Name: Citroën C3 Origin (2017 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Citroën C3 Origin
Rating: 59.0

Summary

The Citroën C3 Origin is a small supermini-class five-door hatchback. It was originally launched as the Citroën C3 back in 2016. Despite an all-new C3 model being launched in 2024, this one will continue on sale for the time being but is now referred to as the ‘C3 Origin’.

Arriving in the UK in early 2017, the C3 received a mid-life update in the second half of 2020, which consisted of revised specifications and updated engines. It has also seen various other minor improvements and various special editions most years since launch. In 2024, its name was formally changed to become the Citroën C3 Origin, with a simplified range and a lower price point than the new C3.

The C3 Origin has received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, with scores ranging from poor to above average. Over time, however, its review scores have inevitably deteriorated against newer opposition.

It has received particular praise for its distinctive design and many personalistion options, but has been criticised for poor driving dynamics and limited practicality compared to more conventional rivals.

Citroën has not indicated when production of the C3 Origin will finally end, but it will presumably continue until it either becomes unprofitable or fails to comply with ever-tougher safety or emissions legislation in the EU.

As of January 2025, the Citroën C3 Origin has a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 59%. It gets top marks for its low running costs and CO₂ emissions, while the C3 family’s reliability record is generally good. However, its media review scores are poor overall and its Euro NCAP safety rating has now expired due to age.

More Citroën Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Small five-door hatch
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £13,995 on-road

Launched: Winter 2016/17
Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: N/A (new model already on sale)

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Score: 8 / 10
“The new C3 adds a distinctive option to the supermini market, but not at the expense of practicality with many plusses and few minuses.”
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re looking for a supermini that prioritises comfort and efficiency, then the Citroen C3 is the one to have.” (Ben Custard)
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair
Score: 8 / 10
“Make sure you get the newest of the new Citroen C3s to benefit from the latest, most efficient engines. We like its focus on comfort, its quirky styling, and there’s decent space on offer, too. It’s not the last word in quality inside, nor the most fun car to drive, but it’s still a supermini worth considering.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Funky looks and a very competitive entry price make the C3 a solid choice for those seeking a distinctive first car.” (Hannah Hill)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.8 / 10
“The Citroën C3 certainly isn’t a class leader among the very impressive array of superminis on offer in today’s market, because – looks aside – it doesn’t really dazzle in any single area. It is, however, a very charming and likeable little car, with bags of style and some fairly tempting equipment.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual 110 Flair
Score: 8 / 10
“Citroën has done a great job here – the new C3 is comfortable, engaging, roomy and economical.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 110 Flair
Score: 8 / 10
“The Citroën C3 feels a little different, with its chunky, characterful and cohesive design, emphasis on comfort, and relevance to youthful customers. If that sounds like your kind of car, then the charming C3 is well worth a look.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“The regular Citroen C3 has never quite been able to compete with the best in the supermini segment, but dropping the price significantly with this ‘You’ trim level has made it all the more appealing.”
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Model reviewed: 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“When it comes to ease of use and comfort, the Citroen C3 is pretty hard to beat for a small car.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“While it might not be the last word in driving fun, the Citroën C3 is a charming, practical and affordable supermini that more than holds its own in the crowded supermini class.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The Citroen C3 is now just as quirky as iconic models from the French firm’s past, boasting novel features that help it stand out.” (Ben Custard)
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Citroen C3 is a comfortable small car with stand-out styling and an affordable price tag. However, it’s not the best for rear passengers and alternatives are better to drive.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Flair+
“Nothing dramatic, but the Citroën C3 maintains its place among buyers that prioritise comfort over driving pleasure.”
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Daily Mirror+

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair Plus
Score: 6 / 10
“If you want a supermini that’s fun to drive, buy a Ford Fiesta. If you want comfort, I’d pick a Citroën C3 in Flair spec with the optional seats and a fun colour combo.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“This French fancy isn’t like anything else – thankfully.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“There’s nothing else in the class that’s quite as characterful looking as the Citroën C3, with its round-cornered rectangle motifs all over and its ability to sit outside the regular mainstream/premium hierarchy.”
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Green Car Guide+

