Used Citroën C3 cars

The Citroën C3 is a classy five-door hatchback manufactured by Citroën since April 2002. For those seeking a cosy, practical and visually appealing supermini, the C3 is a worthy contender.

Positioned as the successor to the Citroën Saxo, the C3 is currently in its third generation. The Mk3 was introduced in June 2016 and became available for purchase in January 2017. The C3 is Citroën's most popular model, with over 780,000 global sales.

At the New York International Auto Show the Citroën C3 was crowned the "2023 World Urban Car". This prestigious title was granted by a panel of over 100 automotive experts from 32 different countries. The Citroën C3 competes with other supermini models such as the Volkswagen Polo and Renault Clio. Compared to its rivals, Citroën has created a practical and elegantly designed model.

Citroën C3 updates and facelifts

Throughout its various generations, the Citroën C3 has left a lasting impression. The 2005–2009 version boasted Euro 4-compliant engines and a crossover variant with improved ground clearance, while the 2009–2013 model featured boomerang-inspired headlights. The 2013–2016 facelift brought LED daytime running lights and enhanced engine cooling. Its evolution throughout the years means many used trims offer distinct styling and fresh features.

The 2019 facelift radiates confidence with its classy design, featuring LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels and enhanced air bumps, which shield the car from minor scrapes and scratches. Inside, it has a connected infotainment unit and a built-in dashcam for capturing incidents.

The Citroën C3 offers two PureTech petrol engines, the PureTech 83 or PureTech 110, or a BlueHDi diesel option with manual and automatic gearboxes.

Practicality and style of the car

With an ample 300-litre boot capacity, the Citroën C3 offers more space than competitors like the Toyota Yaris, which provides 286 litres. This generous storage capacity sets the C3 apart as a spacious and practical choice among its contenders. The C3 also comes equipped with a standard 60/40 split rear seat that operates with buttons near the headrests. When the seats are folded down, the C3's storage capacity expands to an impressive 900 litres.

The Citroën C3 is equipped with ISOFIX anchorage points for child car seats, ensuring peace of mind for families and their little ones on the road.

The typical towing capacity for this model is around 550kg. The 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel engine can tow up to approximately 775kg. With this capability, the C3 proves to be a reliable choice for towing smaller items, including small trailers, lightweight camper trailers and motorcycles.

Running costs

Most entry-level C3 trims fall under insurance group 14, while the high-end Shine Plus models equipped with PureTech 110 power are in group 16. Diesel variants carry a slightly higher insurance rating of group 19. The standard road tax rate for the post-2017 Citroën C3 is £180 annually, with CO2 emissions ranging from 85 g/km with the BlueHDi engine option to 138g/km with the PureTech.

How a used Citroën C3 drives

The Citroën C3 comes with petrol and diesel options. The Citroën has a range of 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engines to choose from. The entry-level PureTech 83 manages 62mph in 13.3 seconds with a maximum top speed of 103mph. It also delivers 82bhp and returns between 51.3 and 54.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 97g/Km, making it an eco-friendly base-level option.

The PureTech 110 balances power and efficiency, with CO2 emissions of 100g/Km and a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds. It has a top speed of 123mph and an impressive 109bhp. It returns between 60.1 and 62.8mpg, making this engine the perfect middle-range alternative.

The PureTech 110 Auto achieves 62mph in 10.0 seconds with a maximum top speed of 119mph. It also returns 62.8mpg with CO2 emissions of 108g/km, making this engine variant a worthy contender for speed enthusiasts.

The BlueHDi 1.6-litre diesel option boasts impressive emissions credentials, achieving CO2 emissions of 86 g/Km. It achieves 62mph in 10.2 seconds with a maximum top speed of 117mph. It also produces a commendable 101bhp with a fuel consumption of 3.2 litres, returning between 76.3 and 83.1mpg.

By comparison, the Volkswagen Polo features a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine with 74bhp. Its 0-60mph time is 14.3 seconds, and it achieves a fuel economy of 74.3mpg.

Most used petrol and diesel engines come with either a five-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed manual or six-speed auto option.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official mpg figures.

