Car review: Citroën C3 PureTech 110 auto

Citroën’s last C3 was a bit uninspiring in a hotly contested market, but the company has come out fighting with its new C3.

Oddly, for a manufacturer which has just gone to a lot of trouble to separate its Citroën and DS brands, it looks quite like a DS, with contrasting roof colours and detailing around the fog lamps and door mirrors. Practical Airbumps on the doors are a no-cost option on upper trim levels and you can customise the look.

Styling is good, with a tall bonnet line and two-layered front lighting, and black plastic mouldings around the wheel arches and rear valance.

Engines are a three-cylinder 1.2 petrol with 67, 81 or 108bhp or a 1.6-litre turbodiesel with 74 or 99bhp and prices range from £10,995 to £17,095. Lack of time decreed I could only try one model, the 108bhp petrol with automatic transmission. At low speeds, this PureTech engine is quiet and smooth and only makes it presence felt when tackling hills.