Over the past two years, supermini car prices have surged to between NIS 125,000 (SEAT Ibiza) and NIS 141,000 (Toyota Yaris Hybrid). In recent weeks, we have seen a NIS 5,000 reduction for the Škoda Fabia to NIS 120,500, and now Lubinski, Citroën’s importer, is launching the new C3 at even lower prices, supported by the strengthening shekel against the euro.
The fourth generation of the small French car is no longer that small and now features crossover characteristics, after growing 8 cm taller to a “jeep-like” 1.57 meters. Ground clearance has increased to 19 cm, compared with 13.5 cm in the outgoing model. Its length is 4.02 meters and width 1.755 meters, while the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2.54 meters. The trunk offers 301 liters of space, making it a supermini that is not among the largest in its category.
The cabin resembles the previous model, with ergonomic refinements such as physical buttons for climate control and the audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and more. Rear legroom has increased by 2 cm.
Citroën also maintains the brand’s comfort values with improved shock absorbers and spring combinations launched in recent years, providing relatively high comfort, close to the excellent but much more expensive hydropneumatic suspensions.
The C3 offers two powertrain options. The first features a mild-hybrid (48V) system with a combined output of 110 hp, including a 101-hp turbo gasoline engine and a 22-hp electric motor. It also comes with a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 9.8 seconds, the top speed is 160 km/h, and combined fuel consumption is 20 km/l.
The second option is equipped with a 1.2-liter turbo gasoline engine (with a timing chain) producing 101 hp. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, allowing a 0–100 km/h sprint in 10.6 seconds, a top speed of 160 km/h, and combined fuel consumption of 17.9 km/l.
The automatic version comes in the MAX trim, featuring a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch multimedia system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 180-degree rearview camera, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear LED lights, rain and light sensors, tinted windows and rear windshield, a body-colored rear spoiler, wireless charging pad, three USB charging ports, climate control, a spare wheel, two-tone paint, and more.
The gasoline manual version will be sold in the Plus trim, including a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch multimedia system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear parking sensors, 16-inch wheels, front LED lights, rain and light sensors, a body-colored rear spoiler, three USB charging ports, a spare wheel, and more.
The C3 received only 4 out of 5 stars in the 2024 European crash test. Safety equipment in both versions includes six airbags (with front passenger airbag deactivation), autonomous emergency braking, driver attention warning, standard cruise control (not adaptive), lane departure warning, front distance monitoring, speed sign recognition, and lane-keeping assistance with steering correction, among others.
The warranty is relatively long, 5 years or 120,000 km, and every buyer also receives three free maintenance services (only scheduled part replacements, excluding brake changes, for example). Service intervals are set at 15,000 km.
Prices are the lowest in the segment: NIS 115,000 for the automatic and NIS 100,000 for the manual, with Citroën, unlike other importers, keeping the fire alive. Non-metallic colors require an additional NIS 1,900.
As mentioned, the automatic is NIS 5,000 cheaper than the Fabia and NIS 15,000 less than the stronger, better-equipped Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa, and only NIS 5,000 more than the Kia Picanto, which dominates the mini segment and is smaller.
The manual will be the cheapest gasoline car in Israel, NIS 20,000 cheaper than the Suzuki Swift manual. Following the discontinuation of the Hyundai i10 manual, the C3 will provide an option for enthusiasts of the third pedal, for those seeking a new car with warranty at the lowest price, and for driving instructors as the availability of manual models continues to shrink.