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Citroen C3 vs Dacia Sandero comparison

Compare performance (113 HP vs 122 HP), boot space and price (14,000 £ vs 11,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 or Dacia Sandero?

Citroen C3 vs Dacia Sandero: Key differences

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly more efficient
details

Dacia Sandero

3.4 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • barely more power
  • only slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly lighter
  • slightly more trunk space
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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

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

C3

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Dacia Sandero is clearly cheaper – starting at 11,000 £ , while the Citroen C3 costs 14,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,000 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Citroen C3 uses 5 L/100km and is only slightly more efficient than the Dacia Sandero with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 0.3 L/100km.

Sandero

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 Dacia Sandero offers barely more power – delivering 122 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 9 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Dacia Sandero is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 9.7 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.9 s. That’s about 0.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Citroen C3 delivers very slightly more torque with 205 Nm compared to 200 Nm. That’s about 5 Nm more.

C3

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Dacia Sandero is slightly lighter – 1,100 kg compared to 1,226 kg. The difference is around 126 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Sandero offers slightly more boot space – 372 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 62 L.

When it comes to payload, the Dacia Sandero carries barely more – 436 kg compared to 423 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Citroen C3 holds a narrow overall lead 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 £14,000
C3

Citroen C3

  • Engine Type Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 101 - 113 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5 - 5.6 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 212 - 325 km
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Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Citroen C3 Aircross
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Deciding between the Citroën C3 and the Citroën C3 Aircross is basically a choice between a compact, city-focused hatch and a taller, more practical crossover. The C3 prioritises nimble handling, simplicity and economy for urban driving, while the C3 Aircross adds higher ride height, extra interior …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
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The Dacia Duster and Dacia Sandero are budget-friendly staples from the same brand, but they serve very different needs: the Duster is a compact SUV with higher ground clearance and more interior space, while the Sandero is a practical, economical hatchback ideal for city driving. This comparison …
Citroen C3
Dacia Sandero

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Citroen C3

The Citroën C3 is a stylish and practical small hatchback that puts comfort and a calm urban driving experience at the top of its list. With its distinctive looks and thoughtful interior touches, it suits buyers who want personality and everyday usability without drama.

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CITROEN_C3_26
CITROEN_C3_44
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Reviews Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero is a no-nonsense hatchback that prioritises practicality and low running costs, making it a smart choice for budget-minded buyers. It delivers a surprisingly roomy interior and straightforward, useful equipment so you get everyday usability without paying for unnecessary frills.

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d220195p
d220191p
d220190p

Reviews Dacia Sandero

3.4 (6 Reviews)
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Kamil
1 Jun 2026, 17:18:36

The Dacia Sandero is really great compared to the VW Polo, which I also have the pleasure of driving — more power, quicker acceleration, lots of space inside for five people as well as a large boot, and for me it’s a great car at a good price.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Thierry
14 Apr 2026, 21:55:26

New car — but problems: water ingress in a vehicle that's only two years old, mould forming, a defective front plate and a black stain.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Le
9 Mar 2026, 11:19:49

Hello — having tried the Sandero Stepway Extreme Auto 120.
The big downside is at the front, where large consoles on both the passenger and driver doors create a feeling that, as the kilometres go by, you have to drive with your knees squeezed together. On top of that, the small compartment between the two seats is more cumbersome than practical.
The rear seats are really spacious.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Citroen C4
VS
The Citroën C3 is the cheeky city hatch that charms with low running costs, soft suspension and easy parking, while the Citroën C4 stretches into crossover territory with more space, stronger engines and sharper tech. If you mostly nip around town grab the C3 for its thrift and comfort; if you want …
Citroen C3
Opel Corsa
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The Citroën C3 charms with its quirky French flair, plush seats and a ride tuned more for comfort than cornering, while the Opel Corsa plays the sensible all-rounder with sharper handling, a tidier cabin and a broader engine lineup. If you want personality and city-friendly cushioning, pick the C3; …
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Choosing between the Dacia Sandero and the Renault Captur comes down to whether you prioritise affordable, no-nonsense practicality or a more refined, crossover-style package with extra equipment. The Sandero delivers exceptional value and low running costs, while the Captur offers more comfort, …
Citroen C3
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Choosing between the Citroën C3 and the Renault Captur comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused hatch with quirky styling or a slightly larger, more versatile crossover with a higher driving position. I’ll compare practicality, fuel economy, driving feel and value so you can pick …
Citroen C3
Fiat Grande Panda
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Comparing the Citroën C3 and the Fiat Panda shows two different takes on small cars: the C3 emphasises comfort, style and a quieter ride, while the Panda prioritises practicality, space efficiency and rugged simplicity. Choose the C3 for a refined, tech-friendly city runabout; choose the Panda for …
Citroen C3
Fiat Panda
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Choosing between the Citroën C3 and the Fiat Panda often comes down to whether you want a comfort-focused, stylish city hatch or a no-nonsense, practical small car. I’ll highlight the key differences in interior space, fuel economy, driving feel and running costs so you can decide which suits your …
Dacia Sandero
Kia Stonic
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The Dacia Sandero and Kia Stonic target buyers who want compact practicality, but they take very different approaches — Sandero focuses on low cost and straightforward utility while the Stonic offers more style, features and refinement. This quick comparison highlights where each model shines so …
Citroen C3
MG MG3
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Comparing the Citroën C3 and the MG3 puts two budget-friendly city hatchbacks head-to-head: the C3 leans toward comfort, distinctive styling and a refined ride, while the MG3 focuses on low cost, generous interior space and straightforward practicality. If you value a plush, design-led small car go …
Citroen C3
Dacia Sandero

Costs and Consumption
Price
14,000 - 24,700 £
Price
11,000 - 16,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
212 - 325 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
111 - 131 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,226 - 1,518 kg
Curb weight
1,100 - 1,297 kg
Trunk capacity
310 L
Trunk capacity
328 - 372 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,755 mm
Width
1,853 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
227 - 423 kg
Payload
385 - 436 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Power HP
67 - 122 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.7 - 16.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Power kW
49 - 90 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Dacia
What drivetrain options does the Citroen C3 have?

The Citroen C3 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

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.