Citroën C3 – Back to Basics

Citroën C3 You!, €19,590

We recently discussed another aging B-segmenter in this section: the Mazda 2. It is listed in the basic version for €600 less in the price lists, but even lasts a little longer (since 2014). The Mazda 2 did enjoy more updates over its years, where the Citroën ‘just’ received a facelift in 2020. While Mazda still serves the 2 as a nameless entry-level model, you can only order action models from Citroën. The cheapest of these is the You! and it is – despite its action model status – equipped more or less equivalent to the Mazda. Equivalent, however, is different from equal.

For example, you get a three-cylinder with Citroen where you get a four-cylinder with Mazda. The latter is ‘only’ 75 hp strong, while the Citroën power source (which you still crank up by turning the key) coughs up 83 hp. Mazda puts a six-speed gearbox against that, because with Citroën you have to do it with five gears. Anyway. The further equipment also shows differences, but for that you can compare the two editions of Back to Basics yourself. Today we stick to the C3, which is perhaps the only model in its standard equipment to combine heated seats with window winders.

Black and white touchscreen

Yes, as a rear passenger in the Frenchman you can still swing the old-fashioned way to open the windows, while the driver and co-driver can enjoy heated seats. In the front, the side windows can be operated electrically, just like the heated side mirrors. If you prefer to use an air conditioner to influence the climate in the car, you can do that in the slip-on too: it’s included. You can listen to music via Bluetooth or digital radio, both activated via a 5-inch black-and-white touchscreen. The rest of the interior is almost completely colorless. You will only find a yellow stripe on the front seats, the further upholstery and dashboard panels are shrouded in shades of gray.

That colorless also applies to the outside of the car. You can recognize a C3 without extra cost by its white unipaint and light gray hubcaps. Metallic is one of the options, costs €600 extra and then only offers other shades of gray. Prefer a color? Then it should turn red. The only color option is a metallic red paint and it costs more than the other metallic options: €780. Also the mischievous one air bumps on the sides are reserved for more expensive versions. LED headlights are included.

Still comparing

As far as driving assistance systems are concerned, the You! cruise control, a lane departure warning system, traffic sign recognition and a coffee break alert. In terms of practicalities, it ends with a split-folding rear seat, because even the preparation for a spare wheel (without the spare wheel itself) costs extra: €20. A tire repair kit is standard.

All in all, with the Citroën C3 you buy You! a real basic version – but one with heated seats. The Mazda 2 (we are still going to compare) contrasts it with a lower starting price, sixth gear, keyless go, a more extensive infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), electric rear windows and a more extensive adjustable seating position. The Citroën has just a little more power, a little more driver assistance systems and – of course – the buttock warmers. In addition, the C3 has a slightly better arrangement in terms of space. So the question remains: which would suit you better? Or do these older B-segmenters by definition not (anymore) deserve your preference? Let me know in the comments.