Citroën C3 Sport Edition: India’s mini hatchback segment has always been a car candy store. However, there are not many cars out there that will grab you by the eyes like the Citroën C3.
It’s quirky, with practical space and comfortable ride, in the mould for which the C3 is known. Now, though, an already personality-filled package has been given an extra dose of character courtesy of the C3 Sport Edition from Citroën.
This new model injects visual energy and sporty appeal, increasing its attractiveness to young and style-conscious buyers.
The updates are largely cosmetic, although the Sport Edition helps to give the C3 a bit more personality without undermining its key strengths – practicality, comfort and economy around town.
Design and Appearance
The Citroën C3 was already a striking hatchback with its SUV-style appearance, and the Sport Edition builds on this.
It gets the red inserts on the ORVMs, fog lamp housing and on the roof, adding a bit of a sporty and vibrant touch to the car.
Sporty graphics, contrast roofs and black alloy wheels set it apart from the regular car.
Despite being a small hatch, the C3 rocks a tough, crossover-esque stance.
The tall position, flared wheel arches and distinctive dual-slat front grille are still what separate it from more conservative rivals.
All together, the design improvements on the Sport Edition help give the C3 a fresher, more characterful look that should love younger buyers.
Interior and Features
The C3 Sport Edition has the same interior with sportier trims again. Splashes of red trim around the air vents and stitching on the seats are a simple way of making the interior feel a bit special.
The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system continues to impress, down to wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay — things even some more expensive hatches don’t get.
Simple face and young looking dashboard, enough space in the cabin. Both rows offer plenty of headroom and legroom, so the C3 feels more spacious than most rivals.
Storage is decent and the seats are comfortable even on road trips.
These on-screen buttons are functional, though, and the cabin is still missing some equipment elsewhere in the range key items like automatic climate control, rear wipe and rear camera are available on higher trims.
Performance and Drivetrain Performance was, of course, between the seats.
Mechanically, the C3 Sport Edition keeps the current engines:
A 1.2-liter naturally aspirated gasoline motor with 82 PS
A 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110 PS and 190 Nm of torque
Its 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated engine is apt for city driving as it delivers power with finesse and returns good fuel numbers as well.
But it’s the turbo-petrol motor that really adds to the sporty character of this variant. It offers fast acceleration and strong midrange power that also gives the car a confident feel on the highways.
The suspension in particular is a work of genius. Lotus boffins worked on the C3 and it is well-planted and comfortable over all sorts of tarmac we see in India.
It soaks up bumps and potholes without a fuss and stays composed at higher speeds.
The C3 comes in manual transmission only at this time. Automatic gearbox is still not available, which is a downside for city-slickers who wants the convenience of hands-free traffic crawling.
Pros
Exceptional and noticeable design with a sporty twist
Generous and accommodating cabin in front if not in back
Available turbocharged engine is responsive
Great ride quality and bike setup
10.2-inch touchscreen smart phone linked with wireless connectivity
compact but suv ish stance.
Cons
No automaticA transmission available
Wishing rear wiper, reverse camera, climate control were available!!
Simple digital instrument cluster
No side or curtain airbags
Fewer dealer and service outlets than rivals
Citroën C3 Sport Edition: Conclusion
The Citroën C3 Sport Edition brings added gloss to one of the most eye-catching designs in the hatchback sector.
With its bold new visual emphasis, roomy arms and strong driving dynamics — particularly with that turbo engine — it exudes a youthful energy that urban buyers looking for something different will find appealing.
Sure it doesn’t come with a couple of creature comforts and safety features, but it’s practical fun.
If you’re looking for a car that feels modern, is comfortable even on our battered roads, and has some sportiness about it, the C3 Sport Edition does have some appeal.