Citroen has recently launched the new C3 Aircross in the price bracket of Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 12.54 lakh (ex-showroom). It is based on the CMP platform that underpins the C3 hatchback. In terms of pricing, the C3 Aircross 7-seater model is positioned against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Kia Carens. In this article, we bring you specification, price and features based comparison between these three utility vehicles.
Price
– The C3 Aircross 7-seater version is priced in the bracket of Rs 11.69 lakh to Rs 12.34 lakh, while the Ertiga petrol is tagged at Rs 8.64 lakh and goes up to Rs 13.08 lakh for the top-end model. The Kia Carens range starts at Rs 10.45 lakh and goes up to Rs 18.95 lakh for the top-spec turbo DCT 6-seater.
C3 Aircross Vs Carens Vs Ertiga
| Specifications | C3 Aircross | Ertiga | Carens |
| Engine | 1.2L Turbo Petrol | 1.5L NA Petrol | 1.5L NA Petrol 1.5L Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 110bhp | 103bhp | 114bhp 158bhp |
| Torque | 190Nm | 137Nm | 144Nm 253Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed MT | 5MT, 6AT | 6MT, 6iMT, DCT |
| Mileage | 18.5kmpl | 20.51kmpl (MT), 20.3kmpl (AT) | 16.2kmpl |
| Length | 4323mm | 4420mm | 4540mm |
| Width | 1796mm | 1735mm | 1800mm |
| Height | 1669mm | 1690mm | 1708mm |
| Wheelbase | 2671mm | 2740mm | 2780mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200Nm | 190mm | 195mm |
| Boot Space | 44-litres | 209-litres | 216-litres |
| Wheel Size | 17-inch | 16-inch | 16-inch |
– The C3 Aircross is powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that also powers the C3 hatchback. This engine pushes out 110bhp of power and 190Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox driving the power to the front wheels come as standard.
– The Carens is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that is good for 114bhp and 144Nm of torque. It is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It also gets a 1.5L turbo petrol engine that produces 158bhp and 253Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
– The Suzuki Ertiga is powered by a tried & tested 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 103bhp and 137Nm of torque. This powertrain is offered with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox.
– The C3 Aircross is the only model, which is not available with automatic gearbox option. The Ertiga is also available with a CNG fuel option. The C3 Aircross turbo petrol engine is more powerful and torquier than the Ertiga and the Carens naturally-aspirated engine, which should result in better performance in everyday usage.
– The Ertiga’s engine also comes with a mild-hybrid system, which provides a torque boost. This also helps in improving its fuel efficiency.
Dimensions
– The C3 Aircross measures 4,323mm in length, 1796mm in width and 1,669mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,671mm. It has a ground clearance of 200mm, and a kerb weight of 1275kg. The 7-seater model has a boot space of 44-litres, which can be extended up to 511-litres and 830-litres by folding the 3rd and 2nd row seats respectively.
– The Ertiga is 4420mm long, 1735mm wide and 1690mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2740mm. It offers a ground clearance of 190mm, while the kerb weight stands at 1225kgs. It has a boot space of 209-litres, which can be extended up to 550-litres by folding the 3rd row seat.
– In terms of proportions, the Carens is 4540mm long, 1800mm wide and 1708mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2780mm. It offers a ground clearance of 195mm. It has a boot space of 216-litres with all three row seats in position.
– The Suzuki Ertiga and the Kia Carens are bigger than the C3 Aircross, thus providing better space inside the cabin. Moreover, both models offer more space in its 3rd, whereas the Citroen’s last row is only suitable for kids.
Features
– In terms of features, the C3 Aircross top-end model gets halogen headlamps, LED DRLs, 17-inch alloys, removable third-row seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a 7-inch digital instrument panel, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, manual AC with heater, roof-mounted rear AC vents, one-touch auto down for the all four power windows, etc.
– For safety & security, the 7-seater C3 Aircross gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and reverse camera and sensors.
– The Ertiga’s top-end variant gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support, a 16-inch alloy wheel, front fog lamps, height adjustable driver’s seat, front centre sliding amrest, push start/stop button, automatic AC and rear defogger. It also has automatic headlamps, cruise control and curtain airbags. It also gets height adjustable front seat belts.
– The Carens is the most feature-loaded model in its segment. It comes equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, a fully digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, a multi-functional steering wheel, roof-mounted AC vents, a single-pane sunroof, a 64-colour ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, powered one-touch tumble down feature for the second row, and air purifier.
– The Kia Carens is the only model in its segment to offer 6 airbags as standard safety feature. It comes with ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), hill-start assist, disc brakes at all four ends, tyre pressure monitoring system and rear parking sensors, reverse camera and others.
