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Photo of a Citroën C3

Citroën C3

Five ways to open the sky: the C3 family's Pluriel convertible.1

Researched October 23, 2026 from 31 sources

Also called

  • The VisiospaceEuropean advertising slogan for the 2010 C3, celebrating its large windshield and improved view.1
  • le VisiodriveAn advertising nickname for the C3 II, built around its Zénith windshield.2
  • mini-CactusA nickname for the third-generation C3, likening it to the C4 Cactus.13
  • hatchback with a twistCitroën's description of the India-market C3's hatchback-meets-SUV shape.4

At a glance

0100200
57–120 hpPower
01020
8.9–16.5 s0–100 km/h
0100200
107–193 km/hTop speed
0150300
94–270 N·mTorque
07501,500
948–1,135 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1291014

Engine
Mk1–3: 1.0–1.6 L gasoline, 1.4–1.6 L diesel; Mk4: gas/hybrid/EV1713
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive (combustion models)1
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; SensoDrive/ETG; 4/6-speed autos; Mk4 hybrid DCT113
Built at
Mk1: Aulnay-sous-Bois, France; European Mk3/4: Trnava, Slovakia11213
Units built
Mk1: 2,250,150; European Mk3: 1,159,302169

The story

The Saxo's 2002 replacement paired Donato Coco's design with PSA PF1 underpinnings. A separate C3 unveiled in 2021 for India and Latin America joined Europe's hatchback under the same name.15

2002: C3 replaces the Saxo20022004: Stop & Start restarts in 0.4 seconds20042009: Mk2 brings a 108-degree view20092016: Mk3: Airbumps and a built-in camera20162020: Sylvain Henry redraws the Mk320202021: A second C3 for India and Latin America20212023: Indian eC3: 29.2 kWh and 320 km20232024: India's ë-C3: zero adult safety stars · Mk4 gets gasoline, hybrid and electric2024 Citroën AX: 1986–1998Citroën AXCitroën Saxo: 1996–2003Citroën SaxoCitroën C3 I (FC/FN): 2002–2012FC/FNCitroën C3 II (SC / A51): 2009–2020SC / A51Citroën C3 III (Europe) (SX/SY): 2016–2024SX/SYCitroën C3 IV: 2024–present 198519901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones12691213192021
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1986–1998Citroën AX
1996–2003Citroën Saxo
2002–2012Citroën C3 I (FC/FN)
2009–2020Citroën C3 II (SC / A51)
2016–2024Citroën C3 III (Europe) (SX/SY)
2024–presentCitroën C3 IV
2002C3 replaces the Saxo
2004Stop & Start restarts in 0.4 seconds
2009Mk2 brings a 108-degree view
2016Mk3: Airbumps and a built-in camera
2020Sylvain Henry redraws the Mk3
2021A second C3 for India and Latin America
2023Indian eC3: 29.2 kWh and 320 km
2024India's ë-C3: zero adult safety stars
2024Mk4 gets gasoline, hybrid and electric
  1. 2002

    C3 replaces the Saxo

    The five-door Saxo replacement starts production in April, sharing PSA PF1 roots with the Peugeot 206.1

  2. 2004

    Stop & Start restarts in 0.4 seconds

    The original 1.4i pairs SensoDrive with a reversible alternator: Stop & Start cuts the engine below 5 km/h and restarts when the brake is released.6

  3. 2009

    Mk2 brings a 108-degree view

    The Mk2 launches in November, offering BMW-co-developed Prince gasoline engines and a 108-degree windshield view; Euro NCAP awards four stars.17

  4. 2016

    Mk3: Airbumps and a built-in camera

    Cyril Pietton's Mk3 arrives during Alexandre Malval's design tenure, offering Airbumps and ConnectedCAM photo and accident recording.189

  5. 2020

    Sylvain Henry redraws the Mk3

    The June facelift adopts CXperience-inspired grille bars, revised Airbumps and new Advanced Comfort seats.89

  6. 2021

    A second C3 for India and Latin America

    A separate 3.98-meter C3 is unveiled for India and Latin America; staying below 4 meters cuts its Indian tax rate.5

  7. 2023

    Indian eC3: 29.2 kWh and 320 km

    The India-built eC3 has a 29.2-kWh pack; Citroën claims 320 km ARAI range and about an hour for a 10–80% DC charge.1011

  8. 2024

    India's ë-C3: zero adult safety stars

    Global NCAP gives the India-built, two-airbag ë-C3 zero adult and one child star; ESC is absent across the range.11

  9. 2024

    Mk4 gets gasoline, hybrid and electric

    The Mk4 range includes gasoline and a 44-kWh EV; a 48 V dual-clutch hybrid is announced with deliveries planned for 2025.1213

Every generation

  • Citroën AX
    Citroën AX1986–1998
  • Citroën Saxo
    Citroën Saxo1996–2003
  • Citroën C3 I
    FC/FN2002–2012
  • Citroën C3 II
    SC / A512009–2020
  • Citroën C3 III (Europe)
    SX/SY2016–2024
  • Citroën C3 IV
    Citroën C3 IV2024–present

Power over the years

From 60 hp to 120 hp in 8 years.

