A three-door hatchback, with a similar design as the second generation, was available as the Citroën DS3 and marketed as a premium model.

In South America, a mini SUV version called the C3 Aircross, was produced and marketed only locally.

Some versions of the C3 feature a start-stop system that can automatically cut the engine when not needed to save fuel, such as in traffic, and restart it briskly to move on again.

The passenger compartment was also enhanced, with the fitting of a restyled dashboard with a high-quality finish, as well as a newer, more modern instrument cluster making the driver information easier to read.

The addition of light metallic grey embellishers around the central section of the fascia and air vents contributed to the updated interior, as did the completely redesigned front and rear door panels and trims.

As with the Peugeot 206+ and Renault Clio Campus, Citroën didn't yet end the original C3 despite the new generation arrival.

The South American C3 significantly differentiated itself from its European counterpart in 2008 when it got a facelift, including exclusive front bumpers.

[27] The second generation of the C3 was revealed in June 2009,[28] and made its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009.

On the new C3, the instrumentation is a mix of analogue dials beneath a styled cowl and a digital display for the fuel and trip computer.

There is no temperature gauge (unlike the DS3), but a red and blue warning lamp to show hot or cold engines which come on as required.

These "Prince" engines have double overhead 16 valve camshafts, on-demand oil and water pumps, and BMW's patent injection and ignition technology.

Across Europe, the advertising slogan was known as "The Visiospace", playing on the merit of the large windscreen and the improved vision afforded.

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013, the C3 hatchback was revised to featuring updated exterior and interior, and more efficient engines.

Norev has produced a 1:43 scale model of the new Citroën C3 in Botticelli Blue, Metallic Green, and black.

The new C3 is offered with a choice of nine exterior colours, and three contrast shades that appear on the roof, foglight trims, side mirrors, and Airbump surrounds.

It is described as a more efficient alternative to other STLA modular architectures with focus on battery electric models.

[44] Compared to the Indian market C3, the European version C3 features C-shaped LED headlights, an enclosed grille that features Citroën's new logo, triple element LED DRLs, distinct front fenders and door designs, conventional grab door handles, different taillights, a different rear bumper design and the option of larger alloy wheels.

[45] It features the C-Zen Lounge concept with Citroën's Heads Up Display (which replaces the traditional instrument cluster) and a flat bottom design steering wheel.

[48] The ë-C3 is equipped with a 44 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery capable of an electric range of up to 320 km (199 mi) measured by the WLTP cycle.

[52][53] Produced in Brazil and India, the model has been described by Citroën as a "modern hatchback", avoiding the "crossover SUV" branding.

There are split headlights connected to Citroen’s double-slat grill, the option of orange accents on the front bumper and side cladding, an upright rear hatch door and rectangular LED taillights.

[52] In India, the C3 is praised for its dynamic qualities, but receives persistent criticism for the lack of equipment offered on the model.

In January 2023, Citroën unveiled the all-electric ë-C3 in India with a 42 kW (57 PS; 56 hp) electric motor, a 29.2 kWh battery and a range of 320 km (199 mi).

[61] Since 2023, the Brazilian-made C3 has been exported outside of Mercosur, in several Latin America countries such as Chile, Peru and Costa Rica.

[74] The third-generation C3 was launched in South Africa on 25 May 2023 in a sole Feel trim, powered by a EB2F 1.2-litre PureTech petrol with 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp).

[77] In India, the C3 is fitted with two frontal airbags, anti-lock brakes, seatbelt reminders for front-seat occupants and speed alerts at 80 km/h and 120 km/h as required by Indian AIS safety regulations.

The rear centre seatbelt is of a dangerous static two-point type and this seating position is not fitted with a head restraint.

[78] Although the C3 complies with Indian crashworthiness legislation, it has not been rated by independent consumer testing programmes like Global NCAP.

In February 2024, Citroën India announced that all variants of the Indian C3 would be fitted with six airbags and rear seatbelt reminders by July of the same year.