Citroen C3 Safety Rating: Adult & Child Protection Score

In the world of small hatchbacks, the Citroen C3 emerged in 2022 as a stylish and budget-friendly option for Indian drivers. Yet, beneath its appealing facade lies a concerning revelation about its safety prowess. The spotlight now shines on the Citroen C3 safety rating, or rather, its lack thereof. The C3 is yet to be tested by GNCAP. However, in a recent crash test orchestrated by the Latin NCAP, an independent safety authority scrutinising vehicles in Latin America, the C3's safety credentials crumbled under pressure. 

With a shocking 0 stars on the report card, the C3's crash test rating sends ripples of disappointment. The examination, pitting the hatchback against a 64 km/h frontal offset barrier and a 50 km/h side impact, exposes a chink in its protective armour. Join us as we look into the gritty details of this unnerving revelation that's sparking conversations about safety standards anew.

Citroen C3 Latin NCAP Safety Rating

Check out this YouTube video showcasing the Global NCAP crash test of the Citroen C3 for a firsthand look at its safety performance. Watch how the C3 performs during the crash test and learn more about its safety ratings.

https://youtu.be/YF438_sOSN0

Citroen C3 Adult Occupant Protection Rating

The safety report card of the Citroen C3 doesn't paint a reassuring picture, especially in terms of protecting its adult occupants. In the Latin NCAP crash test, the C3 landed a dismal 12.21 out of 40, accompanied by a disheartening zero-star rating for adult occupant protection. This essentially translates to inadequate safeguards for both the driver and the front passenger when faced with a collision.

There are several troubling aspects within the C3's adult occupant protection rating. Firstly, the passenger compartment crumbled significantly during the frontal offset test, raising the alarm for potential severe injuries to those in the front seats. Moreover, the driver's head and chest received insufficient protection during this same frontal impact scenario. On the side impact front, the C3 fell short of shielding the driver's chest and abdomen adequately.

Also read: 10 Safest Cars in India in 2023 with Global NCAP Rating

Citroen C3 Child Occupant Protection rating

The safety of young passengers takes centre stage as we unravel Citroen C3's Child Occupant Protection Rating. In a sobering assessment by the Latin NCAP crash test, the C3's child safety prowess garnered a mere 5.93 out of 50 points, culminating in a disheartening zero-star rating. 

The absence of ISOFIX child seat mounts on the rear outer seats leaves a gap in securing child seats effectively. Moreover, the car's airbag system fails to cater to children's safety requirements in crash scenarios. Further exacerbating the issue, the car's side impact protection fares poorly, exposing a vulnerability that could potentially result in severe harm to children in such collisions.

Regrettably, these findings position the Citroen C3 as one of the least secure options for child passengers. Prospective buyers are advised to consider this subpar child occupant protection rating when contemplating the purchase of a Citroen C3, prioritising the well-being of their young companions.

Citroen C3 Safety Assist Test

In the world of safety evaluations, the Citroen C3 underwent heavy scrutiny in the Latin NCAP crash test. Its safety assist test resulted in a modest two-star rating. This signifies the presence of certain safety features capable of averting accidents, though not the complete array of cutting-edge safeguards. The safety assist systems contributed to 35% of the rating, accumulating 15 points in total.

The C3 boasts several primary safety features, including electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake assist, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. However, it misses out on some of the latest safety advancements such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking. These omissions are crucial as these features actively contribute to accident prevention. The absence of these features casts a shadow on the C3's overall safety profile, highlighting a missed opportunity to provide comprehensive protection.

Also read: Top Safest Cars in India in 2023

Citroen C3 Motorcyclist Safety Test

While the Citroen C3 underwent scrutiny in various aspects, motorcyclist safety remains a void in its assessment. Latin NCAP did not conduct a specific test for this aspect. However, connecting the dots from the car's unfavourable crash test outcomes involving adult and child occupants, a dim outlook emerges for motorcyclist safety as well.

Citroen C3 Safety Features

The Citroen C3 comes equipped with a host of safety provisions, covering critical aspects such as dual front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, and ESP. These features are fundamental for safeguarding passengers in the event of a collision. However, the C3 falls short in offering some advanced safety technologies that have gained prominence in the industry. 

Notably absent from its standard package are features like lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking, which play a proactive role in preventing accidents.

While the Citroen C3 excels in providing essential safety elements, it lags in incorporating the cutting-edge safety advancements that have become increasingly standard in modern vehicles. For those prioritising the latest safety technologies, exploring alternative models might be a prudent choice.

The following table lists some of the key safety features of the Citroen C3: 

Citroen C3 Price

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹9 lakh onwards

Used Car Price: ₹6.95 lakh onwards

Starting at an ex-showroom price of ₹9 lakh in Delhi and a used car price of ₹6.95 lakh, the Citroen C3 delivers affordability. Its five-year estimated maintenance cost of approximately ₹25,996 is slightly higher than most hatchbacks in this price segment. Nonetheless, the Citroen C3 remains an option with reasonably modest maintenance expenses.

Citroen C3 Key Specifications

The Bottom Line

In the world of safety ratings, the Citroen C3 takes a stumble with its disappointing 0-star performance in Latin NCAP's crash test. While it's won hearts as a snazzy and budget-friendly hatchback, its vulnerabilities put a question mark on its protective armour. 

On the flip side, the car does flaunt essential safety features like airbags, ABS, and stability control, vital for your security in crunch situations. Yet, the lack of more advanced tech like automatic emergency braking or lane departure warning nudges it back a step in the race to safety supremacy. 

But hold on, it's not all dim – if you're looking for a pocket-friendly ride with the basics nailed down, the Citroen C3 might still find a place in your garage. Just remember, while it's got its ups, the downs are worth a cautious glance.

FAQs

Q. What is the Global NCAP rating of Citroen C3?

The C3 is yet to be tested by GNCAP. However, in a recent crash test orchestrated by the Latin NCAP, the C3 scored a zero-star rating.

Q. Which Citroen car has a 5-star safety rating?

The Citroen C5 Aircross has a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. It is the only Citroen car that has received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

Q. Which are the standard safety features of Citroen C3?

The Citroen C3 is equipped with standard safety features, including dual front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, Hill Hold Assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. However, it lacks some advanced safety features like lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.