Citroen pegs C3 as the bomb

The C3 Exclusive's over-arching Zenith windscreen imparts a spacious feeling in a compact car. Photo / Supplied

There's hot competition in the small car sector, with everything from cheap'n'cheerful runabouts to well-equipped Euro style-meisters on offer. So Citroen's C3 must make an impact if it is to revitalise the brand.

What's new
Most obviously, the Zenith windscreen on the Exclusive variant. It extends way above your head to impart an open air feeling without the windblast. Best appreciated when driving under Sydney's harbour bridge, it uses a metal aluminium film to cut glare, UV rays and heat, and a slightly bowed shape to encourage water run-off. Don't like it? Reach back and pull the roof and sun shades forward.

This new body has a slightly more dynamic look than its cutesy predecessor, with a stylish and well laid-out cabin.

Beneath it there's a MacPherson strut front suspension with a new rear axle and a choice of two engines.

The 54kW/118Nm 1.4-litre petrol is a PSA group unit and the 88kW/160Nm 1.6-litre petrol a joint venture with BMW.

The company line
A changing market means buyers may not step up in size, but in specification and prestige - this is a good time to sell a premium small car.

Citroen is a niche brand in New Zealand, but since its 2003 launch around two million C3s have sold worldwide.

Citroen hopes its strong image, Euro flavour and roomy cabin and boot will attract attention from potential buyers, as will reflected glamour from its DS3 sibling.

A five- and six-speed robo manual transmission is promised from next year with a three-cylinder petrol engine by 2012 for markets which have high emissions taxes.

What we say
All the cars have stability control and four airbags as standard with a five-star crash test rating.

But the $24,990 entry-level manual pitched at the mainstream is somewhat bare bones despite its USB/aux connection and steering wheel-mounted controls.

The $29,990 VTR+ and $34,990 Exclusive autos are likely to be the biggest sellers, both receiving curtain airbags, a cooled glovebox and cruise control; the latter also getting digital air con, interior mood lighting, and Bluetooth as well as that glass roof. But at this price it's odd that all the cars have only steel wheels unless you pay for the alloy option.

On the road
We sampled the 1.6, a pleasant car to drive with a nice auto trans that makes best use of the power on offer. It's not prone to the DS3's Achilles heel; a clunky confusion when you lift, then reapply the throttle.

The suspension is plush, excellent at absorbing the small hits though a tad under-damped over the big ones.

The cabin may be compact but it feels airy even in the fully roofed variants. The 300-litre boot is generous for the class, too.

Why you'll buy one
The entry-level VT variant as an affordable Euro. The Exclusive for its style and that Zenith windscreen conversation-stopper.

Why you won't
You won't pay a premium for Euro cachet.