If you are looking for a stylish and practical car in the ₹6-8 lakh budget range, the Citroen C3 could be a great option for you The French automaker Citroen launched the C3 in the Indian market with a very aggressive price to establish its presence. In 2025, this car will have become even better with some new updates This raises the question of whether this car truly offers value for money.
key highlights
Citroen C3 Price Range 2025
The biggest USP of the Citroen C3 is its competitive pricing In 2025, the base variant of the C3, the Live starts at ₹6.16 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-end Shine variant goes up to ₹8.41 lakh If we compare it to its competitors, such as the Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, or Nissan Magnite, the C3 stands in a somewhat unique position It not the cheapest in this segment but the value is decent considering the features and space it offers.
Citroen also offers discounts and exchange benefits at dealerships especially during the festive season Some buyers have reported receiving additional benefits of up to ₹30,000-50,000, which makes the on-road price quite attractive.
Design and Built Quality
At first glance the Citroen C3 looks completely different Its boxy design, split headlamps, and bold design definitely grab attention on the road and the excellent 180mm ground clearance makes it suitable for Indian roads especially for speed breakers, potholes, and slightly rough roads.
However when we talk about built quality there are mixed feelings The exteriors feel solid and the paint quality is good, but the interior plastic quality is a bit disappointing The material used in the dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel feels hard and cheap compared to its competitors If you expecting armrests or soft-touch materials on long drives you won find them in the C3.
The boot space is 315 litres, which is decent for family trips but it might feel a bit cramped if you need to carry a lot of luggage However, the rear seat has good legroom and can comfortably accommodate three adults which is one of its plus points.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
– Comfortable ride quality
– Spacious cabin
– Good ground clearance
– Unique design
Cons:
- Poor interior quality
- Limited service network
- Average features in base variant
- Weak resale value
Features: How Modern Is This Car?
The Citroen C3 offers a mixed bag of features The base and mid variants clearly lack features manual AC, a basic music system, and even rear power windows are missing This feels a bit outdated in 2025 when even cars costing ₹6-7 lakh have touchscreen infotainment and power windows as standard.
The situation is better in the top-spec Shine variant It gets a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay The screen is responsive and the interface is user-friendly, but the sound quality is only average.
You need to install aftermarket speakers if you’re a music lover. Steering-mounted controls are available which improve driving convenience, and a digital instrument cluster gives it a modern feel.
Safety features include dual airbags ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and seatbelt reminders as standard across all variants. But there a major drawback the Citroen C3 has undergone an NCAP crash test yet which could be a concern for safety-conscious buyers Its competitors like the Tata Punch, have received a 5-star rating from Global NCAP so the C3 lags in comparison.
Engine Performance
This car is available with two engine options a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol (82 PS) and a 1.2L turbocharged petrol (110 PS). The naturally aspirated engine is fine for city driving it’s smooth and the NVH levels are controlled but you feel a lack of power during highway overtakes If you mostly drive in the city and have a budget constraint, this engine is the best option.
The turbo variant is significantly better with 110 PS of power and 190 Nm of torque making the car feel confident on the highway 0-100 km/h acceleration is also decent and it offers good mid-range punch for overtaking.
Transmission options include a 5-speed manual as standard with both engine,s and a 6-speed automatic is also available with the turbo variant (but this is an AMT, not a DCT or torque converter).
Mileage: Real-World Fuel Efficiency
The company claims 19-20 kmpl, but real-world figures are slightly different The naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers 16 kmpl in the city and 19 kmpl on highways for owners The turbo petrol is slightly less fuel-efficient, 14 kmpl in the city and 17 kmpl on the highway.
Real User Experience: What Owners Say
We spoke to Citroen C3 owners and checked online forums and some common points emerged On the positive side, the ride quality and cabin space received the most praise. It’s best for families and those who take long trips appreciated the C3 comfort level The ground clearance is also good which is a practical advantage on Indian roads.
However there are also quite a few complaints. The availability of the service network is the biggest issue. There are no dealerships in smaller cities, and getting spare parts takes time Some owners complained about stiffness in gear shifting, and jerky behaviour was reported, especially in the automatic variant.
The after-sales service experience is also not particularly great Service quality is decent in metro cities but support is weak in smaller towns Resale value is also a concern because the Citroen brand is new in India, and market trust is still being built So, if you plan to sell the car after 3-4 years, you won get a good resale value compared to Maruti or Hyundai.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Citroen C3?
The Citroen C3 is an interesting hatchback SUV especially for buyers who want something different and prioritise ride comfort If you mostly do city and highway driving, travel with your family, and value unique design, you can consider the C3.
FAQs
What is the on-road price of Citroen C3 in Lucknow?
The on-road price in Lucknow is approximately ₹7.2 lakh to ₹9.5 lakh (this depends on the variant).
Is the Citroen C3 a safe car?
The standard variant has safety features (dual airbags, ABS), but it does not have an NCAP rating as it has not undergone a crash test.
How much does servicing cost?
The average service cost is ₹3,000-5,000 per service.
Which is better, the Citroen C3 or the Tata Punch?
The Punch has better safety ratings and features, while the C3 excels in ride comfort and space.