Citroen C3 vs rivals
Citroen is focusing on innovation and style with its new C3. Can it match the best in class? We find out as it tackles five rivals in five of the key areas for supermini buyers..
December 2009
If there’s one car company that isn’t restricted by a single-minded approach to design, it’s Citroen. The French brand is famed for thinking outside the box with
its quirky and unusual machines. Its history is littered with groundbreaking cars, from the humble 2CV to the stunning DS.
Now, Citroen majors on value rather than innovation. But the C4 Picasso shows creative thinking is still alive and well within the brand. And it will need every drop of this expertise if its new C3 supermini is to make the grade.
The small hatchback sector is the most unforgiving environment, as models such as the class-leading Ford Fiesta and excellent Renault Clio promise to shine a spotlight on the flaws in any new arrival. To see if the Citroen has what it takes, we’ve arranged a daunting welcoming committee.
Lining up alongside the Ford and Renault to greet the Citroen is another new supermini prospect. The SEAT Ibiza is a familiar face, but the Spanish brand has only just introduced a diesel model. Its latest 1.6-litre common-rail engine is shared with the final car in our group – the new VW Polo. Road test debuts don’t get any more intimidating than this, so does the C3 rise to the occasion?
Or will it wilt under the pressure?
The contenders:
Citroen C3
* Price: £15,200
* Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 88bhp
* 0-60mph: 12.1 seconds
* AE economy: 43.2mpg
* Claimed CO2: 110g/km
* Why: New Citroen supermini is long overdue. We want to find out if it elevates brand to the top of the pecking order.
Renault Clio
* Price: £14,285
* Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl, 85bhp
* 0-60mph: 12.4 seconds
* AE economy: 52.9mpg
* Claimed CO2: 115g/km
* Why: The long-serving Clio should not be underestimated. It’s spacious, affordable and has a strong dCi diesel engine.
Volkswagen Polo
* Price: £13,205
* Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 74bhp
* 0-60mph: 14.3 seconds
* AE economy: 44.2mpg
* Claimed CO2: 112g/km
* Why: New Polo comes with a prestige badge and solid reputation to protect. But it lacks muscle in this company.
SEAT Ibiza
* Price: £12,985
* Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 104bhp
* 0-60mph: 10.6 seconds
* AE economy: 43.8mpg
* Claimed CO2: 112g/km
* Why: Firm is finally offering VW Group’s latest common-rail diesels in its distinctive baby. How does it measure up?
Ford Fiesta
* Price: £15,195
* Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 88bhp
* 0-60mph: 12.0 seconds
* AE economy: 49.6mpg
* Claimed CO2: 110g/km
* Why: While our reigning class champion isn’t the cheapest of offerings, it’s our reigning car of the year.
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