Citroen C3 vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?

Citroen C3

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2023 price

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BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2023 Citroen C3

2025 BMW 1 Series

By James Cleary

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.2L

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

5.2L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Equipment
Design
Space efficiency

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Dislikes

Price
Sub-par refinement
Ownership costs

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

2023 Citroen C3 Summary

You’re a city dweller on the hunt for a small hatch, but the usual suspects just don’t do it for you. Time for a trip down the urban road less travelled.

The Citroen C3 fits the bill in terms of scale, but brings something extra when it comes to personality. A fun-sized European with the ability to surprise and delight.

It comes at a price, though. So, is the promise of some extra excitement in your motoring life worth it? Read on to find out.

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2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Citroen C3 2025 BMW 1 Series

Verdict

The Citroen C3’s plus column contains some big ticket items like a solid standard equipment list, design flair, generous interior space, an eager engine, good safety and a comfy suspension. However, the minus side of the ledger isn’t exactly empty, with entries like steep price, marginal perceived quality, poor cabin storage, sub-par refinement, okay economy, and high ownership costs.

But there’s no doubt this car delivers a different, adventurous take on the city-sized hatch, and for you, that alone may count for more than any of those things.

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Citroen C3 vs BMW 1 Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Citroen C3 vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?