2011 Citroen C3 Exclusive 1.6 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very good

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong yet, this is a seriously good car, but it does have one or two annoying features to the degree that good ideas have been dropped.

The lever for opening the bonnet is in a seriously daft place (on the floor near the near side door). Result? My wife often kicks open the bonnet when getting out of the car, none of us are aware of this, of course.

There is nowhere to hang your suit, because the handles/hooks above the rear doors have gone! With respect, this is just stupid!

Also, areas to place cups/cans when on the move have gone. My old C3 did not lack them. Why??

General Comments:

The engine is superb as you would expect from a Citroen diesel. Handled the right way, this diesel is seriously quick, but the gear box has to be used. The car is heavier than my first C3.

My wife and I find the comfort standard to be excellent.

Fuel consumption is nowhere as good as we were led to expect. I get 50-54 on shorter-type journeys. I can achieve 60MPG on a long run, but only if I keep below 70MPH. Okay, this is still not bad, but it is below what the Citroen saleman who sold me the car promised.

The cabin area is great, very attractive, and we both love the 'over and above' windscreen. This does not make the car too hot in summer, because the glass is well tinted.

Overall, a great little car, just those one or two niggles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2011

2011 Citroen C3 Exclusive 1.6i 16v VTi 120BHP from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Lovely car with style and creature comforts

Faults:

Nothing.

Had one recall for a battery cable to be replaced.

General Comments:

I got my lovely C3 in April 2011. It had 61 miles on it, as it went to have my hand controls fitted, so I did have it brand new.

I got it in Citrus Green, which really stands out, but is no longer available, and also I specified the 17 inch alloys wheels and the visibility pack, which consists of automatic lights and wipers, auto dimming mirror, and 3 little LED lights, which come from the mirror up to the roof.

For both options, it only cost me £260, which was well worth it, and rare, as my dealer said I am the first customer they have had since the new C3 was launched to order the visibility pack.

This is my 3rd Citroen. My 1st was a 05 C3 1.6i 16v Exclusive SensoDrive, and my 2nd a 08 C2 1.6i 16v VTR SensoDrive, and I loved both cars.

I do like this new one, and it would be unfair to compare it to the other 2, as they had the SensoDrive gearbox, but my brother did have a 58 Reg old C3 1.6i 16v 110BHP Exclusive Automatic, which I drove a lot, and to be honest, considering it had 10BHP less and is heavier than the new one, it still seemed more powerful in higher gears than the new one I've got. When it gets going it shifts like fair play.

I find going up hills, I've got to change down more as I use manual mode.

The staff I know well at my Citroen dealer agreed with me about the lack of power, and you have to change down more compared to the old C3 in manual models as well.

Also I am disappointed that there are no cup holders, which both my old C3 and C2 had plenty of, and I have seen that the glovebox is tiny compared to left hand drive models, as theirs even has a light.

Overall, I am very happy with the car, and don't regret my choice.

Hopefully with more miles, the engine will loosen up and fuel consumption will improve.

It's a great car, and the equipment you get is great. The Exclusive gets electric folding mirrors; great to use in tight spaces as well like narrow country lanes when having to squeeze through cars for example.

Love the iPod USB socket and Bluetooth.

And the cruise control makes driving a dream.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th November, 2011

11th Feb 2014, 16:18

She has just had her first MoT at 7052 miles. She passed with 1 advisory; the rear exhaust bracket has snapped off, but it's not a failure as the exhaust is still secure.

Fuel consumption is still ain't the best. With this cold weather it's done 24 - 27 MPG around town.

We part company in April. I have ordered a C3 Picasso 1.6i VTI Exclusive EGS 6. Needed something more higher up to help with getting in and out, and also something better on fuel.

24th Mar 2018, 14:20

Really poor MPG, not surprised you changed cars.