Which engine mk1 C3 has the best fuel efficient/power ratio?

[Quixy]

Hello!

I'm looking to buy a cheap hatchback car for mostly (90 %) city driving.

I personally think that only petrol will work as diesel engines don't like short (5-10 km) trips.

So for the C3 2005 mk1 model there are 3 engines:

1.1 44kW
1.4 55kW
1.6 80kW

I am really into a low fuel consumption so please share your opinions on these engines. I personally think that the 1.4 will do the work, but maybe it's too weak or what do you think?



Thanks!

[Ozvtr]

Ok. You are going to get opinions here, so weigh up what is said and come to your own conclusions.

My personal opinion:

Diesels are over complicated and this tends to negate any cost advantages gained by the superior fuel economy. Taking them to a mechanic is expensive (by comparison).
I don't know what the price of diesel (fuel) is in you country, but here, the price of diesel (fuel) is about 10% more per litre. Again reinforcing point no1 above.

Forget the 1.1 petrol it is gutless!! Unless your commute consists of a 15MPH crawl on a dead flat road...forget it.
The 1.4. I love the TU3JP engine. It's so simple and easy to work on. Fair fuel economy. But, NO GO!! Not as gutless as the 1.1 but very disappointing. No poke and when you hit any sort of a hill the accelerator peddle needs to be flat to the floor.
The 1.6. The TU5JP4 is more complicated than the TU3 and can be more difficult to work on. But it has the best driveability. Again "fair" fuel economy. There are more modern engines that get better fuel economy, but the disadvantage is, an even more complicated system. In my opinion more complicated means less reliable.

If you want performance (I use the term loosely) AND economy, get a 1.4 with a manual gear box. The autobox works, but as I said, very disappointing. Manual gear box give slightly better economy.
If you want performance, get the 1.6 with either a manual or auto gear box. The sensodrive works really well but it has some dangerous quirks!! And if you have problems with it, NO ONE knows how to fix it!!! I have a C2 with the 1.6 and a sensodrive gearbox and around town it goes like a scalded cat. But out on the open road it's "harsh" and over revs. Sensodrive over all...not recommended!
Now I use the term "performance" only with respect to the other engines listed here. There would be other cars in the C3's price range with better engines but that's not what we are talking about.

Now I have not had much to do with diesel engine cars and so can not comment to their performance. Someone with a diesel may argue a case for diesels?

[Arfur Dent]

My diesel is perfectly fine on short journeys.

[Arfur Dent]

Now I have not had much to do with diesel engine cars and so can not comment to their performance. Someone with a diesel may argue a case for diesels?

The 1.4 16v HDi pulls like a train, loads of torque, nice to drive.

[C3PO_Furio]

Hi,
I own 1.1 8V TU1A. It is reliable, but powerless as hell. It lacks power in city and outside city. Overtaking of cars on roads with 90 km/h limit is a game for people with a lot of patience.
If you drive faster than 120 km/h you get worse fuel consumption than in city.
I would go for minimum 1.4 8V (TU3A).
Or just go for it and make Citroen C3 with PSA 3.0 V6 engine