In-depth reviews

Citroen C-Zero (2010-2018) reliability & safety

The Citroen C-Zero scored four stars in Euro NCAP crash-testing in 2011, but that rating has since expired

Citroen C-Zero
Overall rating

1.5 out of 5

Reliability & safety rating

2.0 out of 5

Euro NCAP ratingAdult protection ratingChild protection ratingSafety assist rating
4 stars (2011, now expired)73%78%86%

As the C-Zero was launched in 2010, it misses certain safety features that modern cars are more likely have. While it comes with mandatory systems such as anti-lock brakes and traction control, more recent innovations like autonomous emergency braking aren't included.

Citroen C-Zero reliability & problems

There are no reliability problems known to frequently affect the C-Zero over the course of its life. Citroen scored 87.88% in the 2018 Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, making it the 23rd-best manufacturer in the UK.

Safety

The Citroen C-Zero was awarded four out of five stars for safety by Euro NCAP in 2011, however this was only valid for a period of six years, expiring at the start of 2018. The C-Zero hasn't been re-tested since; it’s hard to deduce how many stars it would score today.

In 2011, the C-Zero was rated at 73% for adult occupant protection and 78% for child occupant protection, while pedestrian protection was rated at 48%. However, car safety has moved on since the C-Zero was originally tested, and these days a much greater emphasis is placed on ‘active’ systems (such as autononmous emergency braking) that have become common on modern cars.

While the C-Zero boasts mandatory systems such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, tyre-pressure monitoring and ISOFIX mounting points, active safety features are non-existent. That means no lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning or autonomous emergency braking – nor the reversing cameras so frequently found on the newest cars.

Most Popular

Volkswagen ID.2 will be a VW Polo for the electric age and we’re buzzing
Volkswagen ID.2all - front
News

Volkswagen ID.2 will be a VW Polo for the electric age and we’re buzzing

Volkswagen has unveiled its latest concept car, previewing its future rival to the Vauxhall Corsa Electric
15 Dec 2023
New Kia Niro and EV6 ‘Horizon’ special editions bring value to brand’s EV line-up
Kia Horizon front
News

New Kia Niro and EV6 ‘Horizon’ special editions bring value to brand’s EV line-up

New trim level for Kia’s electric cars brings extra kit for around £700 more than the base cars
14 Dec 2023
Top 10 best electric cars 2023/2024
Best electric cars header
Best cars

Top 10 best electric cars 2023/2024

From SUVs to sports saloons, we run through the best electric cars you can buy right now
11 Dec 2023