Citroen C3 Origin interior
The Citroen C3’s interior has bags of character and gives you lots of opportunities to personalise it
Style
The Citroen C3 proves that you don’t have to pay over the odds for a car that is genuinely stylish. The whole interior has a rectangular theme that’s interesting to look at and the aluminium-look trim on the dashboard adds a hint of ‘premium’ to the finish.
If you’re looking for soft-touch plastics that feel expensive you’ll be better off spending your money on a VW Polo, though, even if the Citroen C3 interior does feel well screwed together. Although, the air vents with their rectangular theme look great but feel really cheap.
If you value charisma, though, stick with the Citroen C3 – although perhaps not the entry-level Sense model that has boring grey cloth (Citroen calls it Mica) upholstery and a simple stereo that looks a little disappointing next to the colourful infotainment screens in the rest of the range.
The £400 Techwood theme (standard on top-spec cars) adds a lot more character though, replacing some of the hard plastics with soft-to-the-touch ones, adding a big swathe of wood across the dashboard.
Citroen did previously offer the C3 with an optional panoramic sunroof but has quietly taken it off the list. Shame, as it added some much-welcome light into the cabin. There is the option of ‘roof decor’ across the range though, which adds a decal in one of a variety of colours to the top of the car.
Infotainment
Sense is the cheapest trim level in the Citroen C3 range but it still comes with a 7-inch touchscreen audio system that has a Bluetooth connection to wirelessly connect to your phone and a DAB digital radio.
Even the screen in high-end models isn’t exactly class-leading. It’s not particularly responsive nor does it have the sharpest graphics. It does, however, come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can mirror the display of your compatible smartphone on the car’s big screen and use its apps for things like navigation. In fact, a properly integrated sat-nav is only available as standard on top-of-the-range Shine Plus models – and commands an £850 premium for Shine versions. Nevertheless, you’re better off using your smartphone’s nav app on the Citroen C3’s screen.