@ Audi AG
@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
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Audi A1 vs Citroen C3 – Which model is better for everyday use?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A1 or Citroen C3?

A1 @ Audi AG

The Ultimate Showdown: Audi A1 vs Citroën C3

In the ever-evolving landscape of compact cars, the 2024 Audi A1 and the Citroën C3 are locking horns, each vying to capture the hearts of urban drivers. These two vehicles, though similar in size, offer unique experiences tailored to different driving preferences. Let's dive into the details to see how they stack up against each other.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Design and Dimensions

The Audi A1 exudes sophistication with its sleek hatchback silhouette, measuring between 4029 mm to 4046 mm in length, which strikes a balance between agility and space. It's noticeably lower than its rival with a height ranging from 1409 mm to 1459 mm, contributing to its sporty appeal.

On the other hand, the Citroën C3 embraces a more rugged SUV aura, standing taller at 1567 mm. Its width of 1755 mm and length of 4015 mm provide a juxtaposition of compactness and enhanced road presence, ideal for drivers who prefer a commanding view of the road.

A1 @ Audi AG

Power and Performance

Audi's A1 comes equipped with a range of petrol engines, offering power from 95 HP up to an exhilarating 207 HP. Its impressive acceleration spans from 11.5 seconds down to a zippy 6.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h, ensuring a spirited drive. The top speed can reach up to 245 km/h, with torque peaking at 320 Nm, available in both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

The Citroën C3 offers a versatile engine lineup, including petrol, electric, and mild hybrid options. The petrol engines offer 101 HP to 113 HP, achieving a modest acceleration time from 9.9 to 11 seconds. What's notable is the pure electric variant boasting up to 326 km of electric range, emphasizing eco-friendly driving while reaching a top speed of 135 km/h.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Audi's A1 offers commendable fuel efficiency with a consumption rate as low as 5.3 L/100km, and CO2 emissions starting from 120 g/km. However, its overall CO2 efficiency class ranges between D and E, suggesting room for improvement in eco-consciousness.

Citroën C3 shines in this aspect, especially its electric variant, with zero tailpipe emissions and a commendable CO2 efficiency class of A for the hybrid edition. The petrol version maintains efficiency with a consumption rate around 5.5 to 5.6 L/100km.

A1 @ Audi AG

Space and Practicality

The Audi A1, with its trunk capacity of 335 L, offers ample space for everyday use, catering perfectly for those in need of both passenger and cargo space. It can comfortably seat five, with payload capacity scaling between 410 kg to 475 kg.

The Citroën C3, while slightly trailing in trunk capacity at 310 L, compensates with an interesting array of practical features typical of an SUV. It also provides comfortable seating for five and a varied payload capacity ranging from 394 kg to 491 kg, ensuring versatility for diverse lifestyles.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing between the Audi A1 and the Citroën C3 boils down to personal preference and lifestyle. The Audi A1 is ideal for those seeking a luxurious and sporty driving experience. In contrast, the Citroën C3 appeals to the environmentally conscious driver looking for a versatile, city-friendly SUV with electric drive options.

Both cars embody their respective brand’s philosophies and continue to prove that compact cars pack plenty of power, innovation, and charisma within their small stature.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A1 @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Citroen C3 has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 13700 £, while the Audi A1 costs 19700 £. That’s a price difference of around 5966 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Citroen C3 manages with 5 L and is therefore hardly perceptible more efficient than the Audi A1 with 5.20 L. The difference is about 0.20 L per 100 km.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi A1 has a clearly edge – offering 207 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 94 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A1 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.50 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.90 s. That’s about 3.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Audi A1 performs noticeable better – reaching 245 km/h, while the Citroen C3 tops out at 183 km/h. The difference is around 62 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Audi A1 pulls noticeable stronger with 320 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 115 Nm difference.

A1 @ Audi AG

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Audi A1 is barely noticeable lighter – 1175 kg compared to 1226 kg. The difference is around 51 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Audi A1 offers hardly perceptible more room – 335 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 25 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Citroen C3 performs somewhat better – up to 1220 L, which is about 130 L more than the Audi A1.

When it comes to payload, Audi A1 slight takes the win – 470 kg compared to 423 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Audi A1 shows itself to be leaves the rival little chance and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £19,700
A1 @ Audi AG

Audi A1

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 95 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.2 - 6.4 L

Audi A1

The Audi A1 is a compact premium hatch that wraps Audi's polished design and surprisingly grown-up cabin into a city-friendly package. It’s poised and fun to drive, a smart pick for buyers who want luxury flair without the fuss of a bigger car — and it makes tight parking feel almost enjoyable.

details

Citroen C3

The Citroën C3 is a cheeky little city car that turns heads with its bold, quirky styling and a surprisingly comfy, well-thought-out interior. It’s an ideal companion for urban life — easy to park, friendly to drive and built to make everyday trips feel a bit more fun without breaking the bank.

details
Audi A1
Citroen C3
A1 @ Audi AG
C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
19700 - 28300 £
Price
13700 - 23800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 6.4 L
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.2 kWh
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
206 - 324 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
118 - 146 g/km
co2
0 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
44 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
2 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1175 - 1365 kg
Curb weight
1226 - 1518 kg
Trunk capacity
335 L
Trunk capacity
310 L
Length
4029 - 4046 mm
Length
4015 mm
Width
1740 - 1756 mm
Width
1755 mm
Height
1409 - 1459 mm
Height
1567 mm
Max trunk capacity
1090 L
Max trunk capacity
1220 L
Payload
410 - 470 kg
Payload
227 - 423 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 207 HP
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 11.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Max Speed
182 - 245 km/h
Max Speed
125 - 183 km/h
Torque
175 - 320 Nm
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
70 - 152 kW
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, C
Brand
Audi
Brand
Citroen
What drive types are available for the Audi A1?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.