By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist

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The Citroën C3 has been around for 13 years, but it now has different features to strengthen and enhance its appeal.

This latest model, reasserts its unique qualities with a panoramic windscreen; improved efficiency and environmental credentials; more personality with assertive styling and even better occupant comfort.

The exterior of the five-door hatchback blends soft curves with dynamic taut lines. A restyled front end creates a fresh ‘face’ with updated chevrons and bumper-mounted LED (light emitting diode) daytime running lights. There are vivid tail light clusters combined with new reflectors set underneath the rear bumper.

One of the most pocket-sized vehicles in its segment – 3.94m long & 1.71m wide – with a 10.8m turning circle, the up-to-the-minute C3 is perfectly proportioned for city driving, and also offers an airy and practical interior. The cabin is finely crafted in typical French style, with quality materials, including chrome detailing and a soft-touch dashboard. This is underlined with console strips which coordinate with the upholstery. The instrument cluster is also backlit in white for a modern-day look and easier-to-read driving information.

The 300-litre boot is among the biggest in its class. It’s easily big enough for your weekly supermarket shop. There’s a glut of storage compartments as well, including in the central console, glove box and centre armrest. The high-set seats make for easy access and give you a commanding view of the surroundings too.

As mentioned, the Citroën has a unique windscreen which provides awesome visibility and is a true technological feat for a whole new driving experience. It increases the upward field of vision for you and your front seat passenger by 80 degrees and combines with ultra-slim pillars to give a panoramic view of the road ahead. The screen also provides solar protection at the top, which gradually merges into clear glass for an optimum field of vision.

Obviously engineered for comfort on the road, with a cabin that is well insulated against external noise and vibration, the C3 has a reversing camera and parking sensors. For added convenience, equipment such as an MP3 audio system, Connecting Box (Bluetooth hands-free kit, jack plug and USB socket), eMyWay navigation and a powerful HiFi System is part of the mix. The car even comes with an integrated air freshener that gives everyone on board a real sense of well-being.

At ease in town or out on the open road, the C3 offers well-balanced road manners and, certainly in my test vehicle, the Exclusive PureTech 110, the three cylinder petrol engine is responsive and frugal. 0-62mph arrives in 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 118mph is possible. The powerplant also boasts one of the most efficient Stop and Start systems on the market and low CO2 emissions of 107g/km.

Almost 3 million Citroën C3 models have been sold worldwide since 2002. This might explain why the French motor company is so keen to keep the momentum going. Giving the car a shot in the arm to keep it modern and, more importantly, as green as possible is sure to keep sales buoyant. It’s just a shame the brand isn’t perceived by some automotive snobs as the quality product it undoubtedly is.

PROS ‘N’ CONS

• Efficiency √
• Visibility √
• Comfort √
• Practical √
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FAST FACTS

• Max speed: 118 mph
• 0-62 mph: 10.6 secs
• Combined mpg: 60.1
• Engine: 1199cc 3 cylinder petrol turbo
• Max. power (bhp): 108
• Max. torque (lb/ft): 151
• CO2: 107 g/km
• Price: £15,640