Citroën C3 Dark Edition Review: Bold Styling, But Is It Enough?

The Citroën C3 has been one of the more distinctive-looking hatchbacks in the Indian market, and with the new C3 Dark Edition, Citroën tries to up the ante by adding a layer of visual aggression to its already quirky design. But is this edition more than just a cosmetic refresh? Or is it a missed opportunity to offer something truly unique in the hotly contested hatchback segment?

We took a closer look at the Citroën C3 Dark Edition — what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your money in 2025.

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🔥 What is the Citroën C3 Dark Edition?

As the name suggests, the Dark Edition is a special cosmetic package based on the regular Citroën C3. It primarily focuses on offering a darker, more aggressive visual theme compared to the standard model.

It’s meant to appeal to younger, urban buyers who are looking for a bold, standout car — without stretching their budget into the premium hatchback or SUV territory.

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⚫ What’s Different in the Dark Edition?

Here’s a quick rundown of the cosmetic enhancements in the C3 Dark Edition:

Exterior Updates:

• All-black body paint with blacked-out accents
• Piano black grille with gloss-finish inserts
• Black 15-inch alloy wheels (instead of steel wheels on regular trims)
• Smoked headlamps
• “Dark Edition” badging on the front fenders

Interior Tweaks:

• All-black dashboard with gunmetal grey inserts
• Dark-themed seat upholstery with contrast stitching
• Black headliner and pillars

At first glance, the Dark Edition does give the car a more premium, stealthy presence. It definitely turns heads — especially in a segment where bright and funky color choices usually dominate.

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💺 Interior and Features: Still Too Basic?

Here’s where things start to get a bit complicated. While the Dark Edition looks fresh from the outside, the cabin experience still leaves you wanting more.

Yes, the black interior looks smart. But the fit and finish, quality of plastics, and overall layout still feel barebones — more suited to an entry-level hatchback than something positioned as a bold, special edition.

Standard Features Include:

• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Manual AC
• Steering-mounted audio controls
• Dual airbags
• ABS with EBD

But missing are:

• Rear wiper and washer
• Rear defogger
• Automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable ORVMs
• Rear camera

Even in 2025, these are basic expectations — and their absence hurts the car’s value proposition.

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🚗 Performance and Engine: No Change from the Standard Model

Under the hood, the C3 Dark Edition remains unchanged. You get the same two petrol engine options:

1. 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol (82 PS / 115 Nm)
   • 5-speed manual
   • Ideal for city driving, but lacks punch on highways
2. 1.2L Turbo Petrol (110 PS / 190 Nm)
   • 6-speed manual
   • Peppy and fun to drive, especially on open roads

There is no automatic transmission available, even in the Dark Edition — a surprising omission given current consumer trends.

In terms of performance, the turbo variant holds its own and feels enthusiastic. The NA petrol, however, struggles when fully loaded or on inclines.

The ride quality remains one of Citroën’s strong suits — absorbing bad roads with ease, and offering a supple suspension setup that outclasses most rivals.

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🛡️ Safety and Build: A Mixed Bag

The Citroën C3’s structural strength hasn’t yet been rated by Global NCAP, but anecdotal user reviews suggest it has a fairly solid build.

However, safety features remain limited. Dual front airbags and ABS with EBD are standard, but there’s no ESP, no hill assist, no traction control, and no rear camera — things that many sub-₹10 lakh cars now offer.

In a special edition car meant to feel premium, this feels like a missed opportunity.

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📦 Practicality and Space

On the positive side, the C3 Dark Edition continues the C3’s strength in interior space:

• Plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers
• Boot space of 315 litres is usable and well-shaped
• Seating position is comfortable for long drives

But again, the lack of rear AC vents and adjustable headrests is a letdown, especially for family buyers.

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💰 Price and Rivals: Is It Worth It?

The Citroën C3 Dark Edition is expected to be priced around ₹8.2 – ₹8.7 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the engine.

In this price bracket, it competes with:

• Tata Punch (which now has a CNG and EV version)
• Maruti Ignis
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
• Renault Kiger
• Nissan Magnite

Compared to these, the C3 Dark Edition wins in design and ride comfort, but loses on features, safety, and transmission options.

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🙋‍♂️ Who Should Consider It?

If you:

• Prioritize unique design over features
• Mostly drive in the city and don’t need an automatic
• Prefer a soft suspension setup
• Want something different from mainstream Maruti/Hyundai offerings

Then the C3 Dark Edition might just work for you.

But if your focus is on features, modern tech, resale value, and after-sales support, you’ll find better-rounded options elsewhere.

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🧠 Verdict: A Stylish Car That Plays It Too Safe

The Citroën C3 Dark Edition is a style-first hatchback that feels great to look at and enjoyable to drive (in turbo form). However, it’s hard to ignore the corners that have been cut in terms of features and safety.

It’s a car that flirts with greatness but falls short of delivering a complete experience. The Dark Edition should have been a chance for Citroën to fix the shortcomings of the standard model while riding the wave of EVs and feature-rich cars in India.

Instead, it ends up being a cosmetic upgrade with no mechanical improvements and barely any added value for the customer.