Citroen has recently unveiled the new C3 Aircross mid-sized SUV in the Indian market. The new SUV is the only SUV in its category to offer 5 and 7-seat options with later offering 2+3+2 seating layout. It is the second model under the Citroen’s C Cubed program. The new Citroen C3 Aircross will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun and the MG Astor.
Citroen has only revealed the dimensions and engine option for the new SUV. More details including the power and torque output will be released in near future. The new Citroen C3 Aircross SUV is designed and developed on the elongated version of the CMP modular platform that underpins the C3 hatchback. In this article, we bring you a quick specs based comparison between the C3 Aircross and the Grand Vitara and the top-selling Hyundai Creta.
Citroen C3 Aicross Vs Grand Vitara Vs Creta – Dimensions
In terms of proportions, the Citroen C3 Aircross is 4,300 long, 1,796mm wide and 1,654mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,671mm. The SUV has a ground clearance of 200mm. The 5-seater version has a segment-largest boot space of 444-litres; however, the 7-seater model has no boot space with all 3-rows in place. The third-row has removable seats, which allows customers to create boot space of 511-litres.
| Dimensions | C3 Aircross | Grand Vitara | Creta |
| Length | 4300mm | 4345mm | 4300mm |
| Width | 1796mm | 1795mm | 1790mm |
| Height | 1654mm | 1645mm | 1620mm |
| Wheelbase | 2671mm | 2600mm | 2610mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200mm | 210mm | 190mm |
| Boot Space | 511-litres | 373-litres | 433-litres |
The Maruti Grand Vitara is the longest SUV in the segment, as it measures 4,345mm in length. The SUV is 1,795mm wide and 1,645mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,600mm. The SUV has a ground clearance of 210mm. The petrol version has a boot space of 373-litres, while the strong hybrid model has a luggage carrying capacity of 265-litres.
The Creta measures 4300mm in length, 1790mm in width and 1620mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2610mm. The SUV has a ground clearance of 190mm. It offers a boot space of 433-litres.
All three SUVs are offered with 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 215/60 section tyres. The C3 Aircross has the longest wheelbase in the category, allowing Citroen to offer third-row seat.
Specifications
| Specifications | C3 Aircross | Grand Vitara | Creta |
| Engine | 1.2L Turbo Petrol | 1.5L NA Petrol | 1.5L NA Petrol |
| Power | 110bhp | 100bhp | 115bhp |
| Torque | 190Nm | 135Nm | 144Nm |
| Gearbox | 5MT, FWD | 5MT, 6AT & AWD with 5MT | 6MT, 6AT, FWD |
Citroen has confirmed that the C3 Aircross will be offered with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that powers the C3 hatchback. This engine is capable of producing 110bhp and 190Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox driving the power to the front wheels will come as standard.
The Maruti Grand Vitara is available with two engine options – a 1.5-litre NA petrol and a Toyota’s 1.5L petrol engine with a strong hybrid tech. While the former is good for 100bhp and 135Nm of torque, the strong hybrid engine offers a combined power and torque output of 114bhp and 141Nm respectively. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor and a e-CVT with strong hybrid. The petrol version is available with front-wheel-drive and AWD layouts.
The Hyundai Creta is available with two engine options – a 1.5L NA Petrol and a 1.5L Turbo diesel. While the former is good for 115bhp and 144Nm, the diesel engine produces 115bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options are on offer.
The Citroen C3 Aircross comes with front disc and rear drum brakes, while the competition has disc brakes at both ends. Moreover, it offers only two airbags in the top-spec model. On the other hand, the Grand Vitara and the Creta offers 6 airbags in the higher trims.