050100150 2005201020152020 hp 2002 · 60 hp · Mk1 1.1i2002 · 109 hp · Mk1 1.6i 16V2005 · 109 hp · Mk1 1.6 HDi2010 · 110 hp · Mk2 1.6 HDi (UK)2010 · 120 hp · Mk2 1.6 VTi (UK)2017 · 67 hp · Mk3 PureTech 68 (UK)2017 · 81 hp · Mk3 PureTech 82 (UK)2017 · 99 hp · Mk3 1.6 BlueHDi 100 (UK)2017 · 109 hp · Mk3 PureTech 110 (UK)2022 · 82 hp · India 1.2 naturally aspirated2022 · 110 hp · India 1.2 turbo PureTech2023 · 57 hp · Indian eC3 electric 120 hp Mk2 1.6 VTi (UK) 60 hp Mk1 1.1i
14910111214
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
200260Mk1 1.1i
2002109Mk1 1.6i 16V
2005109Mk1 1.6 HDi
2010110Mk2 1.6 HDi (UK)
2010120Mk2 1.6 VTi (UK)
201767Mk3 PureTech 68 (UK)
201781Mk3 PureTech 82 (UK)
201799Mk3 1.6 BlueHDi 100 (UK)
2017109Mk3 PureTech 110 (UK)
202282India 1.2 naturally aspirated
2022110India 1.2 turbo PureTech
202357Indian eC3 electric

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    C3 I base / Pack Ambiance / Pack Clim / Exclusive

  • Standard

    C3 II VT / VTR+ / Airdream+ / Exclusive

    2010–2016

  • C3 III Touch / Feel / Flair

    Standard

    C3 III Touch / Feel / Flair

    2017–2019

  • Standard

    C3 PureTech 83 C-Series

    2021

    82 hp

  • Standard

    C3 I Stop & Start

    2004

  • C3 I X-TR (Europe)

    Special

    C3 I X-TR (Europe)

    2004–2008

  • C3 Pluriel / Charleston

    Special

    C3 Pluriel / Charleston

    2003–2010

  • Special

    C3 Elle

    2022

  • Limited

    C3 Saint James

    2021

  • Limited

    C3 Origins Edition Collector

    2019

How to spot one

Look for

  • C3 I/II: rounded, tall bodies; C3 II has stretched front lights and boomerang-shaped rear lamps.2
  • C3 II with Zenith: the windshield sweeps over the front occupants' heads; VT omits this glass.12
  • C3 III: split headlights, a rounded body and optional Airbumps low on the doors.917
  • Indian C3: split chevron/DRL nose, lift-up handles and an X-shaped silver scuff plate.4
  • Indian eC3: e/eC3 badges and a charging flap in the right front fender; the grille stays open.1011

Year by year

  1. October 2005 (C3 I)

    Two thick grille bars replace three thin ones, chevrons grow, the front plate moves lower and rear lamps gain clear centers.6

  2. January 2008 (Pluriel)

    Orange front indicators, black rear-lamp surrounds, an aluminum-gray bumper grille, larger mirrors and bigger chevrons.16

  3. 2013 (C3 II)

    Bumper-mounted LED running lights, a bolder double-chevron grille and a body-color lower-intake splitter; revised rear lamps and reflectors.17

  4. 2020 (C3 III)

    Chrome chevron bars spread around the headlights, while the door Airbumps get a revised pattern.9

  5. September 2024 (You)

    Base You switches from LED to halogen headlights and from gloss-black to matte-black exterior door handles.13

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Citroën C3
    C3
    Photo of a Citroën C3 Picasso
    Citroën C3 Picasso

    Citroën C3 Picasso

    C3 Picasso is the mini-MPV branch; C3 II keeps a rounded five-door hatchback profile.7

  • Photo of a Citroën C3
    C3
    Photo of a Tata Punch
    Tata Punch

    Tata Punch

    The Indian C3 has similar shape and size; identify it by chevrons splitting into the running lights and an X-shaped silver scuff plate.4

