Page 57 - Car South Africa (February 2020)

the not-insubstantial matter of a flair – that is, until the Peugeot 208 Aft, there’s less legroom than in I realise some buyers will be more
R50 000 price hike but it gains a and Renault Clio arrive – but that the most spacious small cars but, drawn to the competitive price
healthy dose of additional spec juxtaposes a somewhat spartan with some consideration from than dissuaded by a notable lack
to compensate (including those interior. A strongly horizontal front-seat occupants, four adults of real-world performance. If
whimsical Airbumps on the doors dashboard is chopped in half by can fit. Boot space, at just short those consumers live at the coast,
pictured here; press photos of the the seven-inch screen and vents, of 300 litres, looks competitive they might find the 1,2-litre’s
Feel weren’t available). the air coming through the latter on paper but note there’s quite a performance less of a worry. Until
On all other fronts, the C3 1,2 controlled by functions on that pronounced lip over which to haul I’ve driven this 60 kW model at
Feel makes a stronger case for screen. It’s more time-consuming heavy items. oxygen-rich altitudes, my recom-
itself. Standard spec is generous than using physical buttons but, While the 1,2-litre triple might mendation would be to take the
for a bottom-rung model and thankfully, the design of the men- be lacking in the performance turbocharged Shine for a spin, too,
includes electrically adjusting and us allows for big virtual controls stakes, it’s a refined engine before settling on a C3.
folding mirrors, LED daytime-run- and an easily deciphered menu which sounds strained only as it Whichever model you choose,
ning lights, cruise control, climate interface. Perceived quality is approaches the red line on the though, Citroën’s little hatch is
control, leather trim on the good without being outstand- analogue tachometer. That’s indic- an interesting addition to the
steering wheel and gearstick, plus ing. Plastics are uniformly firm ative of the C3 driving experience competitive small-car market and,
a seven-inch touchscreen-con- throughout aside from a padded as a whole: easy-going. Don’t thanks to quirky looks, generous
trolled infotainment system strip running across the facia expect Fiesta levels of dynamism spec and a five-year/100 000 km
with Bluetooth and smartphone and some soft-touch surfacing and the Citroën won’t disap- service plan and warranty, has all
mirroring. The list of safety items on the doors. A Polo feels point. The ride is soft – perhaps a the ingredients to be a success
includes six airbags, ESP and more upmarket. touch too soft? – leading to quite this time round.
traction control, and driver-atten- The driving position is sound pronounced body lean, while the
tion alert should concentration thanks to Citroën’s signature steering is lightly weighted and 01 Shorter than four metres, the C3 is one
levels wane. wide, angled seat bases providing moderately geared. The small of the B-segment’s smaller cars. 02 Rear
legroom, however, doesn’t suffer too much.
Visually, the C3’s avant garde comfortable under-thigh support, hatch is impressively stable at
03 Design is simpler than the exterior would
appearance is welcome in a plus rake and reach adjustment highway speeds. suggest but the layout and quality are sound.
segment generally bereft of visual on the steering column. So, good car, mediocre engine? 04 Airbumps standard on Shine model.

01 02

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