2004 Citroen C3 Desire review from UK and Ireland

Ignition Coil failed after 6 weeks.

Alternator failed after 2 years (28k miles).

Air Conditioning is weak, does not get cold enough.

The car is very spacious and well designed. I really like the shape, and it is pretty good value for what you get.

Performance is not this car's strong point, but the engine does an acceptable job considering it's a 1.1 with only 60bhp.

Handling is a bit odd, because there is plenty of grip and good feedback, but the steering is too light and the high body rolls too much in corners.

The light blue seats mark easily and offer no lateral support, but they are reasonably comfortable on long journeys. The rest of the interior seems to have been stuck together with spit.

The car's thick A pillars make forward visibility poor when negotiating a junction.

The car is equipped with EBA - emergency brake assist. This slams on the brakes with maximum force if it thinks you are braking in an emergency. In practice it is very annoying, and has almost resulted in being hit from behind on a few occasions. Unfortunately this is fitted as standard to most Citroen vehicles.

Overall the car looks very good and performs reasonably well, but it has broken down twice in 24 months and although it is still under warranty, having it fixed for free does not compensate for being stranded at the roadside in the early hours of the morning.