The Citroen C3 has already carved a special place in our hearts, promising a future filled with exciting adventures on the roads less traveled.
BHPian theturbogirl recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
This is my first long post on Team Bhp and I begin with my sincere thanks to members of this forum for having chosen me to be part of this beautiful forum. Recently, I acquired a mini bullet – Citroen C3, Shine 1.2 (NA) and I am here today to share with all of you my experience till day.
It all began with the need to bid farewell to our trusted Tata Nano, a faithful companion that had served us well. With 80,000 kilometers on the odometer, our Nano had been the go-to choice for my husband’s frequent trips to Delhi from Faridabad. Its reliability and practicality made it an essential part of our lives.
As our Nano started to display signs of aging and safety concerns began to emerge, we knew it was time for an upgrade. We sought a replacement that could match the dependability of the Nano while offering enhanced safety features and a more modern driving experience. My Nano when we bid goodbye to her:
In our pursuit of finding a suitable replacement, we assessed cars to ensure the chosen vehicle would meet our specific requirements, particularly concerning ground clearance and practicality. Our initial selections were the one most prominent on roads so Tata Tiago, Tata Altroz, Honda Amaze, Nissan Magnite, and Couple of Hyundais. However, as we delved deeper, it became evident that the comfort factor and driving dynamics were paramount for us, narrowing down our options. The Honda Amaze, Tata Tiago, and Tata Altroz showcased their strengths in drivability.
Although we considered the Nissan Magnite due to its rising popularity, the indifferent attitude displayed by the Nissan Faridabad dealership was a deterrent. Trust in a brand’s service and customer support is crucial, and unfortunately, Nissan’s lack of attentiveness led us to exclude it from consideration, even without a test drive.
We narrowed down our options to either Honda Amaze or Tata Tiago, aiming for a blend of reliability, performance, driving dynamics, and comfort. While both cars held promise, we were hesitant due to compromises with our specific needs in the case of Honda Amaze (the hatchback with good ground clearance) and concerns about potential service issues with Tata Tiago. Nonetheless, an intriguing turn of events awaited us.
Citroen – How and Why
My journey with Citroen began when my husband stumbled upon their website, intrigued by their unique approach of allowing customization and direct delivery to customers. It was refreshing to encounter a company striving to connect with customers directly, ensuring a personalized experience. This innovative approach compelled us to explore further, giving Citroen a fair chance in my considerations. Upon reaching out to Citroen, I discovered they didn’t have a showroom in Faridabad. However, to my pleasant surprise, they went the extra mile by offering to bring their vehicles directly to my residence from Gurgaon, a distance of approximately 45 kilometers. This level of dedication and customer-centric service resonated with me, further bolstering my confidence in Citroen and solidifying my decision to opt for the Citroen C3. It’s not just about the car; it’s about the brand’s commitment to providing a remarkable and personalized buying experience.
When I first got behind the wheel of the Citroen C3, my feelings were a bit of a mixed bag. The car wowed me with its comfort and suspension, but I couldn’t ignore the absence of some basic features like ORVM, defogger, fog lights, and rear mirror adjustments. It left me uncertain about going ahead with the purchase. However, around two weeks later, the dealer reached out, sharing details about the Shine model that addressed these concerns. Intrigued by the improvements, I decided to give the car a second chance. Having recently driven the excellent Tiago, I wanted to ensure a fair and thorough comparison before making my final decision.I arranged test drives for both the Citroen C3 Turbo and NA (Naturally Aspirated) variants, alongside another test drive for the Tiago. After careful consideration, I eliminated the Tiago from my shortlist due to ownership experience of earlier owned Indigo. Honda Amaze was a half hearted decision anyway as we did not want a compact sedan.
Now that the list was shorter, and limited to Citroen, we arranged test drives for both the Citroen C3 Turbo and NA (Naturally Aspirated) variants. Turbo swayed me, but it was not fitting our requirements for a Turbo engine. We decided to go for NA engine.
Booking and delivery
With certainty in our hearts, we made the choice to book the Citroen C3, placing a down payment of INR 21,000 and promptly requesting a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). Citroen impressed us with their responsiveness, swiftly arranging the PDI for our chosen Citroen C3 Shine, 1.2 NA. After a thorough inspection and finding the car to be apt and meeting our expectations, we proceeded to complete the payment, securing our ownership of the Citroen C3 Shine. The deal was sealed, marking the beginning of a promising journey with our new car.
The delivery of our Citroen C3 was a remarkably smooth and pleasant process. The staff at Citroen exhibited exceptional cordiality and professionalism, leaving no room for dissatisfaction. From the delivery procedure itself to the post-delivery visits to the showroom for the number plate, the Citroen team demonstrated utmost consideration and attentiveness. Here are some pics of delivery day:
Notably, the Citroen staff made the effort to ensure our convenience at every step. They went above and beyond to deliver my RC at our home, saving us the hassle of additional trips. Moreover, any remaining paperwork and formalities were efficiently handled at our residence in Faridabad, thanks to the accommodating Citroen staff who travelled from Gurgaon. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and the willingness to accommodate our needs made the overall experience truly pleasing. I am thoroughly satisfied with the responsive and attentive approach of Citroen, reaffirming my confidence in the brand and our decision to choose the Citroen C3.
On Roads – Office to Home ad Vice Versa –
The Citroen C3 has sparked considerable interest, especially in terms of its city rides. Having spent a considerable amount of time behind the wheel, here’s my detailed perception of its performance within the urban landscape.
