Citroen C3 vs Rivals: Which One Is Quicker & Frugal?

In this edition of Zig’s performance and fuel efficiency report, we lineup three city-friendly hatchbacks: the Citroen C3, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the Maruti Suzuki Swift. All three models in this test feature a naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a manual ‘box and the answer we are going to find today is to see which one is the quickest, while sipping on the least amount of fuel. 

Spec Check 

All three models get a 1.2-litre petrol engine, however, the C3 gets a three-cylinder unit while the other two are fitted with more smoother four-cylinder engines. In terms of power output, they are very closely stacked, with the Swift being the most powerful and the C3 the least. It’s vice versa when it comes to the torque though. 

Except for the C3, the cars in this test offer you the choice of manual and automatic gearbox options. However, if you want more oomph, the C3 offers you a choice of a more powerful 110PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, teamed with a six-speed MT. 

Acceleration Test 

Note: Pre-facelift Grand i10 Nios and the Swift with the older 1.2-litre petrol engine have been tested for performance and fuel efficiency

Its light out and away we go and the Citroen C3 gets off to a slightly poor start due to a soft limiter. The Swift gets off the line briskly and keeps its lead, completing the nought to 100kmph test in a rather brisk 12.71 seconds. The Grand i10 Nios comes a close second, around 0.3 seconds slower than the Swift, while the C3, due to its soft limiter hindering its launch, comes last. 

However, a more realistic way to check out everyday performance is through the roll-on acceleration figures. And it’s the Swift, with its responsive and free-revving engine, that sets the tone here as well. The Citroen C3’s taller gearing hampers its in-gear acceleration time, especially in third gear. However, the C3 is just a smidgen quicker than the i10 in the 40-100kmph run. Just a smidgen. 

Fuel Efficiency Test 

The Swift once again reaps gold in this department. With an effortless engine underneath the hood and light kerb weight, the Swift, staying true to Maruti’s values, is the most fuel-efficient of the lot. The tall gearing in the C3 aiding fuel efficiency means it’s the second most fuel-efficient car in this test, while the i10 Nios comes last. 

Price And Verdict 

In the confines of this test, we have a clear winner. It’s the Maruti Suzuki Swift that sweeps the gold medal. The hatch came first in the performance test, while that doesn’t come at the expense of fuel efficiency, when driven sensibly.