Citroen C3 1.4 HDI Exclusive Review

My husband decided to buy me this car without a test drive (not a good move). The car is certainly comfortable, plenty of space for the driver and front passenger, though perhaps a bit cramped in the rear for 3 adults, though it's fine for my 3 children. The boot space is good, and there are good gadgets with a great stereo and built in blue tooth in the VTR+ model that I have.



Driving it however is another story. The steering is very very light, so light however that it can feel that the slightest twitch will have the car going all over the road. The rear suspension is absolutely dreadful. The car does not take bumps well, and driving along motorways or dual carriageways at 50mph and above can be a scary experience. On encountering dips, bumps and uneven road surfaces the car has a nasty tendency to bounce all over the lane, leaving the driver feeling out of control. At over 60mph, the steering and suspension combines to leave you feeling that you are driving on a road surface that has been covered in sheet ice and ball bearings. The car feels skittish and hard to control. It's cornering ability is dreadful. It wallows around and again the rear wheels feel as if they are about to give way and cause the car to roll. Most unpleasant.



Overall, the car has good economy, good cabin space, nice gadgets and the panoramic 'Zenith' windscreen gives good visibility, but this is definitely not a 'drivers' car. It's fine in town, where the light steering is a definite bonus and makes parking very easy, but the driving experience on the open road is hugely disappointing and frankly scary. Wish I had been able to keep my Subaru Forester!!!

O