Citroen C3 vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Hatchback Rivalry Simplified

The Indian autospace is raining with new entrants from manufacturers flooding the market. While SUVs and SUV-coupes are the talk of the town right now, how can carmakers neglect the mass-market hatchback segment, right? The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios has always been a hit in this segment and with new feature additions made to the Citroen C3, it is viable for us to compare the specification that both these hatchbacks have to offer. Read on to know everything that these two cars have to offer over each other. 

Citroen C3 vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Dimensions

*Without roof rails

It is pretty evident from the table above that the Citroen C3 comes out as an overall larger vehicle in comparison to the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. The C3 scores more by being longer, wider, taller and has a longer wheelbase than the Grand i10 Nios. The longer wheelbase  liberates more cabin space in the interior and the  higher ground clearance will give you the peace of mind while going over those typically bad Indian roads. 

Citroen C3 vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Features 

Both these hatchbacks offer good comfort, convenience and safety features on board with few misses here and there. The Citroen C3 gets a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Grand i10 Nios gets a smaller 8-inch unit. A new feature addition to the C3 is the 7-inch digital driver’s display which is also a miss in the Grand i10 Nios. 

On the other hand, the Grand i10 Nios gets features over the C3 such as 6-airbags as standard from the base model itself, ambient footwell lighting, push button start stop, cruise control, wireless phone charging, and rear AC vents. So while you might get fancy digital displays with the C3, the Grand i10 Nios ticks more boxes with its additional creature comforts.

Citroen C3 vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Powertrain

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios gets a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder NA petrol engine along with the option of a CNG kit as well. The transmission options include a 5-speed manual and an AMT automatic transmission. The CNG variants are limited to the manual transmission option only. 

On the other hand, the Citroen offers the C3 in two different engine options: a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre engine and a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine. The naturally aspirated engine can be opted with a 5-speed manual and the turbo petrol unit can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission and the newly introduced 6-speed automatic transmission. So if you want your hatchback to have a punchy performance, the C3’s turbo-petrol will suit your needs better. Their respective NA petrol engines have very similar outputs, which are adequate for city driving. 

Citroen C3 vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Prices

All prices ex-showroom

The base variant of the Grand i10 Nios is cheaper by Rs 24,000 when compared to the base variant of the C3. The top-spec trim of the C3 on the other hand is more expensive than the top-spec variant of the Grand i10 Nios. 

With both these hatchbacks equally specced and more or less falling in the same price bracket, it completely narrows down to the looks and and personal preference while making a purchase decision. If you want a conventional hatchback, then the Hyundai should be your pick. But if you want your hatchback to have a few SUV-like traits, then you won’t go wrong with the C3. Either way, both the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Citroen C3 are good propositions around the Rs 9 lakh mark.

Which of the two will be your pick of choice and why? Let us know in the comments.