YOU TUBE (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_citroenc3you_2023

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 31

In 2022, to try and boost sales of its third generation C3 supermini, Citroen launched a far cheaper entry-level version, the C3 You. Does it makes sense as a used buy?

Modelsword count: 6

5dr Supermini (Petrol - 1.2 [82hp])

Historyword count: 164

By mid-2022, not many auto makers were still offering tiny city cars. By then, Citroen was one of the manufacturers who'd only recently exited the segment (earlier in 2022 with the C1), partly because by the end, that car had become priced almost at supermini levels (the next class up), so there wasn't much reason for customers not to buy a supermini. Perhaps one like Citroen C3. Originally, the C3 sat in a higher price bracket - but this entry-level version didn't; the C3 You. Originally launched in Spring 2022 (at just £12,995), the C3 You really was a supermini at a citycar price and from launch it was one of the UK's cheapest new cars. Prices rose by £1,000 by 2023 but even then, this base C3 could still be considered a best buy on price for those prepared to take equipment into account. The C3 You sold until Summer 2024, when it was replaced as part of a fourth generation C3 range.

What You Getword count: 233

You wouldn't think this was the super-cheap budget C3 model. You get body colour for the bumpers and door handles, contrasting C-pillar styling and white door mirror caps. Original buyers could even have a white roof. So no judgement points for austerity will be lost in the gym car park. At 3.99m in length, this third generation C3 was slightly smaller than some of its rivals, but it was arguably more interesting to look at. At the front, there's the distinctive two-tier front light signature, along with a deliberately high bonnet line, white finishing around the standard front fog lights and short overhangs. It's not quite as nice or jaunty inside unfortunately, with dark mouldings, a cheap-feeling plastic steering wheel and an ancient-looking 5-inch monochrome infotainment set-up that can't do anything with your 'phone apart from Bluetooth-link to it. As usual with a third generation C3, the perception of space is heightened by the horizontal dashboard, which runs across the whole width of the vehicle. In the rear, it's quickly evident that this isn't one of the more spacious superminis in the segment. The room on offer will be fine for kids of course, but adults stuck behind reasonably tall compatriots up-front may well struggle a little when it comes to room for their legs and knees. Out back, there's a decent 300-litre boot, extendable to 922-litres with the rear seat backs folded.

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