The C3 uses two 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol engines. The PureTech 82 produces 81 hp and 115 Nm, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. A factory-fitted CNG kit is available on this engine.

The PureTech 110 produces 108.5 hp and is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, delivering 190 Nm of torque with the manual and 205 Nm with the automatic.

ARAI-certified fuel efficiency for the C3 stands at 19.3 kmpl for the PureTech 82 with 5-speed manual and the PureTech 110 with 6-speed manual, while the PureTech 110 with 6-speed automatic returns 18.3 kmpl.

Both engines run on a 45-litre fuel tank.

The C3’s dashboard gets a single-tone black finish with satin chrome accents on AC knobs, parking brake lever tip, and instrument panel deco in higher trims. This is paired with a steering wheel that gets leather wrapping, audio and phone controls, and gloss black inserts on top trims.

Infotainment is handled by a 10.25-inch Citroën Connect touchscreen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and steering-mounted controls, while lower trims get a 25 cm Android touchscreen. The system is paired with four speakers.

For the driver, the instrument cluster includes a digital TFT display showing trip data, average fuel consumption, distance-to-empty, and gear shift indicator.

Regarding seating, the front seats come with fabric or leatherette upholstery, integrated or adjustable headrests, and manual height adjustment on the driver side in higher trims. At the rear, seating offers a 100 % flat-folding bench with bottle holders on doors and good knee room for three adults.

Finally, practicality is supported by bag support hooks in the boot, a front USB port, and two additional fast-charge USB ports for rear passengers.

At the front, the C3 gets a matte black grille with silver or chrome Chevron emblems, signature LED daytime running lights, and halogen or LED projector headlamps. Higher trims add body-coloured bumpers and front skid plates.

Along the side, the body gets wheel arch cladding, body side sill panels, sash tape, and glossy black roof rails. These are paired with high-gloss black or chrome mirrors with integrated turn indicators, while wheel options include 14-inch or 15-inch sizes in steel or diamond-cut alloys.

At the rear, body-coloured bumpers incorporate skid plates and chrome garnished reflectors alongside LED or halogen tail lamps.

Finally, all variants run on 195/65 R15 tyres.

The C3 equips up to 6 airbags, three-point belts for all seats, and seat-belt reminders. To maintain vehicle control, higher trims feature an electronic stability programme, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Maneuvering is further aided by rear parking sensors and a reverse camera or 360-degree camera. Additionally, child safety is addressed through ISOFIX child seat anchors with top tether and manual rear door child locks.

Also, security is managed by a speed-sensitive auto door lock, engine immobiliser, and anti-theft alarm, while a high speed alert system provides an audible warning at 80 km/h and again at 120 km/h.

Notably, no Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP rating is published for the current petrol C3 model yet.

The C3’s closest rivals in segment are the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter.

The Punch holds a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, while the C3 currently has no published rating from Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP. It also offers higher ground clearance (around 187–193 mm unladen) and a more upright stance suited for rough roads or uneven surfaces. The C3 counters with its longer 2540 mm wheelbase, which provides more rear knee room, along with the option of a 6-speed torque-converter automatic paired with the stronger 108.5 hp turbo-petrol engine.

The Exter offers the largest boot in the trio at 391 litres (C3: 315 litres), along with a wider feature list and Hyundai’s extensive service network. The C3 counters with its crossover styling, roof rails and skid plates on higher trims, a larger 45-litre fuel tank, and the same 108.5 hp turbo-petrol engine paired with an automatic transmission. It is also available with a CNG option on the base engine.