Compare performance (145 HP vs 145 HP), boot space and price (16,200 £ vs 20,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 Aircross or Vauxhall Frontera?
The subcompact SUV market has been transformed with the introduction of versatile models that promise not only style but also performance and practicality. In this comparison, we will delve into two intriguing contenders: the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Opel Frontera. Both vehicles boast features that cater to modern drivers, but which one reigns supreme in the SUV segment?
The Citroën C3 Aircross presents a bold and lovable look with its SUV styling. Measuring 4,395 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, and standing at 1,660 mm tall, it offers a commanding presence on the road. Not to be outdone, the Opel Frontera is slightly shorter at 4,385 mm, yet maintains the same width and an overall height of 1,635 mm. Both vehicles embody the essence of an SUV, with the C3 Aircross providing a cabin that feels spacious and airy, perfect for urban and outdoor excursions alike.
Performance is a critical aspect of any car comparison. The Citroën C3 Aircross offers a variety of powertrains, including petrol MHEV, standard petrol, and an electric option. Its petrol engines output power ranging from 101 HP to 136 HP and feature advanced technology designed to optimize fuel consumption, yielding figures between 5.5 and 6.2 L/100 km. Additionally, its electric variant provides a range of up to 306 km on a single charge, marking its relevance in a progressively green automotive landscape.
On the other hand, the Opel Frontera offers a potent mix of power options with similar output and technical specifications. Both vehicles come with an electric variant; however, the Frontera leads with a top max speed of 190 km/h compared to the C3 Aircross's 179 km/h. Both models are equipped with front-wheel drive and multiple transmission options, including dual-clutch automatics for seamless power delivery.
When it comes to acceleration, the C3 Aircross records a 0-100 km/h time of up to 11.4 seconds, showcasing its capability in everyday driving scenarios. The Opel Frontera outshines with slightly quicker acceleration figures, ranging from 9 to 12.1 seconds, enhancing its appeal for those who prioritize a spirited driving experience.
Inside, both vehicles boast an array of tech features and spacious cabin layouts. The C3 Aircross features comfortable seating for five and offers generous trunk space of 460 liters, making it practical for weekend getaways or grocery runs. Apart from a comparable seating capacity, the Frontera gives a nod to versatility with an option for a seven-seater configuration, making it a more suitable choice for larger families or groups.
Fuel efficiency is a crucial element for eco-conscious consumers. The C3 Aircross records CO2 emissions of 125 g/km for its petrol engines, while the Frontera performs admirably with slightly lower emissions of 122 g/km. Both vehicles come with a fuel tank capacity of 44 liters, supporting long-distance travel without frequent stops.
Safety is paramount in today's automotive designs. The C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera come equipped with advanced safety features that assist drivers in ensuring the well-being of themselves and their passengers. Innovations such as lane departure warning, parking assistance, and adaptive cruise control can be expected in both models, setting a high standard in their respective classes.
In this face-off, the Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera both present compelling packages for consumers in search of an SUV that combines comfort, performance, and practicality. The C3 Aircross offers modern aesthetics and a slightly more efficient ride, while the Frontera gives emphasis on performance and versatility with its seating options. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your individual driving needs and lifestyle preferences.
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 is clearly cheaper – starting at 16,200 £ , while the Vauxhall Frontera costs 20,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,543 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Vauxhall Frontera uses 5.2 L/100km and is only slightly more efficient than the Citroen C3 Aircross with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 0.1 L/100km.
In terms of energy consumption, the Vauxhall Frontera is marginally more efficient: consuming 15.8 kWh/100km compared to 16.1 kWh/100km for the Citroen C3 Aircross. That’s a difference of about 0.3 kWh/100km.
As for electric range, the Vauxhall Frontera offers barely more range – reaching up to 408 km, about 8 km more than the Citroen C3 Aircross.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
Both models deliver identical power – 145 HP each.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Vauxhall Frontera is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 9.1 s, while the Citroen C3 Aircross takes 12.3 s. That’s about 3.2 s quicker.
There’s no difference in top speed – both reach 143 km/h.
Both models offer the same torque – 230 Nm.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Seats: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.
In terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 Aircross is only slightly lighter – 1,312 kg compared to 1,394 kg. The difference is around 82 kg.
Boot capacity is identical – both offer 460 L of storage.
Maximum load volume is the same – both hold up to 1,600 L.
When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries somewhat more – 570 kg compared to 462 kg. That’s a difference of about 108 kg.
The Vauxhall Frontera stands out in the key areas 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.
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.
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The Opel Frontera wears its rugged, go-anywhere intentions proudly, serving up a simple, no-nonsense package that feels as comfortable off the beaten track as it does at the supermarket. It won’t set hearts racing with glamour, but its honest practicality and rugged charm make it a smart pick for buyers who prefer substance over style.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
16,200 - 28,900 £
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Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
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Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.9 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
16.1 - 18.3 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 18.3 kWh/100km
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Electric Range
303 - 400 km
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Electric Range
305 - 408 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
0 - 134 g/km
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co2
0 - 119 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5 - 7
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,312 - 1,608 kg
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Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
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Trunk capacity
460 L
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Trunk capacity
460 L
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Length
4,395 mm
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Length
4,385 mm
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Width
1,795 mm
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Width
1,795 mm
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Height
1,640 mm
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Height
1,635 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1,600 L
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Max trunk capacity
1,600 L
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Payload
407 - 462 kg
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Payload
436 - 570 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
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Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
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Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
101 - 145 HP
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Power HP
110 - 145 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.3 - 13 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
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Max Speed
143 km/h
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Max Speed
143 km/h
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Torque
125 - 230 Nm
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Torque
125 - 230 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3
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Number of Cylinders
3
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Power kW
74 - 107 kW
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Power kW
81 - 107 kW
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Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
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Brand
Citroen
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Brand
Vauxhall
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España