Citroen C3 Aircross vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV Should You Buy?

The Citroen C3 Aircross has recently been launched in India, with prices ranging between Rs 9.99 - 12.54 lakh (ex-showroom). Based on the C-Cubed platform, it is an extended version of the C3 cross-hatch, offered in both 5- and 7-seater configurations, positioning itself in the realm of the mid-size SUV segment, which the Hyundai Creta currently dominates. Here, find out what it offers against the segment leader.

Citroen C3 Aircross vs Hyundai Creta: Dimensions

Parameters	Citroen C3 Aircross	Hyundai Creta
Length	4,323 mm	4,300 mm
Width	1796 mm	1790 mm
Height	up to 1669 mm	1635 mm
Wheelbase	2671 mm	2610 mm
Ground Clearance	200 mm	190 mm
Seating Capacity	5 / 7-seater	5 seater
Boot Space	5-seater: 444 litres	433 litres (all seats up)
	7-seater: 44 litres (all seats up), 511 litres (3rd-row seats removed), 830 litres (3rd row removed & 2nd row folded)
Kerb Weight	1195-1275 kg	-

Measuring over 4.3 meters long, the all-new Citroen C3 Aircross is marginally longer than the Hyundai Creta. In fact, it surpasses the Creta in every dimensional parameter.

At 2671mm, the C3 Aircorss has the longest wheelbase in its class, which results in generous cabin space, especially in the 5-seater version. However, the last row in the 7-seater version only suits kids or occupants with a lean build. And if not in use, the last row seats can also be removed for an impressive cargo space of 511 litres, 67 litres more than its 5-seater counterparts. On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta comes in a sole 5-seater version and offers ample cabin and boot space.

At the heart of the Citroen C3 Aircross lies a 1.2-litre, 3-cyl, turbocharged petrol engine, generating 110PS of max power and 190Nm of peak torque. On paper, the power output is 5PS less than that of the Hyundai Creta’s 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, petrol engine. However, the C3 Aircross offers a higher torque figure of 190Nm, compared to the Creta’s 144Nm.

In real-world conditions, the higher torque output of the Citroen C3 Aircross, combined with its lighter kerb weight, should result in better low-end and mid-range performance, which can be beneficial for everyday commuting and city driving. Additionally, the Citroen SUV promises better fuel efficiency than the Creta petrol. The French automaker has also done a good job of making its 3-cylinder unit quite refined, but still, the Creta’s 4-cylinder unit outshines in terms of refinement.

What’s lacking with the C3 Aircross is that it only offers a manual gearbox, while the Creta provides both manual and CVT automatic transmission options. Moreover, the Creta also has a 1.5-litre diesel engine for those seeking higher fuel efficiency for their high monthly running.

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Citroen C3 Aircross vs Hyundai Creta: Features

Regarding features, the 2023 C3 Aircross ticks only essentials and skips for very feel-good features. Having said that this French offering packs features like halogen headlamps with LED DRLs, fog lamps, diamond-cut alloy wheels, powered ORVMs, a 10.23-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car tech, digital cluster, manual AC, roof-mounted rear AC vents (7-seater only), height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear centre armrest with cup holders (5-seater only), steering mounted controls, rear defogger, rear wiper & washer, and remote keyless entry. Its safety kit includes dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, and rear parking sensors with a camera.

Speaking of the 2023 Hyundai Creta, it is undoubtedly a feature-rich marvel. Not only does it cover nearly all the features mentioned above, but some of the standout attributes of the Creta include a panoramic sunroof, automatic LED headlamps with DRLs, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, auto AC, rear AC vents, wireless charger, powered driver's seat, ventilated front seats, BOSE sound system, ambient lighting, reclining rear seats, and six airbags.

Citroen C3 Aircross vs Hyundai Creta: Price

Offered in three variants, the 5-seater version of the all-new Citroen C3 Aircross ranges between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 11.99 lakh, whereas its 7-seater counterpart comes in two variants, retailing from Rs 11.69 lakh to Rs 12.34 lakh. On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta are priced between Rs 10.87 – 18.34 lakh for petrol and Rs 11.96 – 19.20 lakh for the diesel variants.

Conclusion

It is clear that Citroen intends to cater to those customers looking for spacious mid-size SUVs with all the necessities within a budget-friendly range. In contrast, the Hyundai Creta is a more premium offering designed for those customers seeking a more sophisticated experience.

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