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 82 Feel
Score: 7 / 10
“The Citroën C3 has gained more character and it does most things competently for a car in this class. It has a comfortable ride, but beyond that it doesn’t really have a stand-out unique differentiation.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Some buyers drawn in by its funky looks will really gel with the Citroen C3’s relaxed way of doing things. It’s best enjoyed driven in a steady manner, where its refinement and perky engine can shine. Still, its cramped rear seats, so-so quality and disjointed driving experience mean there are better choices.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re more interested in style, customisation and comfort than sporty driving, then the Citroën C3 is a great choice of small hatchback. It’s surprisingly practical, with a spacious, airy cabin, plus it’s reasonably priced and should prove affordable to run.”
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“The new C3 works on a lot of levels. It’s interesting and different to look at. It can be personalised. It’s very comfortable. It’s reasonably spacious. The interior is sensibly thought out.”
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Motors+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Inside, the latest Citroën C3 is a much more interesting place to be than before thanks to design tweaks and although it may not be as dynamic looking as some of its rivals, it is both comfortable and customisable, so customers can give it their own personal twist.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“French Fiesta fighter is a quirkily appealing alternative.”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: Range review
“Fresh, fun and full of smiles per gallon.”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 110 Flair
Score: 8 / 10
“So good looking you’ll forgive it its problems.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual You!
Score: 8 / 10
“This little car’s charm and character go some way toward making up for its lack of space. It’s a joy to drive in a very French way, whether you’re bounding from corner to corner, slouching along a motorway or whizzing through a congested city centre. It’s budget motoring, yet it doesn’t feel it – and that’s always been what the French do best.” (Alex Robbins)
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“On the one hand, the C3 is no better than average to drive and is on the small side for passengers. However, while the Ford Fiesta and Skoda Fabia remain better all-rounders, we can see why you’d be tempted by Citroën’s quirky styling.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Good but not great supermini for dynamics, but a thoroughly enjoyable object.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: March 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 59%
Safety assist: 58%

Notes on safety rating

The Citroën C3 Origin (then simply known as the C3) was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a four-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used C3 Origin to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.2-litre petrol manual

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 4.8 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.7 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 5 / 10

Notes on eco rating

The Citroën C3 Origin 1.2-litre petrol manual received a three-star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021.

Green NCAP said: “The car is equipped with limited exhaust after-treatment – only a three-way catalyst – but manages to turn in a creditable performance nevertheless. Its control of pollutant emissions is, on the whole, quite good. A gasoline particulate filter would help to reduce particulate emissions and, when stretched, such as in the cold ambient temperature test, this is an area that suffers.

“But the car shows balanced performance across the three areas of assessment, with similar index values in each one, and emerges with a three-star Green NCAP rating.”

This rating only applies to the 1.2-litre petrol (PureTech) engine with a manual gearbox, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 127
Average repair cost: £358.44
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Citroën C3 family has a better-than-average reliability score of 75%, according to extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. This data applies to both the Citroën C3 Origin and previous (pre-2017) models.

As well as being reliable, average repair costs across all C3 models are low at just £350. This is considerably better than most vehicles, which is good news if you’re considering a used Citroën C3 Origin.

The most common problems that C3 owners report refer to the car’s engine. These faults are more expensive than the average C3 fault, with an average repair bit of £600. Gearbox problems are even more expensive, but thankfully fairly rare.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	51 mpg	B	44 – 60 mpg	A – C
Diesel models	61 mpg	A	55 – 67 mpg	A – B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	128 g/km	A	122 – 139 g/km	A – B
Diesel models	119 g/km	A	112 – 119 g/km	A – A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	20	A	8 – 22	A – A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£163	A
Year 2	£482	A
Year 3	£735	A
Year 4	£984	A
Year 5	£1,386	A
Overall	£3,750	A

The Citroën C3 Origin should be a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is good to excellent, with the diesel engines better but harder to find on the used car market. Insurance costs are also excellent, as are servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years.

So, other than petrol-model fuel consumption, it’s a straight ‘A’ set of scores for the Citroën C3. Even compared to other small cars, it should be very cheap to live with.