Not long ago, an eight-hour return trip in a “small” car was endured, not enjoyed — but not today.
We drove to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta from London in Citroën’s fiery-looking C3 Flair. Not, on the face of it — measuring in at slightly under four metres and with a 1.2 engine — a long-distance giant. But on a congestion-ridden slog through town and along motorways and back again, its credentials shone through.
Acoustically, it’s impressive and that’s good on a long trip, cutting fatigue and enabling relaxed conversation at motorway speeds. The 1199cc three-cylinder 110hp petrol turbocharged engine is more than man enough for the job. Combined with a smooth torque converter automatic, it pulled strongly from low engine speeds and — when needed — there was plenty of urge. Cruising at motorway speeds, it was smooth, flexible and grown-up, despite the youthful looks. Citroën’s ergonomics have improved hugely; the seating was supportive, the driving position good, even if additional lumbar adjustment would have been a benefit. It has a fairly roomy cabin with impressive door pockets — lined in light colours, so you can see small objects — and there’s a deep, square boot, too.
On twistier roads, it’s engagingly sporty, with well-controlled body roll. The lines that are so pleasing on the eye don’t facilitate the best vision in town or for reversing, however. The cruise control switches are rendered invisible by the steering wheel just when you need them — driving straight ahead on the motorway. Daft.
The C3’s pièce de resistance is its eerily brilliant ride quality. It irons out bumps and ridges with utter composure, while holding the car firmly in line on bends.
The ride was as soft as that of the balloon when — cleared for lift-off as dawn broke over the Clifton Suspension Bridge and with a fierce blast of hot air — we glided with 100 other balloons, bobbing gently in utter tranquillity. Much as on our journey back down the M4.
Citroen C3 Flair PureTech 110 auto
Top speed: 117mph;
C02: 103g/km;
Combined mpg: 57.6;
Price: £17,885
