Citroen C3X Short Review: What We Liked & What Needs To Improve

Citroen is a brand that does not pop into most people’s minds easily in India when it comes to small budget crossovers. Sadly, this has meant that the C3, which is the carmaker’s entry-level crossover, has not been able to capture the fancy of buyers. However, with strong hopes of a revival, it has now given it a comprehensive refresh to sharpen it up as the new C3X.

Has this improved its chances of success, though? Let’s take a look:

Citroen C3X Looks

The French are known to take quite a lot of ‘creative’ liberties when it comes to styling cars, often resulting in quirky, oddball designs that liven up the streets. But this has also resulted in a lot of learning over the years. On similar lines, when the C3 was introduced, it felt a bit too ‘different’ for Indian tastes with its orange accents, steel wheels-only strategy and those X-shaped DRLs dominating the face. 

But we are happy to report that the design has been toned down, made subtle, and the result is a car that looks timeless. It may not shout so much, and the added class has made it look more ‘regular’ if you will, which is something Indian buyers appreciate a lot.

Some key design elements I particularly find pleasing include the sharp-looking 15-inch alloys, the updated fascia with Projector LED headlamps and those chunky skid plates.

Citroen C3X Space & Quality

Undoubtedly, the biggest change in the C3X lies inside the cabin, which has been livened up to a great extent.

While the basic dashboard layout is the same, it feels more upmarket with its leatherette insert, a proper digital instrument cluster and the new AC controls with silver toggle-like switchgear.

However, there are some things that keep reminding you that it is a mere facelift and not a major transformation. For example, the AC vents still operate flimsily, the door pads feel made-to-cost, and the flap-type door handles with the exposed keyhole scream 1990s.

There is still a dearth of premium materials, which keeps the dullness and reminds you of its built-to-cost nature.

On the other hand, what the C3 always had was tons of space inside. The tall stance and wide opening doors make ingress and egress super easy, while the flat seats offer plenty of room and are easy to slide into. The back seat is particularly nice, with the ‘studio-type’ tall seating and a great view out front.

Citroen C3X Tech

The C3 was previously a properly barebones machine, and the C3X has rectified that. You now have modern additions such as automatic climate control, auto-dimming IRVM, cruise control, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and projector LED headlamps. 

All of these features help a lot when you see where the competition is at, but there is still no class-leading tech or gizmo here. 

As before, infotainment duties are handled by a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which is quick, has great resolution and a clean, uncluttered interface, although physical controls for basic functions would have been appreciated.

Other Features

There are still a few misses like a better or branded sound system, keyless entry, front and rear centre armrests, leatherette seat upholstery, sunroof and rear AC vents.

Citroen C3X Boot Space

Where the backseat of the C3X is noticeably spacious, the boot is quite the opposite. At 315 litres of capacity, it lags behind other rivals in terms of sheer capacity. What also doesn’t help is that the wraparound taillamps eat into the tailgate, which restricts the width, and the high loading lip means you have to really lift up your bags before loading them in.

If you want to move a lot of luggage, you can fold down the rear seats, but they don’t fold flat, and there is no split-folding functionality either.

Citroen C3X Drive & Ride

This is where the C3X truly ‘Shines’ through. Citroen has absolutely nailed the ride quality of the micro SUV, and it feels at home in all sorts of conditions, be it the plush and silent ride on potholed city streets, or when you’re truly enjoying it at triple-digit speeds on the highways, where it stays pliant and unshakable. Long undulations or even surprise obstacles are dealt with the sort of confidence you don’t naturally expect from a car like this.

Furthering this is the tight handling characteristics. There is minimal understeer, and the strong confidence means it tackles corners with zero drama. The steering too is a joy to operate both at low speeds (where it is easy to twirl around) or high speeds (where the weightiness makes it feel some).

Complimenting this impressive ride and handling setup is an equally remarkable powertrain. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol mated to the 6-speed AT that we had for this test has always been one of the most fun-to-drive setups in this segment, and that fact continues. Pottering around town, the engine feels smooth and easy, going about its job in a very approachable manner, aided by the super smooth shifts of the gearbox. 

But take it to the open roads, and it won’t disappoint. Push the engine past the 2000 rpm mark, and it becomes a completely different beast altogether with a linear and strong surge that just keeps pulling on till silly speeds. Overall, this is truly a driver’s car, and enthusiasts won’t be disappointed. 

You can also opt for a 6-speed MT with the C3X, and also a 1-litre naturally aspirated engine, which is a lot more affordable, but the nature of this turbo-petrol and the long throws of the manual make this particular combination undoubtedly the one to pick. The creamy-smooth and convenient automatic just makes this choice easier.

MT- Manual Transmission, AT- Automatic Transmission (torque converter)

Citroen C3X Safety

The C3X has also received a decent upgrade in terms of its safety equipment. The list now includes 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, tyre pressure deflation warning, rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.

There are, however, a few misses in this department, such as curtain airbags, a better quality 360-degree camera and a more advanced tyre pressure monitoring system which would have made the package much better.

To Summarise

Ever since its launch 4 years ago, the C3 has stood for truly impressive engineering chops, including its spacious cabin, superb ride quality and great powertrain options. However, it wasn’t without some major follies, and a lot of them have been cut down now to make the C3X more competitive.

That said, Citroen is clearly playing catch-up, and it needs to do more if it wants to truly become a serious player in this segment. However, what I would also like to acknowledge is the fact that it genuinely deserves to be in the shortlist of a lot more buyers than it currently is, especially enthusiasts looking for a thrilling, yet practical car to bring home. This proposition becomes even more tempting when you take a look at the irresistible prices.

As it stands, though, I feel the C3X is a car that would sadly go underappreciated in current times, and we will look back at it in a decade or two, simply because of how well it drives and its exaggerated flaws that won’t matter as much through the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia.

What do you think of the C3X and its changes? Let us know in the comments below!