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Citroen C3 Aircross vs Nissan Qashqai comparison

Compare performance (145 HP vs 205 HP), boot space and price (16,400 £ vs 29,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 Aircross or Nissan Qashqai?

Citroen C3 Aircross vs Nissan Qashqai: Key differences

Citroen C3 Aircross

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • marginally lighter
details

Nissan Qashqai

4.9 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

C3 Aircross

Compact Showdown: Citroen C3 Aircross vs Nissan Qashqai

In the bustling world of compact SUVs, two contenders stand out: the Citroen C3 Aircross and the Nissan Qashqai. Both offer a blend of style, innovation, and performance tailored for urban adventures. Let’s dissect their technical prowess and see which shines brighter for the 2024 model year.

Qashqai

Engine Options and Performance

The Citroen C3 Aircross presents diversity under its hood with options ranging from a traditional petrol engine to a cutting-edge electric powertrain. With power outputs spanning from 101 HP to 136 HP, it offers a practical balance between power and efficiency. Having a max torque of up to 230 Nm and an acceleration time of 11.4 seconds from 0-100 km/h, it caters well to everyday driving needs.

In contrast, the Nissan Qashqai is driven by a more potent lineup, including petrol mild hybrid and full hybrid options. The power range of 140 to 190 HP, coupled with a torque reaching up to 330 Nm, facilitates a brisk acceleration; the fastest model zooms to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. The Qashqai manages higher maximum speeds, enhancing its appeal for thrill-seekers.

C3 Aircross

Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

C3 Aircross impresses with its eco-friendly credentials, especially in its electric variant boasting an electric range of over 300 km and a consumption as low as 18.2 kWh/100km. For petrol engines, it achieves noteworthy economy with consumption ranging between 5.5 and 6.2 L/100km.

Nissan Qashqai balances performance with fuel efficiency, offering consumption figures between 5.1 and 6.8 L/100km, thanks to its modern hybrid technology. Despite being slightly less efficient in its base models, its overall CO2 efficiency class remains competitive.

Qashqai

Size and Practicality

The Citroen C3 Aircross provides ample space with a trunk capacity of 460 liters, suitable for most family outings. Its dimensions, measuring at 4395 mm in length and 1795 mm in width, strike a balance between compact maneuverability and interior comfort.

Nissan's Qashqai surpasses slightly in bulk, offering a bigger trunk at 504 liters and expanded dimensions of 4425 mm in length and 1835 mm in width, ideal for those who frequently transport larger loads. Its enhanced configuration reflects in its payload capacity—an advantageous factor for adventurous expeditions.

C3 Aircross

Modern Innovations

Both models integrate technological advances, such as advanced driver-assistance systems, smartphone integration, and intuitive infotainment systems. The C3 Aircross shines with standard features like a customizable digital dashboard, whereas the Qashqai emphasizes its seamless hybrid technology and robust safety suite.

Qashqai

Final Verdict

Choosing between the Citroen C3 Aircross and the Nissan Qashqai hinges on individual preferences. The C3 Aircross is perfect for drivers prioritizing urban efficiency and sustainability, particularly in its electric form. Conversely, the Qashqai's superior power, slightly larger frame, and innovative hybrid systems make it a prime choice for families seeking versatility and performance.

No matter the selection, both vehicles reflect modern strides in automotive excellence—testament to the innovative spirit steering the compact SUV segment. Both manufacturers promise a ride that is both dynamic and efficient, with just enough spice to make everyday drives delightfully unforgettable.

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

C3 Aircross

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Citroen C3 Aircross is substantially cheaper – starting at 16,400 £ , while the Nissan Qashqai costs 29,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,157 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Nissan Qashqai uses 4.3 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Citroen C3 Aircross with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 1 L/100km.

Qashqai

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Nissan Qashqai offers markedly more power – delivering 205 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 60 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Nissan Qashqai is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Citroen C3 Aircross takes 12.3 s. That’s about 4.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Qashqai delivers visibly more torque with 330 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.

C3 Aircross

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 terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 Aircross is marginally lighter – 1,312 kg compared to 1,420 kg. The difference is around 108 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Nissan Qashqai offers only slightly more boot space – 504 L compared to 460 L. That’s a difference of about 44 L.

When it comes to payload, the Nissan Qashqai carries slightly more – 516 kg compared to 462 kg. That’s a difference of about 54 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Qashqai leads convincingly in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,600
Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 158 - 205 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.3 - 6.8 L/100km
Citroen C3 Aircross
Nissan Qashqai

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroën C3 Aircross is a compact crossover that stands out with its quirky, friendly styling and a tall, airy cabin that prioritizes comfort. It suits buyers who value flexible interior space, good visibility and easy urban driving over sporty performance.

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Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a compact crossover that blends everyday practicality with a comfortable, composed driving experience and a smart, well finished interior. It feels sensible and versatile for city life and longer trips, appealing to buyers who want a reliable, low fuss family car.

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Citroen C3 Aircross
Nissan Qashqai

Costs and Consumption

Price
16,400 - 29,000 £
Price
29,600 - 39,900 £
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.1 - 18.1 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
307 - 400 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 134 g/km
co2
98 - 152 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,312 - 1,608 kg
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,624 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
479 - 504 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,835 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
407 - 462 kg
Payload
446 - 516 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 145 HP
Power HP
158 - 205 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.3 - 13 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 9.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
260 - 330 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
74 - 107 kW
Power kW
116 - 151 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,498 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Nissan
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.