Citroen C3 : I’ve spent a fair bit of time behind the wheel of various city cars, and the Citroen C3 stands out like a cheeky rebel in a sea of cookie-cutter hatches.
As we hit early 2026, recent tweaks like price hikes and new variants keep it fresh amid fierce competition from Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter.
Eye-Catching Design That Turns Heads
You can’t miss the C3 on the road—its upright stance, chunky cladding, and high ground clearance scream mini-SUV without trying too hard.
The split headlamps with Y-shaped DRLs give it a modern edge, while bold color options like Polar White or Platinum Grey add personality.
The rear is simple yet muscular, with wraparound taillamps and a roof spoiler that hints at sporty intent.
Citroen recently added special editions like the Shine Turbo Dark Edition, featuring blacked-out accents for that extra flair. It’s not just skin-deep; the rugged bits protect against scrapes from our pothole-riddled streets.
Roomy Cabin Built for Indian Families
Rear legroom accommodates three adults comfortably, and headroom benefits from the tall cabin—perfect for taller drivers or those endless family errands.
The 10.25-inch touchscreen dominates the dash, running smooth wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—streaming maps or music feels effortless.
Sure, plastics feel basic, but they’re durable, and ambient lighting in higher trims adds a premium vibe without the premium price.
Punchy Engines for City Sprints and Highways
Power comes from two 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol mills: the naturally aspirated unit makes 81bhp and 115Nm, ideal for relaxed cruising with a claimed 19.3kmpl ARAI mileage.
Real-world figures hover around 17-18kmpl in mixed use, stretching a 30-litre tank to about 500km.
The 6-speed AT in top models like Turbo Shine Sport Edition is smooth, though turbo lag bites a tad in traffic. CNG options on base engines return up to 28km/kg, a boon with rising fuel costs.
Ride quality shines thanks to Citroen’s soft suspension, soaking up bumps like a champ while keeping body roll in check.
Features That Matter Without the Gimmicks
The C3 packs essentials smartly. Mid-spec Shine trims get the big screen, digital cluster, rear AC vents, and cruise control—luxuries in this segment.
Safety basics include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ESP across the board, plus hill-hold and TPMS in higher variants.
Recent updates like the Live (O) variant bring a rear camera at Rs 5.49 lakh, addressing blind-spot woes.
Pricing and Variants for Every Budget
Starting at Rs 4.95 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base Live petrol, it climbs to Rs 10.21 lakh for the loaded Turbo Shine Sport AT.
Key picks: Feel at Rs 5.85 lakh for basics, X Shine Turbo MT at Rs 8.74 lakh for performance value. January 2026 saw hikes up to Rs 40k, but CNG variants like Feel CNG (Rs 7.58 lakh) keep running costs low.
On-road in Haryana, expect Rs 6-12 lakh including insurance and fastag. Citroen service is affordable, with low maintenance around Rs 4,000 per service.
How It Stacks Against Rivals
In a crowded micro-SUV ring, the C3 edges out with space and ride comfort over Tata Punch (better safety but firmer ride) or Renault Kiger (similar power, less features).
Hyundai Exter offers slicker tech, but C3’s turbo punch and pricing undercut it. Maruti Ignis matches quirkiness but lacks the grunt.
Sales reflect appeal: Citroen sold over 1,000 units in Jan 2026, C3 leading with 2.5x growth.
Also Read This : Hyundai Creta – Luxurious design SUV comes with panoramic sunroof, features is comfortable
Citroen C3 A Smart Pick for Savvy Buyers
The Citroen C3 nails the urban hatch formula—fun styling, vast space, and versatile engines make it a joy for daily commutes or weekend getaways.
Weak safety scores hold it back from top honors, but updates are plugging gaps. If you prioritize comfort over crash-test glory and want standout looks under Rs 10 lakh, test drive one.