@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
@ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
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Citroen C3 Aircross vs DS Automobiles DS 3 – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 Aircross or DS Automobiles DS 3?

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

C3 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

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 Aircross has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16200 £, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 costs 28400 £. That’s a price difference of around 12257 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: DS Automobiles DS 3 manages with 5 L and is therefore barely noticeable more efficient than the Citroen C3 Aircross with 5.30 L. The difference is about 0.30 L per 100 km.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the DS Automobiles DS 3: with 15.50 kWh per 100 km, it’s slight more efficient than the Citroen C3 Aircross with 16.30 kWh. That’s a difference of about 0.80 kWh.

Range is almost identical – both manage about 400 km on a single charge.

DS 3 @ DS Automobiles / 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 DS Automobiles DS 3 has a hardly perceptible edge – offering 156 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 11 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is distinct quicker – completing the sprint in 9.10 s, while the Citroen C3 Aircross takes 12.30 s. That’s about 3.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Citroen C3 Aircross performs slight better – reaching 201 km/h, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 tops out at 196 km/h. The difference is around 5 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: DS Automobiles DS 3 pulls slightly stronger with 260 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm difference.

C3 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is slight lighter – 1249 kg compared to 1312 kg. The difference is around 63 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Citroen C3 Aircross offers evident more room – 460 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 110 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Citroen C3 Aircross performs distinct better – up to 1600 L, which is about 550 L more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.

When it comes to payload, DS Automobiles DS 3 minimal takes the win – 466 kg compared to 462 kg. That’s a difference of about 4 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Citroen C3 Aircross shows itself to be secures victory with a clear margin 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 £16,200
C3 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Citroen C3 Aircross

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Electric, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 101 - 145 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.3 - 5.9 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.3 - 18.3 kWh
  • Electric Range : 303 - 400 km

Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroën C3 Aircross is a cheeky compact SUV that trades bland conformity for playful French character and clever practicality, ideal if you want a car with personality. It soaks up city life with a comfortable ride, inventive cabin tricks and a look that turns heads without asking for attention.

details

DS Automobiles DS 3

The DS 3 stands out in the compact hatchback segment with its chic design and distinctive styling, making it a popular choice for those seeking a blend of elegance and individuality. Inside, the car boasts a premium interior that emphasizes comfort and cutting-edge technology, creating a delightful driving experience. With its agile handling and spirited performance, the DS 3 is not just about looks; it delivers on the road, ensuring a fun ride for enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.

details
Citroen C3 Aircross
DS Automobiles DS 3
C3 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media
DS 3 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
16200 - 28200 £
Price
28400 - 40500 £
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.9 L
Consumption L/100km
5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
16.3 - 18.3 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
15.50 kWh
Electric Range
303 - 400 km
Electric Range
400 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
51 kWh
co2
0 - 134 g/km
co2
0 - 112 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
44 L
Fuel tank capacity
44 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1312 - 1608 kg
Curb weight
1249 - 1646 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
350 L
Length
4395 mm
Length
4118 mm
Width
1795 mm
Width
1791 mm
Height
1640 - 1660 mm
Height
1534 mm
Max trunk capacity
1600 L
Max trunk capacity
1050 L
Payload
407 - 462 kg
Payload
362 - 466 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 145 HP
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.3 - 13 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Max Speed
143 - 201 km/h
Max Speed
150 - 196 km/h
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
74 - 107 kW
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, C
Brand
Citroen
Brand
DS Automobiles
What drivetrain options does the Citroen C3 Aircross have?

The Citroen C3 Aircross is offered with 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.