Citroen C3: Driven

If the new Fiesta isn't bold enough, there could well be an intriguing French alternative

It's a very rare thing to sit through an automotive press conference that doesn't use the phrase 'sporty' or 'dynamism' or 'aggressive' in 2016, even where small cars are concerned. Instead the Citroen C3 is all about showing off Citroen's core values, which are said to be 'Optimistic', 'Human' and 'Smart'. Yes, we didn't know human could be a quality either but there we are.

So rather the C3's focus is on personalisation, a comfortable and stylish interior, the latest range of connected tech and "distinctively offbeat" design; hardly key PH assessment criteria, but then that didn't stop the C4 Cactus proving popular on these pages. Can the C3 do the same?

You can delete the Air Bumps if you wish...

There will certainly be no missing it, whichever of the 36 colour and roof combinations it's seen in. Citroen says the C3 gives a unique "freshness, energy and personality" to the supermini segment, and should be commended for doing something different. Yes, we are looking at you Ford. The Cactus design cues are easy to see, plus it also incorporates elements of the C1 at the front. Arguably it's the most successful creation yet of these new Citroen designs, with the caveat that pseudo-crossover superminis are rather an acquired taste.

Inside a rather plain cabin is jazzed up by the personalisation packs (Urban Red and Hype Colorado, since you asked) and there's a pleasing sense of quality about the whole C3 cabin. The dials look expensive, the touch points are pretty nice and there's the odd interesting touch (see the light coloured doorbins, to make finding stuff easier when it's dark) to make it a really pleasant interior. The touchscreen is much more responsive than in the C4 Cactus too, albeit still not flawless. Citroen may talk of an "emphasis on well-being" like it's a health food shop and not a car maker, but in this instance it's hard to disagree that the C3 cabin has a real feel-good vibe about it. Or whatever a health guru might say.

Now despite the return to rallying in 2017, it's clear this new C3 is not a hatchback born from the heat of motorsport battle. That's clear by the WRC car being given only a token mention in the briefing, followed by further mention of how smooth, comfortable and pleasant the drive will be.

You want comfort? You want Citroen

But you know what? That's no bad thing actually. Sure, the C3 will roll and pitch and lollop around a bit if you attempt the full Loeb; on the flipside, it's also extremely refined and comfortable. On the motorway it has the feeling of a larger, heavier car and around town it will take the worst any urban street can throw at it. And let's be honest, what matters most for the majority of supermini customers: urban comfort and style, or B-road dynamics and damping finesse? Exactly.

In the UK the C3 will be offered with a trio of three-cylinder engines (a 68hp 1.0-litre, an 82hp 1.2-litre and a 110hp turbo version of the 1.2), then a 1.6-litre diesel with either 75 or 100hp. All are fitted with a five-speed manual, with an auto following for the most powerful petrol in the New Year.

Unsurprisingly given this car's remit, both engines major on low-end torque as opposed to high-rev fireworks. Indeed the 110hp petrol makes its 151lb ft peak at 1,500rpm before hitting the red paint at 5,500rpm (really) and a soft limiter just past six. Again, that's not really the point, the car making more than adequate progress through its mid-range with a hint of gravelly three-cylinder growl if you're listening hard enough. Despite driving characteristics that mimic the diesel, the petrol would still be our recommendation thanks to its greater refinement and lower purchase price. Plus the fact more than 60mpg is claimed anyway.

A Citroen C3 with PH praise. No, really

Tell you what the C3 is. It's French. And that's not just meant as a French car, but because it genuinely feels a bit luxurious, the design is striking and it represents Citroen defiantly doing its own thing within the constraints of the class. And not trying to be German; remember those C5 ads from a while back? The word 'chic' shall not be used to describe it, as apparently every small French car reviewed in the UK is, but its Gallic traits should be celebrated as a reason to buy and not to stay away.

It seems certain that the Fiesta will remain the more enjoyable supermini to drive, and there's certainly no shortage of very good cars in the B-segment class. However, the C3's unwavering commitment to comfort and refinement does appear to offer something new and laudable in the class. Prices look competitive too, with that now simply one further reason to recommend a small Citroen rather than the only one. Put it on your supermini shopping list and pay a visit to your Citroen dealer when they arrive in the New Year; you might just be surprised.

CITROEN C3 PURETECH 110 FLAIR
Engine: 1,199cc, 3-cyl turbocharged
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 109@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 151@1,500rpm
0-62mph: 9.3sec
Top speed: 117mph
Weight: 1,050kg
MPG: 61.4
CO2: 103g/km
Price: £15,995

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