The Citroen C3 Puretech Flair is a true testament to how creative manufacturers can be. And, maybe more importantly, how you can still secure incredible value for money in today’s new car market.
The funky French hatchback is jam-packed full of simple yet useful tech, has a quirky albeit clever design, and it’s affordable, too.
So, what do you get for your money?
Citroen C3 Puretech Flair: The Exterior
On the outside, your attention is immediately drawn to the C3’s rubber air bumps. And while they add a sense of style and originality, they’re also a very clever design feature.
Instead of costly-to-fix metal bodywork, the rubber plates repel low-speed damage – meaning the next time you have a little ding in Tesco car park, you can escape without the heart-sinking shame.
The rest of the C3’s exterior follows the air bumps’ quirky nature, too. For example, its 16” Matrix alloy wheels not only look great, but also provide a surprisingly smooth ride.
On the whole, the Citroen’s exterior is unequivocally eye-catching, and its unique styling puts it in a different league to the more regimented Ford Focus, Volkswagen Polo or Vauxhall Corsa.
And that’s not the only area where it outguns its rivals. Under the bonnet, the Citroen C3 Puretech Flair packs a well-rounded punch like no other in its class.
Citroen C3 Puretech Flair: Engine
The one we’ve tested; the 1.2 naturally aspirated petrol engine, is a thing of beauty for a car of this size.
Smooth, quiet, fuel-efficient – around 60mpg – it has it all. And even though it’s a non-turbocharged power unit – there is a turbocharged option available – it still has more than enough go for getting around town.
Only if you spend your life on the motorway should you need to consider another engine option.
Citroen C3 Puretech Flair: Interior & Boot Space
However, if you’ve been impressed so far, prepare to be blown away, as inside, the C3 comes with a mind-boggling amount of technology.
Your eyes are drawn to the Citroen Puretech Flair’s modern, minimalistic dashboard. That’s because almost all controls run through its 7” colour touchscreen display.
In it, you have DAB radio, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, your automatic air conditioning controls, as well as plenty of other settings which give you the opportunity to truly tune the C3 to your taste.
You’ll also find the infotainment system houses the C3’s reversing parking camera, which comes as standard on the Puretech Flair model, and audio streaming controls.
As you’d expect, you get all-around electric windows, but a nice touch is the Isofix points in the passenger seat – something not seen in many cars of this class and a saviour for parents, grandparents or guardians of young children.
Another noticeable feature is how comfortable the Citroen’s drive is. Wide and supportive seating give the driver and passengers luxurious amounts of space, while the light and airy cabin underline the C3’s forward-thinking philosophy.
For further ease, the French supermini also comes with cruise control and speed limiter, as well as electronically adjustable, heated door mirrors – ensuring those cold winter mornings aren’t the challenge they once were.
All in all, the Puretech Flair is just a great place to be, and you can tell a lot of thought has gone into each detail.
The same goes for the boot, too. Bigger than the Fiesta’s, Polo’s and Corsa’s, the Citroen is as practical as it is stylish.
You’ll be pushed to find better value in its class.
The Verdict
For a long time, the hatchback category was missing something like the C3; something with outlandish style and character.
After a bit of a break, Citroen has gone back to what it does best; producing fun yet practical and affordable cars.
So, has it regained its crown with the Puretech Flair? In the simplest of terms, yes. This C3 is everything you need from a car of its type, with the styling and tech of something much more expensive.
If you’re looking for a great-value, economical, good-looking car which is stuffed full of easy-to-use tech and surpasses its rivals in nearly every measurable way, the Citroen C3 1.2 Puretech Flair is the car for you.