The third-generation Citroën C3 (factory code SX) marks a major stylistic break from its predecessors. Abandoning the "bubble" shape, it adopts urban crossover codes with a two-tier front end and the integration of the famous Airbumps on the sides. Based on the PF1 platform (shared with the Peugeot 208 I), it focuses entirely on comfort with soft suspension and, after its 2020 facelift, the adoption of Advanced Comfort seats. While it has been a huge commercial success in Europe (over a million units sold), its used car career is heavily marred by chronic reliability issues with the 1.2 PureTech petrol engines (Stellantis) and diesel emissions control systems (AdBlue).
The Citroën C3 III is a car full of everyday qualities: it is smooth, comfortable, and endearing. Unfortunately, the reliability record of its engines is catastrophic. Buying a 1.2 PureTech petrol version is a risky gamble that requires an impeccable service history and a contingency budget for belt replacement. Diesel versions are mechanically more robust, but the sword of Damocles of the AdBlue system hangs over the wallet. To be purchased only with full knowledge of the facts, with a solid warranty, or by prioritizing petrol models from mid-2022 onwards.