Citroen C3 vs Maruti WagonR

In the Indian automotive market, cars that cost under Rs. 10 Lakh are among the ones that are sold the most. And the sales numbers shoot up, if it’s an SUV. SUVs under Rs 10 lakh are the best possible combination. On the contrary, cars that have an excellent reputation also sell. Well, in these two categories with have the new Citroen C3 on one corner, and on the other end, we have the OG Maruti Suzuki WagonR.

Although, Citron claims that the C3 is a part of the premium hatchback and not an SUV, but its aesthetics say otherwise. With that out of the way, just imagine the top-end trims on a so-called affordable hatchback co-insides with the premium hatchback (silently and SUV).

Speaking of which, the Feel trim of the Citroen C3 costs Rs. 6.78 Lakh (ex-showroom). Similar to that, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR ZXI Plus now sets back at a whopping Rs. 6.57 Lakh (ex-showroom). After all the affordable hatchback is not so affordable now.

Rear to know: Can The Citroen C3 Create A Micro-SUV Segment In India?

With Rs. 21,000 separating both the cars, is the new Citroen C3 worth the extra? Let’s find out.

Aesthetics and Dimensions

By now everyone in India is familiar with the WagonR design and no one can go wrong in guessing it on the road. It’s boxy, it’s tall, and somewhat looks boring.

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On the other hand, according to Citroen, the C3 is a premium hatchback, although it looks like a Compact SUV.

Visually, the Citroen seems what is on paper. The Citroen C3 is sure longer, wider, and also has a longer wheelbase. What all this translates is to a bigger, a lot bigger room on the inside. On the contrary, Maruti Suzuki WagonR is taller than the Citroen C3, but that is something that is best to have less of it.

Although on paper, the boot space of WagonR is more, in real life just by seeing, Citroen C3 looks a lot larger. Moreover, according to the brochure, it does say something about the testing standards that might have given WagonR a bigger room. Well, see for yourself.

Engine and Transmission

Well, for the price, both the cars come with a similar configuration of the engine with similar specifications. Under the hood, both the cars come with a 1.2litre 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. The Citroen also gets a turbo petrol engine, but it also costs more.

With that said, the one in the WagonR is capable of generating 88bhp and 113Nm of max torque. The one in the C3 is a little low on power. It generates peak power of 80bhp and 115Nm of peak torque. Although the cars we are comparing today come equipped with a manual transmission, it is the WagonR that gets an option of a 5-speed AMT automatic.

Features | The Catch

The creature comforts, features, gadgets and gizmos are the most differentiating or rather deciding factors for both cars. One of which comes loaded with features and the other barely stretches the list and mostly comes with accessories.

Although Citroen lacks features and feels barebone inside, it comes loaded with a safety kit as standard except for the speed sensing door look system. This is something that is part of the top-end trim.

Verdict | Citroen C3 or Maruti Suzuki WagonR ?

Both the vehicles look overpriced for what they offer. Where WagonR gets more basic features right, it is the Citroen C3 which is spacious on the inside, with limited creature comforts. But there is a thing, many features come as accessories and the aftermarket is also flooded with them. You know where is this going, right? And if it is performance you are after, Citroen has got you covered.

On the other hand, WagonR also comes with an option of factory-fitted CNG. Which in the long run will sip less of your wallet.

Well, it boils down to preference. If creature comfort is what you cannot live with, there is the obvious answer. And if you want performance when we’d suggest increasing the budget.

Let us know in the comment section, what will you prefer in this price range. Citroen, WagonR or something another thing altogether.

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