Thinking of bringing home a new car in India? It’s a big decision, isn’t it? You're probably juggling a lot of thoughts: What’s my budget? Is it safe for my family? How much will it cost to maintain every month? Does it have all the latest features I want? And what about company service and after-sales support?

Well, allow us to introduce a contender that's been making some noise in the Indian market: the Citroen C3 Feel Optional. This isn't just another hatchback; Citroen calls it a "hatchback with a twist," blending compact practicality with an SUV-like stance and unique French flair. Today, we're diving deep into the C3 Feel Optional to help you decide if this charming car is the right fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Citroen C3 Feel Optional offers two petrol engine choices, catering to different driving preferences:

• 1.2L PureTech 82 Naturally Aspirated Petrol: This engine delivers a smooth and predictable performance, ideal for city commutes.
• Power: 82 PS
• Torque: 115 Nm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• 1.2L PureTech 110 Turbo Petrol: If you crave more spirited driving and better highway performance, the turbo unit is your go-to.
• Power: 110 PS
• Torque: 190 Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual

Design Overview

• Exterior: The C3 Feel Optional stands out with its bold and distinctive design. It boasts an SUV-inspired look with a high bonnet, split LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and Citroen's signature double chevron grille. The muscular wheel arches and dual-tone colour options (available on higher trims) give it a vibrant and youthful appeal. It truly looks different from anything else on Indian roads.
• Interior: Step inside, and you're greeted by a spacious and surprisingly airy cabin. The dashboard design is minimalistic yet modern, featuring a large floating infotainment screen. Depending on the variant, you might find colour accents on the dashboard that add to its quirky charm. The seats are comfortable, especially for city drives, and there's ample headroom and legroom for four adults.

Key Features

The C3 Feel Optional focuses on essential modern features, though it skips some premium add-ons:

• 10-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: A highlight of the cabin, offering a crisp display and intuitive interface.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamless smartphone integration without the clutter of cables.
• Digital Instrument Cluster: Provides all necessary driving information clearly.
• Manual Air Conditioning: Standard and effective. Automatic climate control is not available in this variant.
• All Four Power Windows: Convenient for all passengers.
• USB Charging Ports: Multiple ports (front and rear) to keep devices charged.
• No Sunroof: Please note, the C3 Feel Optional does not offer a sunroof.
• No 360-degree Camera: This feature is not available.
• No Wireless Phone Charging: This convenience feature is also absent.

Ground Clearance

• The Citroen C3 Feel Optional offers an impressive ground clearance of 180 mm. This is a significant advantage for tackling India's often challenging road conditions, speed breakers, and uneven terrains with ease.

Boot Space

• The car provides a decent boot space of 315 litres, which is practical enough for weekly grocery runs or weekend luggage for a small family.

Dimensions

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

Powertrain Options

As mentioned in the engine specifications, the C3 Feel Optional comes with two petrol engine options. Both are paired exclusively with manual transmissions:

• 1.2L PureTech 82 (5-speed manual)
• 1.2L PureTech 110 Turbo (6-speed manual)

As of now, there is no automatic transmission option available for the C3 Feel Optional variant.

Safety Features

The safety kit in the C3 Feel Optional is basic, focusing on mandatory requirements:

• Dual Front Airbags
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• Speed Alert System
• Seat Belt Reminder

It misses out on some advanced safety features found in rivals, such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control) or more airbags.

NCAP Rating Table

Note: The Global NCAP rating was for a base variant of the Citroen C3 sold in India, equipped with dual front airbags. The Feel Optional variant shares this platform and basic safety structure.

Rivals of Citroen C3 Feel Optional

The C3 Feel Optional faces tough competition in its segment from popular models like:

• Tata Punch
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis
• Hyundai Exter
• Renault Kwid
• Maruti Suzuki Swift

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages

• Unique Styling: Stands out from the crowd with its distinctive French design and SUV-like character.
• Excellent Ride Quality: Citroen's focus on comfort is evident. The C3 glides over broken roads and potholes with remarkable ease, making it perfect for Indian conditions.
• Spacious Cabin: Offers good space for passengers, especially in the rear, making it comfortable for longer journeys.
• High Ground Clearance: At 180 mm, it handles rough patches and speed breakers effortlessly.
• Peppy Turbo Petrol Engine: The 1.2L turbo petrol engine is a joy to drive, offering strong performance and good highway cruising ability.
• Large Infotainment Screen: The 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a segment highlight.

Disadvantages

• Basic Safety Kit & NCAP Rating: The 0-star Global NCAP rating for adult safety is a major concern for many buyers, and the lack of advanced safety features is a drawback.
• No Automatic Transmission: The Feel Optional variant is only available with manual gearbox options, which can be a deal-breaker for urban buyers seeking convenience.
• Missing Features: Lacks common features like a rear wiper and defogger (on some variants), automatic climate control, push-button start, wireless charging, or a sunroof.
• Limited Service Network: Citroen's sales and service network is still developing in India, which might be a concern for buyers in smaller towns.
• Interior Plastic Quality: While the design is good, some interior plastics feel a bit hard and basic, lacking a premium touch.

Conclusion

The Citroen C3 Feel Optional is a car with a clear personality. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone, but excels in certain areas. If you prioritize a distinctive design, an incredibly comfortable ride quality that irons out bad roads, a surprisingly spacious cabin, and a peppy turbo engine (if you pick that option), then the C3 Feel Optional truly shines. Its high ground clearance is also a big plus for Indian driving conditions.

However, it's equally important to consider its shortcomings. The basic safety kit and the concerning Global NCAP rating are factors that prospective buyers must weigh carefully. The absence of an automatic transmission and some popular convenience features might also deter buyers looking for a fully loaded package.

Ultimately, the Citroen C3 Feel Optional is a unique proposition. It’s for those who appreciate comfort, style, and a fun driving experience over a comprehensive list of safety features and cutting-edge creature comforts. If you're willing to overlook its drawbacks for its strengths, and if you live near a Citroen service centre, then the C3 Feel Optional could be a refreshingly different and enjoyable choice for your daily drives and weekend getaways. Do take it for a long test drive to experience its ride comfort for yourself before making your final decision.