2010 - 2017

Engine	Official NEDC MPG
1.0 Puretech 68	62.8–64.2 mpg
1.1i	64.2 mpg
1.1i 8V	64.2 mpg
1.2 Puretech	60.1 mpg
1.2 VTi	61.4 mpg
1.2 VTi ETG	65.7 mpg
1.4 e-HDi Airdream 70 EGS	83.1 mpg
1.6 BlueHDi	80.7–83.1 mpg
1.6 e-HDi Airdream	78.5 mpg
1.6 e-HDi Airdream 110	74.4 mpg

2017 - onwards

Engine	Official NEDC MPG	Official WLTP MPG
1.2 Puretech 110	60.1–62.8 mpg	-
1.2 Puretech 110 Automatic	62.8 mpg	-
1.2 Puretech 110 EAT6	55.4–57.6 mpg	49.4–50.8 mpg
1.2 Puretech 68	57.6–60.1 mpg	-
1.2 Puretech 82	58.9–61.4 mpg	51.3 mpg
1.2 Puretech 82 ETG	65.7 mpg	-
1.2 Puretech 83	-	51.3–54.3 mpg
1.5 BlueHDi 100	76.3 mpg	67.0–70.6 mpg
1.5 BlueHDi 110	-	50.1–53.3 mpg
1.5 BlueHDi 110 EAT6	-	49.4–50.8 mpg
1.6 BlueHDi 100	76.3–83.1 mpg	-
1.6 BlueHDi 75	78.5–80.7 mpg	-

Features you can expect in a Citroën C3

Interior

The Citroën C3 offers advanced comfort and connectivity to enhance your driving experience. Enjoy the benefits of wide and generous seats through the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, including features like progressive hydraulic cushions for smoother suspension, ergonomic seating for better support, reduced cabin noise, optimised interior space and user-friendly technology for improved convenience and entertainment.

Technology

This model is designed for everyday convenience without sacrificing space. Its practical 3,990mm length creates a roomy cabin that accommodates four adults. Utilise your devices with the advanced features of Citroën Connect Assist, Citroën Connect Nav and Citroën Connect Play, assisted by its infotainment system featuring a user-friendly touchscreen display. Navigating city streets is made simple with driving aids, including front and rear parking assistance. The C3's latest generation engines strike the perfect balance between performance and economy while strictly adhering to the Euro 6 emission standards.

Safety

Drive with confidence and peace of mind knowing that safety is a priority with the Citroën C3's advanced driver assistance systems, including lane departure warnings, traffic sign recognition and automatic emergency braking. The Citroën C3 was awarded an adult occupant protection score of 88% and a child occupant score of 83% by the Euro NCAP collision test. It scored four out of a possible five stars.

Trims available on the Citroën C3

Citroën C3 Feel

The Citroën C3 Feel trim offers a perfect balance of style and safety. A glossy black dashboard with a sleek grey surround gives the cabin a distinctive and refined style. The exterior features 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, fog lights integrated into the front bumper and body-coloured bumpers and door handles with chrome decorations. Safety is paramount with Safety Pack 1, including ABS, an electronic stability programme and hill start assist.

Unlock the potential of modern connectivity with Citroën Connect Radio, featuring DAB radio, a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, screen mirroring (compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) and Bluetooth. This trim promises convenience with electric folding and heated door mirrors, automatic activation of hazard warning lights, upholstered armrests in the front and rear doors and a tinted side window. The Feel offers an anti-theft alarm, central locking, remote control with two remote locking (plip) keys and an immobiliser for added security. The electric child locks and front passenger airbag deactivation ensure peace of mind for all occupants.

Citroën C3 Flair

In the Flair trim, experience safety comes first with electronic brake force distribution and emergency braking assistance. Its modern design features include an auto-dimming electrochromic rear-view mirror, roof-coloured fog light surround and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Enjoy the cosiness and convenience of automatic air conditioning, split-folding rear seats and a 7-inch touch screen. The flair trim includes ConnectedCAM, an app that connects to a camera in the vehicle, enabling you to store photos and videos from your journey. Along with cruise control, a speed limiter, lane departure warning system, reversing camera and variable assistance power steering, this helps ensure a tranquil drive through inner-city environments.

Citroën C3 Shine

Indulge in the premium features and refined design of the Citroën C3 Shine trim. Enjoy convenient connectivity with a USB socket and the updated Citroën Connect DAB radio with six speakers. Make safety a priority with added rear parking sensors. A soft-touch gear lever with a leather-effect gaiter adds to its luxury, as well as chrome decoration on the front face and a Bi-Tone onyx black roof. Convenience is enhanced with automatic door and boot locking when in motion, cruise control with speed limiter and visibility pack. The interior offers practicality with a split-folding rear bench and a front lighting panel with map reading lights.

Citroën C3 Shine Plus

This Citroën C3 Shine Plus trim is an enhanced addition to the Shine trim. Embark on a journey of security, style and sophistication with advanced safety features like the additional Visibility Pack featuring automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, automatic illumination of headlamps and an electrochromic rear-view mirror.

Cruise in style with the refined 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, plush Mica Cloth Upholstery and a leather steering wheel with gloss black and satin chrome elements. Experience great connectivity and sound with Citroën Connected Nav featuring a DAB radio. The coffee break alert ensures you monitor your tiredness levels, while the multi-function trip computer and exterior temperature display help you stay informed during long drives.

Search our stock of used Citroën C3 cars for sale.