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 Disabled Motoring UK trustee Daniel Anderson-McIntyre reviews the 2011 Citroen C3

Continuing the French trend in our choice of cars lately, my Fiancée recently chose a Citroen C3 Exclusive as her current car through the Motability scheme.  This is the new 2011 version of this 10 year old design and has been brought bang up to date.

The Exclusive is the top of the range and the 1.6 Auto is currently available with nil advance payment through Motability.  Being top of the range it comes with various features including the fantastic Zenith windscreen – a large panoramic piece of glass which extends to the B pillars, lots of chrome trim on the outside and alcantara trim inside.

As is usual for us the car has been fitted with hand controls (Cowal Mobility), a steering wheel spinner (Jeff Gosling) and easy release handbrake (Alfred Bekker) all installed by KC Mobility of Batley, who have as usual done a top notch job.  On this car the majority of the rods for the accelerator and brake have been hidden behind the fascia underneath the steering wheel, making for a tidy and comfortable installation which works perfectly.

Easy to drive

The C3 is very easy to drive with the 1.6 engine providing plenty of power – it is a small light car.  The auto gearbox, as is common on so many cars nowadays, can be used as a pseudo manual, but left in auto mode it is very smooth.  The only downside I can find is the steering.  The C3 uses electric power steering which is incredibly light.  For some people this might be a good thing and maybe even essential but personally I find it removes any feel for the road surface.  As is common it is important to make sure the steering column is set correctly for the driver before the hand controls are fitted as it is fixed in position once the install is done.

Both driver and front passenger get seats which are adjustable for legroom, height and angle.  Rear passengers get 3 headrests and full 3 point seatbelts.  All seats are comfortable though bear in mind this is a small car and doesn’t have acres of space in the rear – tall people might prefer to stick to the front.

Latest features

As for features, the C3 is brimming with the latest prerequisites.  You have as standard on the Exclusive a CD based MP3 player with built in Bluetooth handsfree for phone calls and music streaming from compatible phones.  You also get an auxiliary input in the form of a 3.5mm jack and a USB input for either an iPod or USB stick.

There is full climate control, cruise control, speed limiter and remote control for the stereo.  All doors have electric windows, automatic on the front and manual on the rear.  The rear doors also have an electronic child safety system which prevents the doors and windows being opened when active.

There is also a trip computer showing details of estimated range remaining and the current and average MPG figures.  This also has 2 separate sets of trip details so different sets of figures can be obtained.  Perhaps one of the more unusual features of the C3 is the built in air freshener which supplies a scent via the centre dashboard vents.  This can be changed by buying the relevant cartridge from your local Citroen dealer.

I can get my rigid wheelchair in the boot, but this requires that the rear seat be folded down and the parcel shelf removed.  My folding chair will go in with the wheels and footrests removed and the back folded down but again this is purely down to the size of the car.

On the outside the car looks good.  It shares headlights, wings and bonnet with the sportier Citroen DS3 so does have quite a macho look.  I’m not usually a fan of lots of chrome on a car but the C3 Exclusive comes with chrome trim at the bottom of the windows, on the door handles, around the grille and at the bottom of the tailgate and it does look pretty good.

Key Info

Measurements etc

Model Tested : Citroen C3 1.6 16v VTi Exclusive Auto

Available on Motability Scheme: Yes

Advance payment: £0

Tax band: G

Emissions:153 g/km

Dimensions:

Length3941 mm – 12’11″

Width 1728 mm – 5’8″ – exc. Mirrors

Height 1538 mm – 5’1”

Fuel consumption (combined) : 40.9 mpg

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Disabled Motoring UK trustee Daniel Anderson-McIntyre reviews the 2011 Citroen C3.
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