Citroen C3

The 2025 Citroen C3 in India is offered with two petrol engine options. The entry-level engine is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated (NA) PureTech petrol engine, producing 82 PS of power and 115 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. For more spirited performance, there is a 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech petrol engine that delivers 110 PS of power and 190 Nm (manual) or 205 Nm (automatic) of torque. This turbo engine is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

In terms of performance, the NA engine is adequate for city driving and relaxed cruising, offering decent fuel efficiency. However, it can feel strained on highways or during quick acceleration. The turbo-petrol engine is significantly more engaging, providing strong acceleration and making the C3 feel much more capable on highways and during overtakes. The 6-speed automatic transmission with the turbo engine is a welcome addition, offering convenience in traffic. Fuel economy is rated by ARAI at around 19.3 kmpl for manual variants and 18.3 kmpl for the automatic variant. Real-world mileage will vary based on driving conditions and style.

Ride and Handling

A key highlight of the 2025 Citroen C3 is its comfortable ride quality, a trait shared with other Citroen models. The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces effectively, providing a plush and comfortable ride, especially at lower speeds in the city. 

This "flying carpet" effect, as Citroen calls it, makes it one of the most comfortable cars in its segment over rough roads.

Handling is predictable and stable, leaning towards comfort rather than sporty dynamics. The steering is light at low speeds, making it easy to maneuver in urban traffic and tight parking spots. While it feels stable on highways, there is noticeable body roll when cornering aggressively due to the soft suspension setup.

 The high ground clearance is beneficial for tackling poor road conditions. Overall, the ride and handling balance is heavily skewed towards comfort, making it a pleasant car for daily commutes and family travel, particularly on less-than-perfect road surfaces.

The interior of the 2025 Citroen C3 features a straightforward and functional design, prioritizing practicality and space. The dashboard layout is simple, dominated by a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system on higher variants. The cabin is reasonably spacious for a car of its size, comfortably accommodating four adults. The rear seat offers decent legroom and headroom, although accommodating three adults can be a squeeze.

Material quality is basic in lower variants, with hard plastics used throughout. Higher variants introduce dual-tone themes and slightly better finishes, including soft-touch elements on the dashboard in some special editions. Recent updates for 2025 include the addition of adjustable headrests for the mid and top variants, improving passenger comfort and safety. Storage spaces are adequate, with a decent glovebox, door pockets, and a central console area. Boot space is rated at 315 litres, which is competitive for a hatchback and sufficient for daily use or weekend getaways. While the interior design is minimalist, it is user-friendly.

Infotainment

The infotainment system is a strong point for the higher variants of the 2025 Citroen C3. It features a 10.25-inch touchscreen display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a significant convenience feature in this segment. The touchscreen is responsive and the interface is intuitive to use, providing access to media, phone connectivity, and vehicle settings.

Lower variants come with a more basic audio system or no system at all, requiring aftermarket solutions. Higher variants also get a digital instrument cluster (likely a 7-inch colour TFT unit), which provides essential driving information clearly.

 Steering-mounted controls for audio and phone functions are available on higher trims, enhancing convenience. The C3 also offers Citroen Connect features via a smartphone app, providing some basic connected functionalities. While the touchscreen is large and functional, the overall audio quality from the standard speaker system is decent but not exceptional.

The 2025 Citroen C3 retains its recognizable exterior design, characterized by its tall stance, split headlamp setup, and Citroen's signature double-slat grille. The design gives it a crossover-like appeal, setting it apart from traditional hatchbacks.

Recent updates for the 2025 model year primarily focus on feature additions rather than significant visual changes, although a Dark Edition with an all-black theme has been introduced. The overall silhouette is boxy and functional, contributing to interior space.

Key exterior elements include LED daytime running lights integrated with the grille, halogen or LED headlamps depending on the variant, body cladding around the wheel arches and lower body, and roof rails.

Higher variants feature alloy wheels (or stylish wheel covers) and electrically adjustable ORVMs with integrated turn indicators. The rear design is relatively simple with rectangular taillights. Dimensionally, the C3 measures around 3981 mm in length, 1733 mm in width, and 1586 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2540 mm. The ground clearance is a respectable 180 mm, which helps it tackle uneven roads and speed breakers with ease.

Safety has been a point of discussion for the Citroen C3. The India-spec model has received a 4-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests for both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP), which is a commendable improvement and provides a good level of assurance. The 2025 model comes equipped with a range of safety features.

Standard safety features across most variants now include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Hold Control, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). 

Other safety features include rear parking sensors, a reverse parking camera (on higher variants), ISOFIX child seat anchor points, and a 3-point seatbelt for all occupants with reminders. While earlier versions had fewer airbags on lower trims, the standardization of 6 airbags is a significant positive step for the 2025 model.

The 2025 Citroen C3 operates in the competitive compact vehicle segment in India, competing with a wide range of hatchbacks and compact SUVs. Its rivals include popular models like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger. Priced from ₹6.23 Lakh to ₹10.19 Lakh ex-showroom, the C3 is positioned competitively against most of these rivals, particularly the lower and mid-range variants.

Compared to traditional hatchbacks like the Swift and i20, the C3 offers a taller stance and more SUV-like styling. Against micro and compact SUVs like the Punch, Exter, Magnite, and Kiger, the C3 competes on price, features, and its unique comfort-oriented ride. 

The availability of a strong turbo-petrol engine gives it a performance edge over some naturally aspirated rivals While mainstream rivals benefit from a wider service network and higher resale value, the C3 aims to attract buyers with its distinctive design, comfortable ride, and competitive pricing, especially with the recent feature additions.

The 2025 Citroen C3, with its recent updates, remains a compelling option in the Indian compact vehicle market. It successfully carves out a niche with its distinctive SUV-like styling, exceptionally comfortable ride quality, and the availability of a potent turbo-petrol engine. 

The standardization of 6 airbags and a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating significantly address previous concerns regarding safety, making it a much more attractive proposition. While the interior could benefit from better material quality in lower variants and the service network is still growing, the C3 offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and value.

For Indian buyers who prioritize a comfortable ride over varying road conditions, appreciate a car that stands out visually, and are looking for a well-equipped vehicle (especially in higher variants) at a competitive price, the 2025 Citroen C3 is a worthwhile purchase. The turbo-petrol variants, particularly with the automatic transmission, offer a strong performance package that enhances the driving experience. The C3 is a good fit for those who value comfort and individuality in their daily commute and occasional travel.