boy racer in one.
I think this car is for the likes of me...or maybe yourself which have moved on from that phase. However, the car does look good and the radio is loud, so when you find yourself on your own you can take down the "Baby on Board" sign, put the babyseat in the boot and have some fun.

Alas, I have had mine in the garage umpteen times with a diagnostics problem and have driven more courtesy cars than Clarkson. While driving, the Auto Diagnostics light comes on then limits the revs to 3500 and speed drops until I end up trundling along at 12mph in 1st.
The colour of the car is really nice (tuscan blue), but some dodgy paint finishing on the roof. (on the right rear quarter there is a lump of paint, which the garage tried to pass off as merely some wax from the valet...hmmm)
I'm no 6 footer but with the cres
cent Rev Counter, you can't see it, no matter how much you try adjusting of the steering wheel.

Perhaps the overall build quality isn't as good as the Fiesta or Corsa...but you will probably pay at least a grand less for a C3 better equiped with the deals that Citroen have.

As far as bangs for your bucks goes.....this car is value for money.

Summary: