Introduction: If you into James Bond movies like me, then you will remember the exciting car chase in the 007 classic, “For your eyes only” starring Roger Moore, my second favourite Bond after Mr Connery. James and Melina are forced to make their escape through the winding roads and steep-sloping olive groves of Spain, in Melina's yellow Citroën 2CV6. That Citroën was a classic model, with nearly four million produced between 1948 and 1990 - it was this car chase that ranks as one of my all-time best, firmly etching the Citroën name into my mind.

Collins dictionary describes a countries heritage as all the qualities, traditions, or features of life there that have continued over many years and have been passed on from one generation to another – the Citroën name is synonymous with heritage and all things French. A heritage preserved by the Conservatory of Aulnay-sous-bois, a physical museum (as opposed to their Virtual Museum), which is home to one of the largest automobile collections in the world with over four hundred historic models. I am not going into history, but it is important to remember where you come from, to get you where you are going. The Citroën company, after one hundred years of developing a brand built on passion and nostalgia, have improved their C3 offering (the first version was 21 years ago) and bring the French and French car lovers a funky budget car with a lot on offer in this B segment of car manufacturing now done in India btw.

Engine/ Drive/ Handling/ Comfort/ Space/ Safety: The 3rd generation C3’s 3-cylinder petrol engine pushes out 61 kws and 115 Nms of torque to the front wheels and is pretty quick, when putting your foot flat to the floor and clutching through its 5-speed manual gear box. The C3 corners decently and holds its path well, within all the South African speed limits, bearing in mind that its not a sports car, when doing so. I really enjoyed driving this spacious car around town, loved fitting into parking bays and found that nipping out for meetings, school runs, braais and shopping was both fun and comfortable. The 180 mm ground clearance is fantastic and not only adds a crossover feel but will get you on to those country dirt roads if necessary. When packing for that weekend trip, the 315 Liter boot size will get you to your chosen spot, with a cooler box, two bags, groceries, a case of beers, cooldrinks, a rugby ball and some. Two air bags grace the front seats with ABS, EBD, and park distance control as standard. The large rear-view mirror was a bonus as it gave me good visibility out the back when reversing, a must, which some cars skimp on. The sporty air vents and solid quality feel of the dashboard was something I was not expecting at this price point of R230 000 South African rond. The claimed combined Fuel average of 6.5 Liters per one hundred kms is a relief for any fuel conscious buyer, especially with the volatile fuel increases we face in SA.

Exterior/ Interior/ Technology/ Ergonomics/ Styling: I think that the C3 looks stylish with its modern looks and funky different paint combo options. The manual side mirror adjusters were perfect and not a problem for me, despite most cars having electronic ones nowadays. They are hardly used, so if you going to cost cut, this is where you start! The C3 boasts one USB port in the front with a 12V Auxiliary fitting and two USB ports in the back. Morning coffee is always going to be, so to have two well placed cupholders in the front below the middle of the dashboard, was a welcome treat. The C3 modernises properly with the inclusion of Android auto and Apple car play working seamlessly off the generous 25 cm touch screen infotainment system. Other features include electric windows for all four windows, an Automatic door locking system, which is an excellent feature to have in South Africa and the keyless entry is a given.

In Summary: I like it. I am impressed with the C3’s appeal of offering a smidgen of funky to the driver and its passengers. Having recently won the 2023 World Urban Car Award, this car must be considered if you in the market for something a little different, even if you are not into spy movies from the 80’s!

*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed accuracy of all specs contact Citroën SA*