At first glance, the initial impression might suggest that the long gear ratios could make the car feel underpowered, particularly in city traffic. However, with time and experience, mastering the first two gears becomes second nature. The mid-range performance is a real highlight; it’s impressively quick, providing that needed punch for overtakes and quick maneuvers in bustling city streets.
One aspect that stands out is the distinctive diesel temperament of the C3. Despite some noticeable vibrations, the cabin remains surprisingly silent, providing a pleasant and peaceful driving experience. Personally, I appreciate the diesel-like feel, including the characteristic vibrations and engine sound—it adds character to the driving experience.
The C3 exhibits excellent maneuverability with a low turning radius, making it well-suited for navigating through tight spaces and crowded urban roads. Another noteworthy feature is the super-efficient air conditioning system, ensuring a comfortable and cool interior even in scorching city temperatures.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the C3 performs reasonably well. In a mixed city and highway driving scenario, it delivers an average mileage of 14 km/l. However, on the highway, maintaining speeds within 80 km/hr allows for an impressive average of 23 km/l. Even at higher speeds ranging from 95 to 110 km/hr, the C3 still manages a respectable average of 16 km/l.
Citroen C3: A Road-Trip Marvel to Ranchi
Embarking on our regular family trip from Faridabad to Ranchi, we chose to test the mettle of our newly acquired Citroen C3 on the highways, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Citroen knows a thing or two about suspensions and it does remind me of old Fiat Linea days.
While we missed the convenience of cruise control, the car made up for it with its remarkable comfort. The way it handled potholes and rough roads was truly impressive, keeping us at ease even through challenging terrains. We litrally were asking for some rough patches to feel the difference of world in suspension we have been living with. The car’s responsiveness on wet roads in Jharkhand instilled confidence, allowing us to overtake vehicles comfortably, even with a fully loaded trunk and occupied rear seats.
The long gear ratios proved to be a boon on the highway, providing a robust start and a smooth ride. Covering approximately 3000 kilometers in just two days, the Citroen C3 demonstrated its resilience and reliability. It stood the test of endurance and showcased its unwavering performance, making the journey not just about reaching our destination but thoroughly enjoying the drive. There is body roll, not much, but its there. So do not be fooled by Citroen calling it hatchback- it is not!!
Here are some pictures of our route to Ranchi from Faridabad and vice versa:
Somewhere in Poorvanchal EW
Beautiful Jharkhand:
Somewhere on Lucknow Expressway:
Load we carried: It should not be less than 70- 80 Kgs
Exiting Varanasi to Sultanpur, on Varanasi-Lucknow Road. Note the visibility of bonnet of the car:
Our usual lunch spot: Vandana Dhaba – A nice little place with good food – vegetarian only:
Headlight Throw of the car:
Closing Remarks: A Journey Well Begun
My adventure with the Citroen C3 has just commenced, and it’s been an exhilarating ride so far. Acquiring this mini powerhouse marked a poignant farewell to our trusted Tata Nano, an iconic vehicle that served us faithfully. As I navigate the roads with my Citroen C3, the echoes of our Nano’s reliability reverberate, urging me to embrace this new chapter with optimism.
The Citroen C3 may have had its initial hiccups, but the brand’s responsive approach and commitment to addressing concerns swiftly won me over. From the enticing long drives to the smooth city rides, this car has shown its mettle. The journey to Ranchi was a testament to the C3’s endurance and comfort, affirming our decision.
As I continue this journey, I eagerly anticipate the miles ahead, each one promising new experiences and memories. The Citroen C3 has already carved a special place in our hearts, promising a future filled with exciting adventures on the roads less traveled. Here’s to a future filled with joyous rides and unforgettable moments with the Citroen C3. Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible journey!
This addendum has to be mentioned to complete this post. [Dear Mods, Please let me know if you want me to edit the first post and put this addendum there instead of a new reply, thanks]
The things I do not like about Citroen C3:
- Low Fuel Tank Capacity : The tank capacity is 30 liters, and with our obsession for COCO pumps, we fueled the tank where we knew/saw one. All the expressway and Highways, (Agra EW, Lucknow EW, Poorvanchal EW, and GT Road (NH19) has plenty of COCO and therefore, it was not much of hassle.
- Placement of Window Switch: It is not uncomfortable, but it is weird. I guess this is to ensure accessibility of the switched to both driver and passenger without adding to the cost of vehicle.
- Quality of Wipers: The stock wipers are just terrible. I mean it is annoying too. Citroen, please put a decent wiper- it is also question of safety.
- Higher Gear Ratios: I don’t necessarily dislike this aspect, but it could potentially pose a challenge for certain prospective customers, especially in the early stages. It usually aids in faster acceleration on open roads and provides a smoother ride at higher speeds. However, if not handled correctly , some might perceive it as lacking power.
- Brakes: There’s room for improvement. Despite not being unfavorable, especially after witnessing the response of a fully loaded car decelerating to a halt at the speed of 100 KMPL when encountering potholes, the initial impression lingers that it could have been enhanced.
- No ASS in Faridabad/Ranchi: Although Citroen service has been remarkable, deep down it hampers the confidence of taking vehicle in long rides when there are no ASS in important cities. By the way they offer service on wheels at home, which is revolutionary, but I am conservative types.
PS: On my route, there are ASS in Lucknow, Kanpur and may be Benaras. Rest is dry. By the way who cares when hubby is around during an engine breakdown.
