Looking for a new car in India? It's a big decision, isn't it? You're probably juggling thoughts about your budget, the safety of your loved ones, monthly running costs, whether it has all the latest features, and if the company's service will be reliable. We understand these concerns perfectly. That's why today, we're taking a deep dive into a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for value-conscious buyers: the new Citroen C3 Feel Optional CNG. Let's see if this French hatchback, with its eco-friendly avatar, makes a compelling case for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2L PureTech Naturally Aspirated Petrol with Factory-fitted CNG kit
• Cylinders: 3-cylinder
• Displacement: 1198 cc
• Max Power (Petrol): 82 PS at 5750 rpm
• Max Power (CNG): 77 PS at 5750 rpm (approx)
• Max Torque (Petrol): 115 Nm at 3750 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): 106 Nm at 3750 rpm (approx)
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI): Approx 19.3 kmpl (Petrol), 25-26 km/kg (CNG)

Design Overview

The Citroen C3 stands out with its unique and youthful design, often described as a 'micro-SUV' thanks to its high stance.

• Exterior: It boasts Citroen's signature split headlamp design, chunky plastic cladding all around, and a distinct dual-tone roof option (on select variants) that gives it a vibrant character. The overall look is rugged yet stylish, definitely a head-turner in its segment.
• Interior: Step inside, and you'll find a practical and cheerful cabin. The dashboard features a clean layout, often with colour-coded accents that match the exterior, adding to its youthful appeal. While materials are mostly hard plastics, the fit and finish are decent. The seats are comfortable, especially for longer journeys, and there's a good sense of space for both front and rear passengers.

Key Features

The C3 Feel Optional CNG comes equipped with some handy features, though it skips a few premium ones common in rivals:

• 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital instrument cluster
• Steering-mounted audio and phone controls
• Manual AC (no automatic climate control)
• Front and rear USB charging ports
• Power windows
• Remote central locking

Note: It does not offer a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless phone charging.

What is the Ground Clearance of Citroen C3?

A generous 200 mm, making it excellent for tackling Indian roads and speed breakers.

What is the Boot Space of Citroen C3?

The standard petrol C3 offers 315 litres. For the CNG variant, due to the CNG tank, the usable boot space will be significantly reduced, likely to under 200 litres.

What are the Dimensions of Citroen C3?

• Length: 3981 mm
• Width: 1733 mm
• Height: 1586 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2540 mm

Powertrain Options

The Citroen C3 is available with two petrol engine options and now a factory-fitted CNG option:

• 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol (82 PS, 115 Nm) with 5-speed Manual.
• 1.2L Turbo Petrol (110 PS, 190 Nm) with 6-speed Manual.
• 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol with Factory-fitted CNG kit (focus of this review).

Safety Features

Safety is a crucial aspect for any car buyer. The C3 Feel Optional CNG includes essential features:

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Speed-sensing Auto Door Lock
• Impact-sensing Auto Door Unlock
• Seat Belt Reminders for Driver and Front Passenger

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety rating is vital. Here's how the Citroen C3 (India-spec) has performed:

Rivals of Citroen C3 Feel Optional CNG

The Citroen C3 Feel Optional CNG competes in a competitive segment against popular choices:

• Tata Punch CNG
• Hyundai Exter CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG
• Tata Tiago CNG

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you decide.

Advantages (Pros)

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: The factory-fitted CNG kit offers superb running costs, making it very economical for daily commutes.
• Distinctive Design: Its unique, SUV-inspired styling sets it apart from typical hatchbacks and gives it great road presence.
• High Ground Clearance: A segment-best 200 mm ground clearance means you can confidently tackle broken roads and large speed breakers.
• Comfortable Ride: Citroen's suspension tuning is well-regarded, offering a plush and comfortable ride quality that irons out road imperfections.
• Spacious Cabin: For its compact footprint, the C3 offers surprisingly good space for five occupants, especially good headroom.
• Large Infotainment Screen: The 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a major highlight, offering modern connectivity.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Safety Rating Concerns: The 0-star Global NCAP adult safety rating is a significant drawback for safety-conscious buyers.
• Limited Safety Features: Only dual airbags and ABS/EBD might feel inadequate when rivals offer more (e.g., 6 airbags in some).
• Missing Modern Features: The absence of features like a sunroof, wireless charging, automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera might deter some buyers looking for a fully loaded package.
• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG tank significantly eats into the boot capacity, limiting luggage-carrying ability.
• Service Network: Citroen's sales and service network is still expanding in India, which might be a concern for buyers in tier 2/3 cities.
• Basic Interior Touches: While functional, some interior plastics and the manual AC controls feel a bit basic compared to rivals.

Conclusion

The Citroen C3 Feel Optional CNG presents itself as an intriguing option for the Indian car buyer. It hits the sweet spot for those prioritizing ultra-low running costs, a comfortable ride, and a stand-out design in a compact package. Its high ground clearance is a true blessing for our varied road conditions, and the large infotainment system keeps you connected.

However, it asks you to make compromises, especially on the safety front with its 0-star Global NCAP rating and a somewhat limited feature list compared to some segment leaders. If your primary considerations are fuel efficiency, unique styling, and ride comfort, and you are willing to overlook the safety rating and some missing bells and whistles, the C3 Feel Optional CNG could be a value-for-money proposition. But if top-tier safety and a comprehensive features list are non-negotiable for you, it would be wise to explore its rivals before making your final decision. Always take a test drive to feel the car for yourself and assess if it meets your personal driving needs and preferences.