Citroen C3

The first thing you notice when you start driving the C3 is the driving posture. Because of how low the window extends and how the dashboard is oriented, you sit extremely high, the steering wheel is just the correct size, and vision forward is excellent.

You can see a lot more of the road ahead, and since you have these ridges on the bonnet, you can determine where it stops, which is usually beneficial for rookie drivers.

Although visibility from the side windows is excellent, parking the C3 will always demand more work than normal due to the lack of a reverse camera and a somewhat smaller rear glass.

The engine is a turbocharged variant of the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. There is also a naturally aspirated variant of same engine, which has less power.

However, even with this 110 horsepower version, which I believe is rather pleasant, there is now no automatic option. It pulls nicely from low to mid RPMs and, aside from a clattery idle, it's adequate in terms of engine noise and vibrations.

In a straight line, the C3 is shockingly speedy, providing smooth performance all the way up to triple digit speeds. The traditional three-cylinder engine thrum is likewise effectively contained, and this 1.2-litre engine remains sufficiently quiet and refined under regular driving circumstances.

The six-speed manual transmission we have here isn't the most exciting one available, but the shift action is light enough for daily driving. However, the clutch action is much better. It's not as light as the one we saw on the Tata Punch, but it's quite innovative and ideal for city driving.

Citroen, unlike other automobile manufacturers, avoids using the term "SUV" for their offers, and for good reason. After all, this is a mature hatchback with plenty of muscle. The C3 is officially advertised as a hatchback with an SUV attitude.

Nonetheless, the C3 competes with the Maruti Ignis, Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger.

The C3 is unusual, but in a nice way. From the front, it resembles its larger cousin, the C5. This design motif performs a good job of catching people's attention.

Despite the fact that the top-spec Citroen does not have alloy wheels, the profile appears nice enough. The 15-inch wheels are substantial, with 195mm wide tyres.

The C3 sits high off the ground as well, and the back is really charming with the C-shaped tail lights. The stunning dual tone color option with an orange finish for the roof, side mirrors, fog light housing, and side body cladding gives it a distinct personality. This may be too loud for some, but the C3 may fit right in with their personality.

The C3 is longer than both the Punch and the Ignis in terms of length. It is 1733mm broad, which puts it between these two competitors, and it is 1586mm tall, which puts it below both of them.

There are 10 different colors to choose from, including four monotone (single) and six dual tone possibilities. Customers may additionally enhance the design with the aid of three external modification packs.

When it comes to the quality of plastics and textures, the inside is typical of a little car, but the design of the dashboard and seats is far but usual. The huge orange accent on the dashboard, for example, gives it a personalised vibe.

Then there are the rounded rectangular shaped air vents and front bucket seats with a fairly unusual design to add to the cabin's flair. In comparison, the ambiance towards the back is a touch underwhelming because the cabin is all dark and there isn't much to keep you entertained.

There are no back AC vents or even an arm rest, but the rear seat is spacious and neatly shaped to keep you in place. We particularly enjoy the ample legroom and thigh support, which is always a benefit in a compact car.

The boot, at 315 litres, is broad enough for two check-in baggage and two purses, and volume-wise, it's larger than the Maruti Swift but notably smaller than the Tata Punch.

The C3 lacks basic yet extremely useful features such as a rear wiper and defogger, a tachometer, split folding rear seats, a rear armrest, and a reversing camera, despite having a wide 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, height adjustment for the driver's seat, and one touch auto down for all four power windows.

In terms of convenience, it lacks alloy wheels, electric mirrors, push button start, LED headlights, and an automated air conditioner. The positioning of the rear window controls is also unusual. Having them between the front seats is inconvenient, and it also suggests cost-cutting techniques.

Citroen has always excelled at ride quality, which we have witnessed firsthand in the C5 Aircross SUV. The considerably cheaper C3 doesn't offer the same level of plushness, but it's a different story for a hatchback.

The suspension on this is really quiet, and you won't hear it operating unless you hit the worst potholes on the road. It also absorbs bumps well, keeping the passengers level through uneven terrain.

The 195 section tyres are among the widest we've seen in a B category hatchback, and the combination of these hefty tyres, 180mm ground clearance, and long travel suspension plays an important role in producing a big car-like ride feel.

Citroen has said that the C3 is not an SUV, although it does contain SUV characteristics. That gets us to the other serious question I have about the C3's identity.

Another feature that makes the C3 so user-friendly is its mild steering. The wheel itself is relatively tiny in comparison to other hatchbacks, and it's virtually right on in terms of practicality. For starters, it turns with just the proper amount of movement and, more crucially, it's incredibly light at parking speeds, something many first-time vehicle owners will love.

So far, we know that the new Citroen C3 is large on the interior and offers many of customization options. The problem is, it rides exceptionally well for a basic hatchback.

It's just a decent basic hatchback, but in a market like ours where features are so vital, the C3 will have its job cut out for it because it lacks not only gimmicky amenities, but also many of the fundamental functions that we've come to expect from hatchbacks. The C3 is undoubtedly a bright vehicle, but is it affordable?

Well, yes it is. I mean you are getting all of that at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 5.98 Lakh and it can go up to Rs. 8.25 Lakh. So, the point of it being cost-effective will definitely appease many Indian consumers towards it.