French Knockout Punch

This funky orange and grey hatchback is an exciting new entrant in the compact car space. We get a "Feel" of the naturally aspirated "PureTech 82" petrol-powered variant in our home town

- Jim Gorde

A SMALL CAR IS MEANT TO BE A LOT OF things to many people. While some models aren't particularly equipped for every aspect of the daily grind they're eventually put through, there are some that stand out from such prior consideration.

Now, the new Citroën C3 we have here in "Feel" trim with the "Vibe" pack and in a two-tone finish is surely a looker and is stunning to behold; a vibrant refresher for the eyes in what is often a monotone ocean. However, it wasn't actually meant to ferry boxes of eggs across rough farmland. That, um, attribute belongs to its ancestor back in the 1950s a few kilometres north-west of the French capital's city-centre. The Citroën 2CV may have started off with two cylinders and single-figure horsepower, but its superior ride quality and bump absorption has remained synonymous with the French car manufacturer since.

Fast forward to 2022 and we have Citroën in India with the C3. A hatchback with some elements of a crossover, the C3 brings fresh and modern styling with a distinctive face and exciting colours. It also offers a good amount of space for occupants and their luggage as well as a pretty high ground clearance of 180 millimetres and 195/65 R15 tyres on 15-inch wheels; the same as many of the popular "compact SUVs" out there. So, what makes this an interesting choice?