Are you in the market for a new car in India? We know what crosses your mind first: how much will it cost to buy? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly maintenance and service expenses? And of course, does it come packed with the latest features? These are all valid questions when considering a significant purchase like a car. Today, we put the spotlight on a car that aims to address many of these points: the new Citroen C3 Feel. Let us dive deep and see if this unique French offering is the right fit for your garage.

Main Highlights of the Citroen C3 Feel

Engine Specifications

The Citroen C3 Feel offers a reliable engine option for the Indian market:

• Engine Type: 1.2L PureTech 82 Naturally Aspirated Petrol
• Maximum Power: 82 PS (Pferdestarke) at 5750 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 115 Nm at 3750 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission
• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI Certified): Approximately 19.3 kmpl

This engine is tuned for city driving and offers a smooth, fuss-free experience.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Citroen C3 Feel design truly stands out. It blends hatchback practicality with an SUV-like stance, giving it a unique character. You get a bold front grille, signature Citroen split LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and chunky cladding around the wheel arches. The dual-tone paint options further enhance its youthful and vibrant appeal. It looks distinctly French and carries a confident road presence for a car in its segment.

Interior

Step inside the Citroen C3 Feel interior and you are greeted by a minimalistic yet quirky cabin. The dashboard features a horizontal layout with a prominent 10-inch touchscreen. The seats are notably comfortable, a Citroen hallmark, offering good support for city commutes. While the materials are mostly hard plastics, the finish is decent for the price point, and the use of contrasting colours adds a touch of flair. Space is also a strong point, especially for rear passengers.

Key Features

The Citroen C3 Feel features aim to provide a modern and connected experience:

• 10-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Digital Instrument Cluster
• Steering-mounted audio and phone controls
• Front and rear power windows
• Manual Air Conditioning
• Four speakers
• USB charging ports

What is the Ground Clearance of the Citroen C3 Feel?

The Citroen C3 Feel ground clearance is a generous 180 mm, making it well-suited to tackle Indian road conditions and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of the Citroen C3 Feel?

The Citroen C3 Feel boot space offers a practical 315 litres, which is sufficient for your weekend getaways or regular grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of the Citroen C3 Feel?

Here are the approximate dimensions of the Citroen C3 Feel:

• Length: 3981 mm
• Width: 1733 mm
• Height: 1586 mm
• Wheelbase: 2540 mm

Powertrain Options

Currently, the Citroen C3 Feel primarily comes with the 1.2L PureTech 82 naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. There is also a more powerful 1.2L PureTech 110 turbo petrol engine available in higher variants, offering more spirited performance, but typically not in the standard Feel trim.

Safety Features

The Citroen C3 Feel safety features include:

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Front Seatbelt Reminder
• High-speed Alert System

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a major concern for Indian buyers. Here is the NCAP rating for the India-spec Citroen C3:

It is important to note that the GNCAP rating was for the base variant with two airbags.

Rivals of Citroen C3 Feel

The Citroen C3 Feel rivals a host of popular cars in the compact hatchback and micro-SUV segments, including the:

• Tata Punch
• Nissan Magnite
• Renault Kiger
• Maruti Suzuki Swift
• Hyundai i20

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us look at a balanced perspective on the Citroen C3 Feel review.

Advantages of Citroen C3 Feel

• Comfortable Ride: The suspension setup is excellent, soaking up bumps and bad roads with ease, making it perfect for Indian conditions.
• Spacious Cabin: Offers generous space for five occupants, especially good legroom in the rear.
• Unique Design: Its distinctive and quirky French styling helps it stand out from the crowd.
• High Ground Clearance: The 180 mm ground clearance is a big plus for tackling varied terrains.
• Large Infotainment System: The 10-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity is a premium touch at this price point.
• Peppy Engine: The 1.2L naturally aspirated engine feels adequate for city driving and offers decent mileage.

Disadvantages of Citroen C3 Feel

• Safety Rating: The Global NCAP 1-star rating for adult safety is a concern, though it is for the dual-airbag variant.
• Missing Features: Lacks some common features found in rivals, such as automatic climate control, push-button start, rear wiper and washer, fog lamps, and wireless charging.
• Limited Service Network: Citroen is still establishing its presence in India, so the service and spare parts network might be sparse in some regions.
• Interior Plastics: While design is good, the quality of some interior plastics could feel basic compared to some competitors.
• No Automatic Option: The Feel variant only comes with a manual transmission, which might deter some urban buyers.

Conclusion

The Citroen C3 Feel is a car that dares to be different. It offers a fresh design, a supremely comfortable ride, and a surprisingly spacious and connected cabin, making it an appealing option for those who want to stand out. Its high ground clearance and peppy engine make it well-suited for Indian city roads. However, the basic safety rating and the absence of some convenience features are points to consider.

If you prioritise comfort, unique styling, and a good infotainment experience over segment-leading safety ratings and a long list of convenience features, the Citroen C3 Feel could be an excellent choice. It is a car that offers character and practicality in spades. We recommend a thorough test drive to experience its ride comfort first-hand before making your final decision. Is the Citroen C3 Feel worth buying? For the right buyer, absolutely.