Which is the most popular engine in the Citroen C3?

Petrol engines have been the top choice for buyers because they are cheaper to purchase. Even though they have lower efficiency ratings than the diesels, these are still relatively cheap to run.

Which are the most popular model variants?

Citroen currently offers the C3 Origin in three models: You, Plus and Max. The most popular models are older, with many customers choosing the Feel, which is slightly higher than the base with better connectivity features. Others enjoy the top-spec Flair with automatic air conditioning, a reversing camera and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

What optional extras should I look out for?

Customers should look out for an available panoramic roof that cuts down slightly on the headroom but adds a unique style. An available Visibility Pack also adds automatic rain-sensing front windscreen wipers and automatic headlights.

Is the Citroen C3 a good family car?

Despite its smaller size, the C3 is great for families with young children. The back seat is accommodating and there's enough boot space to hold some groceries. ISOFIX mounting points also help with child seat installation.

Is there a hybrid version of the Citroen C3?

No, Citroen has only built the C3 with petrol and diesel engine options. However, there's a newer e-C3 that has an electric setup for zero tailpipe emissions.

Is the Citroen C3 available as an automatic?

Automatic transmission options have been available, but the manual has been more popular among used C3 models. Customers shouldn't have trouble finding either one.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

No, as a supermini, the C3 only comes with a front-wheel drive configuration. This setup ensures that the car weighs less and helps to maximise efficiency.

1,328 Used Citroen C3 cars for sale

Citroen C32017 (66) - 1.2 PureTech Feel Euro 6 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.2L
78.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Pioneer Cars

01312027969 *

Citroen C32022 (72) - 1.2 Elle Puretech S/S 5-Door

£11,499

1.2L
38.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Right Car Beverley

01482697813 *

Citroen C32022 - 1.2 PureTech C-Series Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83

Low Mileage

£11,789

1.2L
18.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sherwoods Town Centre Citroen, Fiat & Abarth

01918237779 *

4.7/5 Stars

Citroen C32022 (72) - 1.2 PureTech 110 Shine Plus 5dr EAT6 Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£13,394

1.2L
19.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Bolton

01204329200 *

4.7/5 Stars

Citroen C32016 (66) - 1.2 PureTech Platinum 5dr ETG Automatic Violet

Low Mileage

£4,999

Finance available £89 pm

1.2L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Birmingham Motors Ltd

01217525226 *

0/5 Stars

Citroen C32021 - 1.2 PureTech 110 Shine 5dr EAT6 Hatchback

Low Mileage

£13,430

1.2L
12.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Barnsley Citroen

01226449434 *

4.3/5 Stars

Citroen C32022 - 1.2 PureTech C-Series Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 ps) - DI

Low Mileage

£11,116

Finance available £212 pm

1.2L
17.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

Citroen C32019 - 1.2 PureTech 82 Flair 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,049

Finance available £196 pm

1.2L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Citroen C32022 (22) - 1.2 PureTech Saint James Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

1.2L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Just Citroen Harrogate

01423396249 *

Citroen C32022 (22) - 1.2 PureTech Saint James Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 ps)

£9,340

1.2L
67.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

Citroen C32022 - 1.2 PureTech Saint James Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,577

1.2L
24.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Hatfield

01707959241 *

4.6/5 Stars

Citroen C32018 (68) - 1.2 PureTech Flair Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (82 ps)

£5,700

Finance available £105 pm

1.2L
61.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

Citroen C32022 - 1.2 PureTech C-Series Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,592

Finance available £237 pm

1.2L
25.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Leicester

01162165623 *

4.6/5 Stars

Citroen C32006 (06) - 1.4i Desire 5dr

Low Mileage

£895

1.4L
65.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

Citroen C32018 (68) - 1.2 PureTech 82 Feel Nav Edition 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£8,975

1.2L
26.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Vauxhall Chingford

02037277170 *

4.6/5 Stars

Citroen C32017 - 1.2 PureTech 82 Flair 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.2L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jack McCaughern Trade Sales

02890023686 *

Citroen C32023 - 1.2 PureTech PLUS Hatchback 5dr Petrol EAT6 Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps) Automatic

Reduced

£14,499

Finance available £302 pm

1.2L
15.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Days of Haverfordwest

01437805143 *

0/5 Stars

Citroen C32020 (70) - 1.2 PureTech Flair Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,490

Finance available £182 pm

1.2L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Penton Citroen Peugeot and DS Christchurch

01202099861 *

Citroen C32021 (21) - 1.2 PureTech C-Series Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 ps)

£8,900

1.2L
53.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stoneacre Teesside Toyota

01642573731 *

Citroen C32022 - 1.2 PureTech C-Series Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,998

1.2L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

Why buy a used Citroen C3?

