CITROEN C3 HYBRID

Supermini offers petrol and electric power – and now a blend of both

- JACK WARRICK

Character, comfort and class-leading value were Citroën's objectives for the new C3 supermini, and the French firm has hit all three nails on the head. We've already driven the petrol and electric versions, and we liked them both, but this is our first taste of the hybrid C3 - and it could be the pick of the bunch.

You would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the three derivatives at first glance. The only obvious visual change is on the boot, where the EV's 'e' tag has been removed to leave a simple 'C3' badge.

The C3 Hybrid features the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol Puretech engine seen across the Stellantis range, with a small battery and a 39bhp electric motor integrated into the dual-clutch gearbox. In addition to all-electric driving at low speeds, Citroën claims this powertrain reduces emissions by 10% compared with the regular turbo petrol, while also improving fuel consumption.

The car starts quietly in EV mode. The motor offers progressive low-end torque from a standstill and then there's a quick transition from electric to petrol power.

Citroën says the C3 Hybrid is capable of 0-62mph in 9.8sec. That's standard for the class, and it certainly feels brisk enough for daily duties. There's plenty of mid-range grunt to push you on to higher speeds, so it's more comfortable cruising on the motorway than the petrol and electric C3s.