Test Car Specifications
Model: 2025 Citroen e-C3 Hybrid 110 Max
Price: e-C3 from £18,805; Max from £20,825
Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power: 110hp
Torque: 120Nm
Emissions: 114g/km
Economy: 56.5mpg
0-62mph: 9.8 seconds
Top speed: 99mph
Boot space: 310 litres
Styling
Externally, there really isn't much to set the C3 Hybrid apart from the e-C3, save for the badge on the tailgate and the presence of an exhaust tip peeking out from behind the rear valance. But we've no issue with that, because the C3's boxy, modern design is more than attractive enough, and though the SUV image won't be for everyone, it will still draw in plenty of customers. It's a shame there's no all-wheel-drive option with the capability to match the looks, though.
Interior
As with the exterior, the C3 Hybrid's cabin is more or less identical to that of the e-C3. And in some ways, that's a good thing. It looks pretty modern and it's quite solid, and we're big fans of the use of fabric dashboard covering to add a slightly more premium touch. Admittedly, that's necessary because some of the plastics are a bit cheap, but the cabin still seems fairly robust, and there are some nice materials alongside those plastics.
All told, it looks and feels pretty modern, but the folly of dotting little red labels around with slogans such as "feel good" cannot be overstated. We've no idea which focus group decided it was a good idea, but it almost certainly wasn't British.
We suspect the group behind the 10.25-inch touchscreen wasn't British either, but it's at least much better than the labels. The bright, sharp display looks nice and modern, and it gives you everything you really need. Admittedly, the display isn't all that clever and there aren't that many features, while there's the occasional fiddly interface, but most people will just plug their phones in and use the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto technology, which shows the system in its best light.
Practicality
The transition from compact hatchback to demi-SUV has, if nothing else, made the C3 a more practical proposition. With a 310-litre boot, it isn't necessarily the most capacious thing on the road, but it's more spacious than a Toyota Yaris Hybrid, for example. And space in the back is pretty good, too, with adequate rear legroom and ample headroom, even for taller adults. You could, if you really wanted, fit four six-footers in there quite comfortably.
Performance
Under the bonnet, the C3 Hybrid uses Citroen’s ever-present 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine and adds some electric assistance to the mix. That’s generally considered a good thing, because that 1.2-litre engine is smooth, powerful and – nowadays – reliable, but the hybrid system is a mixed blessing.
Although the figures suggest economy in the mid-fifties, and 50-plus is achievable in the real world, the electric motor, petrol engine and gearbox occasionally trip each other up, which blunts the car’s performance slightly. And while a sub-10-second 0-62mph time isn’t bad considering the middling 110hp output, it doesn’t always feel as fast as it suggests – particularly from a standing start.
Once you’re up and running, it’s reasonably smooth, and most of the noise that gets into the cabin is from the road, wind and tyres, not the powertrain. And, of course, it’s even smoother when it runs on electric power, which it does for a surprisingly large proportion of the time. Particularly around town.
Ride & Handling
With Citroen placing all its focus on comfort over performance, and making the decision to raise the C3 up a bit, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised the C3 offers little for the keen driver. The steering is numb, the body rolls a bit in corners, and though grip is adequate, there's no reward for throwing the Citroen around.
Around town, however, it feels light and compact, so it's fairly nimble and easy enough to manoeuvre, while visibility is also reasonable. So if you're planning on remaining in urban environments, it's quite an amiable companion.
As small hatchbacks go, it's even fairly comfortable, performing well over longer-wavelength undulations such as speed humps, but the short wheelbase and scarred state of British roads mean you'll still feel the potholes. In short, it isn't quite as comfortable as Citroen might claim, but it's pretty good on the motorway.
That said, the slab sides mean a crosswind will have quite the impact, and the lack of soundproofing shows through slightly at speed, so it isn't always a relaxing thing in which to drive long distances.
Value
Part of the C3's appeal is undoubtedly its price tag, which is remarkably palatable. A base-spec C3 comes in at £18,805, and the cheapest Hybrid costs £20,615. It really isn't bad for something so modern and spacious. Admittedly, the base price gets you the entry level Plus model, so you have to make do with manual air conditioning and there's no satellite navigation, but you still get alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone interface tech.
But given the appealing value, you could always opt for the more upmarket Max model tested here, with its wireless phone charging, reversing camera and automatic climate control. It gets satellite navigation, too, and automatic windscreen wipers, all from £22,315 in Hybrid form. It's hard to argue with that.
Verdict
The C3 Hybrid is a more flexible and cheaper option than the e-C3, and that will be enough to sway it for many. But the hybrid system is a bit jerky and disappointingly unrefined at times, which means on the road, at least, the electric C3 is more pleasant. However, the great thing about the new C3 is that it offers customers a choice, and having the option to choose your powertrain adds to the appeal of an already competent, spacious and well-priced small car.
