Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: Which Car Is Faster And More Frugal?

  • Published December 18, 2022
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To find that out, we strap our VBoxes on, head to our test location and put both vehicles under comprehensive amount of road-testing to bring you the answer

In this latest report of Zig’s performance comparo, we bring you two unique vehicles from the same price bracket: the Tata Punch and Citroen C3. The Punch is a micro SUV, while the C3 is a hatchback with rugged styling touches. And even though they are from different segments, the pricing of both models overlap and even their specifications are nearly identical. 

So, which model is faster and sips the least amount of fuel. To find that out, we line up the naturally aspirated petrol variants of both cars paired with a stick shifter. 

Spec Check 

 

Citroen C3

Tata Punch 

Engine 

1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol

1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol

Power (PS)

82PS 

86PS 

Torque (Nm)

115Nm

113Nm

Transmission Options 

5-speed manual 

5-speed manual

Tata Punch First Drive

Both models get a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine putting out nearly identical power figures and come paired with a five-speed manual ‘box. However, if you want a more powerful option, the C3 gets the choice of a 110PS turbo-petrol engine. But, if you want convenience, the Punch gets the choice of a five-speed AMT. 

Acceleration Test 

 

Citroen C3

Tata Punch 

0-100kmph 

14.32 seconds 

16.81 seconds

40-100kmph (fourth gear)

22.04 seconds 

21.54 seconds

While getting off the line, both models get off to a slightly poor start, especially the C3 because it has a soft limiter. That said, the C3’s naturally aspirated motor is much more energetic and free-revving, and as a result, crosses the line almost 2.5 seconds quicker than the Punch. However, it’s not all rosy for the Citroen. 

Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio N vs XUV700: Similar Diesel Power Plants, Different States Of Tune

The C3 has tall gear ratios that are focussed on improving efficiency. As a result, the Citroen is a smidge slower than the Punch when it comes to roll-on acceleration. 

Fuel Efficiency Test 

 

Citroen C3

Tata Punch 

City 

15.18kmpl 

13.86kmpl

Highway 

20.27kmpl

17.08kmpl

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Despite both models putting out nearly identical numbers, the C3 is the more fuel-efficient car in this test. That’s because the more responsive engine and taller gear ratios in the C3 allow you to stay in a higher gear, and doesn’t require frequent downshifts every now and then and as a result, sips less fuel.  

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Brezza Automatic: The Familial Feud!

Price And Verdict 

 

Citroen C3

Tata Punch 

Ex-showroom Price

Rs 5.88 lakh to Rs 8.15 lakh 

Rs 6 lakh to Rs 9.54 lakh 

While the Citroen might have better outright acceleration, its roll-on acceleration is a tad slower than the Punch. On the other hand, the C3 redeems itself by offering better fuel efficiency and an engine that requires less effort to keep it going. In the Punch, you do need to work the ‘box to keep the vehicle moving, hampering fuel efficiency. As a result, the C3 is our pick and wins this particular test.

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