Against its rivals

  • C3 vs Suzuki Swift 1.2 Hybrid SZ-L

    Price as tested lower is better

    C314,180 £
    Suzuki Swift 1.2 Hybrid SZ-L13,984 £
    15
  • Dacia Sandero

    C3 vs Dacia Sandero

    Test economy

    C348.5 mpg
    Dacia Sandero49.3 mpg
    712

Prices

Value today $1.9K–$4.1K2728

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $1,900–$4,100 2005 · $19,800 · France GNV Pack Ambiance ~$1.24/€2021 · $19,600 · UK C-Series PureTech 83 ~$1.38/£2021 · $25,500 · France Saint James manual ~$1.18/€2021 · $27,100 · France Saint James auto ~$1.18/€2022 · $7,300 · India base 1.2 petrol ~$0.0127/Rs2022 · $10,200 · India 1.2 turbo ~$0.0127/Rs 2024 · $11,760 · 2009 C3 Pluriel 1.4i Charleston, Mullin Collection2024 · $2,470 · 2009 C3 Pluriel Code Exclusive, 9,200 mi; hammer, Ewbank's $11.8K Mullin Collection, 2024
4615183031
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2005Price when new$19,800France GNV Pack Ambiance ~$1.24/€
2021Price when new$19,600UK C-Series PureTech 83 ~$1.38/£
2021Price when new$25,500France Saint James manual ~$1.18/€
2021Price when new$27,100France Saint James auto ~$1.18/€
2022Price when new$7,300India base 1.2 petrol ~$0.0127/Rs
2022Price when new$10,200India 1.2 turbo ~$0.0127/Rs
2024Auction sale$11,7602009 C3 Pluriel 1.4i Charleston, Mullin Collection
2024Auction sale$2,4702009 C3 Pluriel Code Exclusive, 9,200 mi; hammer, Ewbank's
2026Value today$1,900–$4,100

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Six wins, 19 podiums, zero titles”
    • “Ogier's 2019 C3 hat-trick began at Monte Carlo”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. Citroën C3 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Citroën C3 II — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  3. Citroën C3 review – Supermini sets new standards for comfort in its class, but is it enjoyable to drive? | evo evo.co.uk
  4. 2022 Citroen C3 expected price, features, engine, performance and comfort tested | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  5. 2022 Citroen C3 unveiled for developing markets | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  6. Citroën C3 I — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  7. Citroen C3 review (2009-2016) | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  8. Sylvain Henry décrypte la Citroën C3 phase-2 – LIGNES/auto lignesauto.fr
  9. Citroën C3 III — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  10. Citroen eC3 EV drive, review: battery, price, performance, range, features | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  11. Stellantis zeroes out on safety with Citroën ë-C3 — Global NCAP globalncap.org
  12. Used Citroen C3 (Mk3, 2017-2024) review and buyer's guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  13. Prix Citroën C3 (2024). Une version hybride en plus, des équipements en moins - L'argus largus.fr
  14. Used Citroen C3 (Mk2, 2010-2016) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  15. Citroen C3 vs Suzuki Swift: 2021 group test review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. La Pluriel phase III re-stylé - C3 Pluriel c3pluriel.fr
  17. New 2022 Citroen C3 Elle unveiled with bespoke design touches | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  18. Citroën C3 (2021) : une édition spéciale Saint-James (+ images) autojournal.fr
  19. Citroën AX - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Citroën Saxo - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Citroen C3 Problems: Common Issues & Repair Costs | FixMyCar whocanfixmycar.com
  22. Citroën C3 WRC - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Citroen C3 Rally2, il bilancio 2021: otto titoli nazionali e il successo nel WRC3 motorsport.motorionline.com
  24. Citroën C3 : elle fait sa star au cinéma passionnement-citroen.com
  25. Dirt Rally 2.0 car list | Motor Sport Magazine motorsportmagazine.com
  26. EA SPORTS™ WRC Car List - March 2025 Update ea.com
  27. Lot 21: Cars Lot Bidding Ends: Thursday 24th July 2025 at 10:17AM - Brightwells brightwells.com
  28. Lot 178: Cars Lot Bidding Ends: Thursday 8th January 2026 at 12:24PM - Brightwells brightwells.com
  29. Prix occasion Citroen C3 : cote et estimation 2026 autoestim.com
  30. 2009 Citroen C3 Pluriel 1.4i Charleston | Gooding Christie’s goodingco.com
  31. LOT:4011A | 2009 Citroen C3 Pluriel 1.4 Code Exclusive Edition Conv... ewbankauctions.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • fr.wikipedia.org
  • evo.co.uk
  • autocarindia.com
  • carexpert.com.au
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • lignesauto.fr
  • globalncap.org
  • largus.fr
  • c3pluriel.fr
  • autojournal.fr
  • whocanfixmycar.com
  • motorsport.motorionline.com
  • passionnement-citroen.com

Photo credits

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