Pros • Cabin, load space • Fuel economy • Dash presentation
Cons • Noisy suspension • Flat seats • CVT characteristics The Koleos did what it was intended to do. It gave Renault a foothold in a hitherto unrepresented segment and, more importantly in Australia, it quickly became Renault’s biggest-selling model.If there was a major shortcoming with the second generation Koleos it was the lack of a diesel engine. The newcomer was exclusively powered by a hard-working 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing a reasonable 126kW/226Nm and returning, in AWD form, a combined fuel consumption average of 8.3L/100km.But that’s all changed now. The long-awaited turbo-diesel option arrived in August 2017 to immediately bring more power and (a lot more) torque. At 130kW/380Nm it’s a true grunter which, at 6.1L/100km, also offers better fuel consumption, plus lower exhaust emissions (150g/km against the petrol version’s 192g/km).
Pros Noticeably more torque and better fuel economy from the diesel engine Big size equals excellent second-row space inside Competitively priced Good ownership credentials
Cons Powertrain not as seamless and effortless as the numbers suggest No quicker than cheaper front-drive petrol Koleos variants Wieldy SUV to manoeuvre and park Ho-hum infotainment system Lower braked towing rating than petrol versions The diesel clatter is also quite noticeable, though nothing like a deal-breaker, but it does harness the on-demand all-wheel-drive system's tractive talents better and more noticeably than the petrol engine does. And by maintaining fuel economy within a ballpark of its maker’s 6.1 combined cycle claim, it’s markedly more efficient by a couple of litres per hundred, particularly around town.
Pros Great exterior looks Nice enough to drive Good level of equipment
Cons Doesn't come with a seven-seat option Prices are a bit high Manual gearbox isn't the smoothest
The new C3 is a fun little car - cheery, characterful and French. And, like a lot of French things, it isn't cheap. You won't be buying this with your head but I don't think Citroen is expecting unemotional purchasers to darken its doors. You have to want it - you're not looking for startling performance figures or exceptional value, you're looking for something out of the ordinary.
Pros Great looks Fun engine Terrific ride
Cons Lack of AEB Touchscreen hardware a bit slow Over-enthusiastic stop-start
The third-generation C3 is an altogether more accomplished offering than the second-gen C3 it replaces, a frumpy and humpy hatchback with lacklustre performance that had its genesis way back in 2009. Instead, Citroen has reinvented the C3, adding not only some much-needed style, but also injecting a performance lift thanks to a new drivetrain.
Pros Oozes style Beautiful ride Spacious interior, front and rear Thrummy three-pot engine sings
Cons Auto transmission hesitant at low speeds No AEB or blind-spot, hence 4-star ANCAP Expensive for the category
The Citroen C3 has quirky looks and a cabin that’s comfortable unless you’re a tall person in the back. However, it’s hard to drive smoothly in town and the infotainment system is clunky.
Pros Comfortable suspension Quiet cabin Quirky styling
Cons Average rear-seat space Hard to drive smoothly Infotainment isn’t the best
