The Ultimate Comparison: Citroen C3 Aircross vs Hyundai Creta

Citroen C3 Aircross is the 4th model of Citroen that has been unveiled in the Indian Market. This SUV is the second offering under the company's C Cubed program for the Indian market, and while it shares the C3 name, styling, and powertrain with the C3 hatchback, it is much larger in size, boasting a longer wheelbase.

Given the highly competitive midsize SUV market in India, the Aircross will face a fierce challenge from its rivals. Nevertheless, this launch is part of Citroen's larger strategy to expand its presence in India and establish a solid foothold in the SUV segment.

For our article, we will be comparing the Citroen C3 Aircross with its compact SUV rival Hyundai Creta to determine which one is the best choice for you. We will be examining various features such as engine options, transmission, drivetrain, fuel efficiency, dimensions, and interior amenities. By the end of this article, you should have a clear understanding of how the C3 Aircross stacks up against the Hyundai Creta and which one is the most suitable for your needs.

Both the C3 Aircross and the Creta share the same length of 4.3 metres, however, the C3 Aircross is slightly wider and taller than the Creta, giving it a more spacious and commanding presence on the road.

The C3 Aircross boasts a distinctive front fascia with split headlights, LED DRLs, and a gloss black grille with the iconic Citroen logo, making it stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, the Creta has a more conventional design with a large cascading grille and LED headlamps.

One of the major differences between the two models is the ground clearance. The C3 Aircross has a higher ground clearance of 200 mm, compared to the Creta’s 188 mm. This not only gives the C3 Aircross a more rugged and off-road capable look but also allows it to easily tackle rough terrains and uneven roads.

When it comes to aesthetics, both models offer dual-tone exterior paint options and diamond-cut alloy wheels. The C3 Aircross, however, takes it up a notch with chunky alloy wheels that feature an X-shaped design, which adds a unique and sporty touch.

Additionally, the C3 Aircross has traditional lift-type door handles, while the Creta has pull-type ones. The C3 Aircross also features roof rails and a rear spoiler, which further enhance its sporty and adventurous appeal.

Hyundai Creta vs Citroen C3 Aircross Engine and Performance

The Hyundai Creta presents a choice between two engine options, a 1.5-litre petrol unit capable of generating 113 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-litre diesel mill that produces 113 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Citroen C3 Aircross features a single engine option, a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 108.4 bhp and 190 Nm of torque.

Both SUVs are equipped with six-speed manual transmissions2. However, the Creta offers automatic variants with a choice of CVT, torque converter, or dual-clutch options. An automatic variant for the C3 Aircross is expected to be released later.

While both SUVs are front-wheel drive, the Creta has the added advantage of three driving modes - Eco, Comfort, and Sport - and three traction modes - Snow, Sand, and Mud - to enhance performance in different terrains. On the other hand, the C3 Aircross is equipped with a Grip Control system that adjusts the traction control according to the road conditions, providing stability in slippery or uneven terrains.

The Creta boasts a higher fuel efficiency of 19.7 kmpl for the petrol variant and 21.4 kmpl for the diesel variant. However, the C3 Aircross falls short with a lower fuel efficiency of 17.8 kmpl for the petrol variant.

Hyundai Creta vs Citroen C3 Aircross Space and Comfort

Both the Citroen C3 Aircross and the Hyundai Creta have seating capacities for five people and two rows of seats. However, the C3 Aircross has a longer wheelbase of 2,671 mm compared to the Creta's 2,651 mm, which could result in more legroom for the rear passengers in the former.

In terms of storage space, the C3 Aircross offers a larger boot space of 433 litres compared to the Creta's 385 litres. Additionally, the C3 Aircross also has a sliding and reclining rear seat that can increase the boot space to 520 litres, while the Creta offers a 60:40 split-folding rear seat to expand luggage capacity.

The C3 Aircross has a dual-tone dashboard, premium fabric upholstery, manual AC with roof-mounted rear AC vents, a digital instrument cluster, and a 10-inch infotainment panel. In contrast, the Creta has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, automatic AC, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system.

The Creta offers more feel-good features than the C3 Aircross, such as a sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and paddle shifters. The C3 Aircross misses out on these features, but it has a Grip Control system that enhances ride comfort on different terrains.

Overall, while the C3 Aircross boasts a more spacious and versatile interior, the Creta offers more premium features for added comfort and convenience.

Hyundai Creta vs Citroen C3 Aircross Specifications and Features

The Hyundai Creta and Citroen C3 Aircross are two compact SUVs that offer various features and performance capabilities. The Creta offers two engine options, a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 113 bhp and 144 Nm, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine that generates 113 bhp and 250 Nm. Meanwhile, the C3 Aircross is equipped with a single engine option, a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 108.4 bhp and 190 Nm.

Both SUVs come with manual transmissions with six gears, but the Creta offers automatic variants with CVT, torque converter, or dual-clutch options, while the C3 Aircross is expected to get an automatic variant later. In terms of drive systems, both SUVs have front-wheel drive systems.

However, the Creta has three drive modes (Eco, Comfort, and Sport) and three traction modes (Snow, Sand, and Mud) for better performance in different terrains. On the other hand, the C3 Aircross has a Grip Control system that adjusts the traction control according to the road conditions.

The Creta boasts a higher fuel efficiency of 19.7 kmpl for the petrol variant and 21.4 kmpl for the diesel variant, while the C3 Aircross has a lower fuel efficiency of 17.8 kmpl for the petrol variant. Although both SUVs have a length of 4.3 meters, the C3 Aircross is slightly wider and taller than the Creta, and it also has a longer wheelbase of 2,671 mm, compared to the Creta’s 2,651 mm.

When it comes to storage, the C3 Aircross offers a larger boot space of 433 litres, compared to the Creta’s 385 litres. The C3 Aircross also has a sliding and reclining rear seat that can increase the boot space to 520 litres, while the Creta has a 60:40 split-folding rear seat that can expand the luggage capacity.

The C3 Aircross has a dual-tone dashboard, premium fabric upholstery, manual AC with roof-mounted rear AC vents, a digital instrument cluster, and a 10-inch infotainment panel. Meanwhile, the Creta has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, automatic AC, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system.

In terms of feel-good features, the Creta offers more than the C3 Aircross, such as a sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and paddle shifters. In contrast, the C3 Aircross has a distinctive front fascia with split headlights and LED DRLs, giving it a unique appearance.