If you're in the market for a car that's comfortable, compact and efficient, then a used Citroen C3 is a great choice. The C3's unique design helps it to stand out in a competitive market, while the various available options allow for more personalisation. Every model features a decent amount of equipment, and there are several low-emitting and efficient engines to choose from, keeping the running costs down.

Used Citroen C3 snapshot review

Pros

Comfortable driving feel
Efficient and low-emitting engines
Distinctive design helps it stand out

Cons

Reliability is questionable due to Citroen’s reputation
Engines are noisy
Not dynamic to drive

Read our Citroen C3 review

Citroen C3 video review

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Used Citroen C3 buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Citroen has made the C3 available with petrol and diesel engines, paired to an automatic or a manual gearbox and standard front-wheel drive.

Petrol

PureTech 83 produces 81bhp for a 0-62mph time of 12.5 seconds and a top speed of 103mph.
PureTech 110 creates 108bhp, reducing the 0-62mph time to 9.4 seconds and offering a top speed of 123mph.
Less powerful engine has an efficiency rating of 53.4mpg, while the other achieves up to 59.8mpg, depending on the configuration.
Older models have a 1.4-litre that produces 75bhp or a 120bhp 1.6-litre, with both achieving a fuel economy rating of up to 47mpg.
There was also a 68bhp 1.0-litre and an 82bhp 1.2-litre that both achieved around 62mpg.

Diesel

1.5-litre BlueHDI generates 98bhp and has a fuel economy rating of up to 67.7mpg.
1.6-litre BlueHDI outputs either 73bhp or 98bhp with the fuel economy ranging between an impressive 74mpg and 78mpg.

Earlier diesel models included a 70bhp 1.4-litre with 65mpg or a 1.6-litre that ranged between 75bhp and 115bhp with a fuel economy rating of up to 80mpg.

Practicality

Considering that the C3 is a supermini, it's great for city driving, and there is more interior room than first meets the eye, making it very practical.

Interior space

Front seats are supportive with plenty of adjustments.
Three children can fit in the back and the middle seat is usable.
Wide rear doors offer quick access to the ISOFIX anchor points for child seats.

Boot space

300-litre boot is more than the Ford Fiesta and Suzuki Swift.
Putting down the back seats increases the boot space to 992 litres.

Safety

Four-star rating given by Euro NCAP in 2017.
88% rating given to adult occupant, while child occupant was 83%.
Standard kit includes airbags, cruise control and lane departure warning.

Technology

Available 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use.
DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity come standard, with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Available built-in satnav helps driver to avoid using their phone for navigation.

Different generations of used Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 first hit the streets in 2002, designed to supply a unique style with plenty of practicality. Since then, there have been two more generations, with many different models inspired by the C3, such as the C3 Picasso MPV, the C3 Pluriel convertible and the newest electric e-C3. With each new generation, Citroen has revised the powertrain options and updated the styling, ensuring that the supermini remains popular and relevant.

Third Generation (2020 to 2024)

With the third generation came some new styling changes, including the addition of updated LED daytime running lights and high-mounted LED taillights. There were also some needed revisions to the powertrain options, ensuring more efficiency and power.

A 2019 update brought revised LED headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels and air bumps that help to protect the vehicle from dents. When Citroen decided to release the all-electric e-C3, the company also decided to change the name of the C3 to the C3 Origin, even though it's the same lineup as before.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1.2 - 1.5
MPG:: 47 - 62
Acceleration:: 9.4 - 15.2 seconds
Boot space:: 300 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 4 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.2 PureTech Flair Plus 5dr
Cheapest
1.2 PureTech You 5dr
Fastest
1.2 PureTech 110 Max 5dr

Second Generation (2010 to 2020)

The second-generation C3 had a whole new shape, even though it used the same platform as before. It received a curved look and headlights, while the grille was moved all the way into the bumper. The windscreen extended to the roof to give it a different profile and better visibility.

A 2013 facelift included updated LED daytime running lights and a restyled lower grille that appeared to smile. The taillights also received some upgrades with chrome around them to help them stand out. Inside the cabin, Citroen also released some newer materials.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 1.6
MPG:: 40 - 83
Acceleration:: 8.9 - 16.5 seconds
Boot space:: 300 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 4 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.0 VTi VT 5dr
Cheapest
1.0 VTi VT 5dr
Fastest
1.6 VTi 16V Exclusive 5dr

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

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Used Citroen C3 snapshot review

Pros