A C change: New Citroen C3

Quirky is not a concept that many can pull off successfully, but when done right it can be irresistible.

Quirky has long been a Citroën forte, but in the beginning it wasn't quirkiness at all. It was testing the boundaries, the kind of outside-the-box thinking that was possible before the template had been drawn for a century of motoring.

Even after the industry became set in its ways, Citroën refused to conform. A mass produced front-wheel drive model, mass production use of disc brakes in Europe, hydro-pneumatics and wind tunnel testing were all either Citroën firsts or early adoptions.

The company's history is an encyclopaedia of innovation, from swivelling headlights to vibrating-seat lane-departure warning systems.

Granted, the affordable compact B-segment is an unlikely place to find a model rammed with the latest technical innovations but the old C3 boasted little of Citroën's traditional flair. In terms of design it aged reasonably well but remained relatively uninspired, possibly drawing too heavily on the 2CV connotations of its domed body.

In the current, hugely competitive B-segment, worthy but uninspiring is unlikely to cut it, which is why Citroën has attempted a return to form with the latest generation C3.

Visually it's a big step forward. The competition, in the shape of the Ford Fiesta, has got funkier; in the shape of the Volkswagen Polo, has got more executive; in the form of the Alfa Romeo Mito, has arrived in a flurry of sporting pretensions. Inside and out, the new C3's response comes courtesy of much improved quality and some precision quirkiness.

Although the shape is not too dissimilar to the outgoing model, a spruce up in the detailing has given the C3 a great deal more character. Shapely lights, a large, low-slung grille, iPod generation paint choices and, for the range-topping Exclusive model, chrome finish to the exterior details and door handles are well thought-through additions.

Inside there's a far superior feel to the cabin. Material quality is vastly improved, with soft touch plastics present and the brushed metalwork of the Exclusive variant adding to the brighter, more vibrant atmosphere.

There are little touches, too: the stylised heater controls look fashionable while retaining ergonomic efficiency and the electric window switches are angled towards the occupants giving the impression that the car is designed with users in mind. That goes for those in the rear as well, because the front passenger seat can be pushed further forward to create extra room in the back thanks to the curved dashboard assembly. It works well in improving interior space even if the glove box suffers as a result. Practicality is not an issue however; the boot is of an impressive size even with the additional subwoofer specified.

So far, so sensible, but the quirkiness comes in the shape of the panoramic ‘Zenith' windscreen. Stretching way beyond the front occupant's head it offers an unbroken view from the bonnet to the centre of the roof just in front of the rear passengers. Front passenger sun visors are located in a retractable headlining that can be pulled in place when a skywards view is not required, but the glass is suitably tinted to ensure it remains glare free on all but the most piercing of sunny days.

It's more than a gimmick however, because the huge windscreen also gives the cabin a more spacious feel and improves driver visibility. As with the C3 Picasso, a model that shares the new C3's practical yet distinctive character, the thin pillars offer minimal obstruction.

After the great impression left by the C3's design and functionality, the driving experience of the 118bhp 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol unit falls a little short.

Ride quality is excellent and around town the model's dimensions and ease of use are ideal, but the engine doesn't feel as sprightly on the open road as the on-paper figures suggest. Response is linear but a little flat. The steering is very light, too; perfect for reverse parking or around a multi-storey car park, but offering very little feedback at greater speed.

The diesel variants feel less lightweight at the wheel, however, offering a more substantial experience on the road.

Anything but lightweight in the design, quality and equipment stakes, the new C3 is a real step up from the old. Stylish and with an entertaining options list, what the 1.6 VTi Exclusive model lacks in the driving experience it makes up for with city-car tractability, practicality, impressive comfort, quality and that all important Citroën quirkiness.

• Model: C3 1.6 VTi
• Engine: 1.6-litre petrol Transmission Five-speed manual
• Max power: 118bhp @ 6,000rpm
• Max torque: 160Nm @ 4,250rpm
• Top speed: 190kph
• 0-100kph: 8.9sec
• Price: TBC
• Plus: Styling, trim, panoramic windscreen, ride quality
• Minus: Engine lacks grunt

190kphThe 1.6-litre engine sprints from 0-100kph in 8.9 seconds, and runs out of steam well before the 200kph mark