The Citroen C3 Aircross is now the most affordable compact SUV, but how does it compare with the next most affordable segment rival – the Maruti Grand Vitara Sigma
The Citroen C3 Aircross is a new entry in the compact SUV segment and is also the most affordable option. The base variant is priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and offers a choice between a 5- or 7-seat layout. However, the base-spec variant is only available as a 5-seater.
Previously, the most affordable compact SUV option was the base variant of the Maruti Grand Vitara, priced at Rs 10.70 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Let’s compare both SUVs to see what the Citroen C3 Aircross offers at a more affordable price:
Which One’s Bigger?
Parameter |
Citroen C3 Aircross |
Maruti Grand Vitara |
Difference |
Length |
4323mm |
4345mm |
(22mm) |
Width |
1796mm (without ORVMs) |
1795mm |
+1mm |
Height |
1665mm |
1645mm |
+20mm |
Wheelbase |
2671mm |
2600mm |
+71mm |
Wheel size |
17-inch wheels |
17-inch wheels |
– |
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The Citroen C3 Aircross is bigger than the Maruti Grand Vitara in terms of length, width, height, and wheelbase.
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The C3 Aircross offers a 3-row option, while most competitors in the segment are 5-seaters.
Performance Compared
Specification |
Citroen C3 Aircross |
Maruti Grand Vitara |
Engine |
1.2-litre turbo-petrol |
1.5-litre petrol |
Power |
110PS |
103PS |
Torque |
190Nm |
137Nm |
Transmission |
6-speed MT |
5-speed MT |
Claimed FE |
18.5kmpl |
21.11kmpl |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
-
The Citroen C3 Aircross is offered with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, while the Maruti Grand Vitara has a 1.5-litre petrol engine.
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The C3 Aircross has a higher power output of 110PS compared to the Grand Vitara’s 103PS. However, the Grand Vitara has a higher torque of 137Nm compared to the C3 Aircross’ 190Nm.
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The C3 Aircross is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the Grand Vitara has a 5-speed manual transmission.
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The Grand Vitara offers better fuel efficiency with a claimed mileage of 21.11kmpl, compared to the C3 Aircross’ 18.5kmpl.
Also Check Out: Citroen C3 Aircross Variants In Images: You, Plus, And Max
What Do Each Of Them Pack?
Feature Highlights |
Citroen C3 Aircross You |
Maruti Grand Vitara Sigma |
Exterior |
Body coloured bumpers and outside door handles, black ORVMs with turn indicators, steel wheels with full covers, and halogen headlights |
Body coloured bumpers and door handles, halogen projector headlights with LED DRLs, LED taillights, ORVMs with turn indicators, and steel wheels with full covers |
Interior |
Black and grey cabin theme, 2-tone fabric upholstery, black inside door handles, fixed headrests for all passengers, and flat-folding second row seats |
2-tone cabin theme, chrome inside door handles, front sliding armrest, rear centre armrest with cupholders, 2-tone fabric seats, 60:40 split folding rear seats, and adjustable headrests for all passengers |
Comfort and Convenience |
Manual AC, all four power windows with 1-touch down, keyless entry, day-night IRVM, 7-inch digital driver’s display, tilt steering, and steering-mounted controls for driver’s display, power adjustable ORVMs |
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel, keyless entry, steering-mounted audio controls, push-button start/stop, auto AC with rear vents, height-adjustable driver seat, all four power windows, and powered ORVMs (fold and adjust) |
Infotainment |
N.A. |
N.A. |
Safety |
Dual front airbags, electronic stability programme (ESP), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill-hold assist, and rear parking sensors |
Dual front airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and rear parking sensors |
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Both SUVs offer similar exterior and interior features in their base variants. However, the Maruti Grand Vitara Sigma offers additional features such as LED DRLs, LED taillights, front and rear armrests, and adjustable headrests over the Citroen C3 Aircross.
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In terms of comfort and convenience, the Maruti Grand Vitara Sigma offers additional amenities such as auto AC, electrically folding ORVMs, and a height-adjustable driver seat. The Citroen C3 Aircross, on the other hand, provides a 7-inch digital driver’s display.
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Neither base variant model offers an infotainment system.
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The base-spec variants of both SUVs have common safety features such as dual front airbags, ESP, and hill-hold assist. The C3 Aircross adds TPMS, while the Grand Vitara offers 3-point seatbelts and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.
Verdict
The Citroen C3 Aircross offers a spacious family SUV with a peppy engine at an affordable starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). However, it may lack some comforts and conveniences.
On the other hand, the Maruti Grand Vitara Sigma offers a better overall package with added conveniences, multiple powertrain options, higher mileage, and a more robust equipment list as the price increases.
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