Citroën has introduced a more boxy and SUV-inspired look to the latest C3 with a higher ground clearance of 197 mm (7.8 inches) and a taller body.
Advanced Comfort Suspension has been redesigned for the C3 and it is standard across the range using hydraulic bump-stops to help boost ride comfort.
The C3 sits on the same ‘Smart Car’ platform that underpins the new Vauxhall Frontera, and this can accommodate a selection of gasoline, hybrid and electric offerings.
The entry-level version of the Citroën C3 is equipped with a non-electrified turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 99 hp (75 kW / 102 PS). Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Hybrid 100 setup consists of a three-cylinder gas engine that also produces 99bhp, this time mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a 28bhp electric motor built-in (although only 12 hp (9 kW / 12 PS) of those can be utilized for acceleration when required). The e-motor is powered by a small 48-volt battery. Citroën claims the hybrid C3 can drive for 50% of the time on electric power when in town. (The same setup can be found on the Jeep Avenger Hybrid).
The new C3 has gone on sale in mainland Europe, offered in just two trim levels: “You” and “Max”.
On all versions, the interior features a ‘quasi’ head-up display (it faces the driver in the top of the dashboard) in place of traditional instruments. A 10.25-inch central touchscreen infotainment display comes on “Max” trim version while on the “You” entry-level trim there is a simply a smartphone holder.
“You” standard equipment includes LED headlights, Advanced Comfort suspension, electric side mirrors, and manual air conditioning. “Max” is also equipped with 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, two-tone paint scheme, rear-view camera, wireless charging pad, automatic headlights and wipers, Advance Comfort seats and a 60/40 folding rear bench.
Despite measuring 4,015 mm (158.1 inches) long, the new C3 offers more interior space and easier ingress compared to the previous generation. Trunk space has grown by 10 liters (0.35 cubic feet) to a more generous 310 liters (10.9 cubic feet).
Deliveries of the 2024 Citroën C3 are expected to begin in Europe this summer.
In France, pricing starts from €14,990 ($16,275 USD) for the C3 “You” with the 1.2-liter gas engine and a manual gearbox. For comparison, the outgoing C3 which was originally introduced in 2016 and received a facelift in 2020, is currently priced from €16,590 ($18,014 USD).
The fully electric 2024 e-C3, it starts from €23,300 ($25,301 USD) although Citroën claims that a more affordable version will follow in 2025 with a €19,990 ($21,708 USD) price tag.