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Citroen C3 vs Fiat Grande Panda – Which one offers the better deal?

Two cars, one duel: Citroen C3 meets Fiat Grande Panda.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

A Tale of Two Compact SUVs: Citroen C3 vs Fiat Grande Panda

The compact SUV segment has become increasingly competitive, with many automakers aiming to capture the hearts of urban explorers and weekend adventurers alike. Among the sought-after models in this category, the Citroen C3 and Fiat Grande Panda have emerged as notable contenders. Both vehicles offer a mix of style, performance, and innovation, but which one stands out when the details are laid bare? Let’s dive into the technical aspects and innovations of these two compact SUVs to find out.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Design and Dimensions

Starting with the exterior, the Citroen C3 sports a modern design with a length of 4015 mm, width of 1755 mm, and height of 1567 mm. In contrast, the Fiat Grande Panda is slightly shorter at 3999 mm but offers more width and height options ranging from 1763 mm to 1629 mm and a height variation that helps it cater to a variety of tastes.

Both vehicles provide the practicality of a five-door configuration, ensuring easy access to both front and rear seating. The Citroen C3 offers a trunk capacity of 310 liters, while the Grande Panda provides a slightly more spacious boot with capacities ranging from 361 to 412 liters, depending on the configuration.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Powertrain Options

Under the hood, the Citroen C3 offers diverse engine options, including petrol, electric, and petrol MHEV. It features power outputs ranging from 101 to 113 HP. The C3's models are equipped with either manual, reduction, or dual-clutch automatic transmissions, providing flexibility for different driving preferences.

The Fiat Grande Panda, on the other hand, offers primarily electric and petrol MHEV engines, matching the Citroen with power outputs of up to 113 HP. It also employs a reduction gearbox or dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery and a responsive driving experience.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Performance and Efficiency

When it comes to performance, the Citroen C3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in times between 9.9 to 11 seconds, with a top speed reaching up to 183 km/h. Meanwhile, the Grande Panda achieves similar acceleration figures, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10 to 11.5 seconds, and hits a top speed of up to 160 km/h.

Fuel and energy efficiency are critical factors in this segment. The Citroen C3 boasts fuel consumption from 5.5 to 5.6 L/100 km and offers an electric range between 320 and 326 km. The Fiat Grande Panda matches this efficiency closely, with petrol consumption of 5.4 L/100 km and a comparable electric range of 320 km.

Environmental Impact

With environmental consciousness on the rise, CO2 emissions play a significant role in the appeal of these vehicles. The C3 has CO2 outputs ranging from 0 to 126 g/km, depending on the powertrain, aligning it well with modern regulations. The Grande Panda also respects eco-standards, with CO2 emissions ranging from 0 to 123 g/km.

Practicality and Comfort

Both the Citroen C3 and Fiat Grande Panda offer comfortable seating for five passengers, making them suitable for families and group outings. The curb weight of the C3 ranges from 1226 to 1419 kg, while the Grande Panda is slightly heavier, with weights from 1315 to 1550 kg, potentially affecting maneuverability and handling.

In terms of payload, the Grande Panda offers a broader range of 428 to 460 kg, providing slightly more flexibility in carrying cargo compared to the C3's 394 to 491 kg range.

The Verdict

Ultimately, the choice between the Citroen C3 and the Fiat Grande Panda boils down to personal preferences regarding style, driving experience, and specific needs such as cargo space and environmental impact. The C3 shines with its modern design and diverse powertrains, whereas the Grande Panda offers practical space and efficiency.

Both contenders ensure a compelling mix of innovation, practicality, and performance that cater to the demands of today's compact SUV enthusiasts. Whether you lean towards the Citroen C3's dynamic offerings or the spacious and reliable Fiat Grande Panda, both vehicles promise to deliver a rewarding driving experience.

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

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.

Citroen C3 has a a bit advantage in terms of price – it starts at 13700 £, while the Fiat Grande Panda costs 16300 £. That’s a price difference of around 2572 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Citroen C3 manages with 5 L and is therefore barely noticeable more efficient than the Fiat Grande Panda with 5.10 L. The difference is about 0.10 L per 100 km.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Citroen C3: with 16.60 kWh per 100 km, it’s hardly perceptible more efficient than the Fiat Grande Panda with 16.80 kWh. That’s a difference of about 0.20 kWh.

As for range, the Citroen C3 performs minimal better – achieving up to 324 km, about 4 km more than the Fiat Grande Panda.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

Both models deliver identical power – 113 HP each.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Citroen C3 is hardly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 9.90 s, while the Fiat Grande Panda takes 10 s. That’s about 0.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Citroen C3 performs a bit better – reaching 183 km/h, while the Fiat Grande Panda tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 23 km/h.

Both models offer the same torque – 205 Nm.

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, Citroen C3 is slight lighter – 1226 kg compared to 1295 kg. The difference is around 69 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Fiat Grande Panda offers clearly perceptible more room – 412 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 102 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Fiat Grande Panda performs a bit better – up to 1366 L, which is about 146 L more than the Citroen C3.

When it comes to payload, Fiat Grande Panda slight takes the win – 453 kg compared to 423 kg. That’s a difference of about 30 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Citroen C3 proves to be only a minor advantage and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Citroen C3 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £13,700
C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Citroen C3

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Electric, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 101 - 113 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5 - 5.6 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.6 - 17.2 kWh
  • Electric Range : 206 - 324 km

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

Fiat Grande Panda

The Grande Panda is a delightful blend of practicality and charm, making it a popular choice for urban dwellers and families alike. With its compact design, the car navigates city streets effortlessly while providing ample interior space for passengers and cargo. Its quirky styling and user-friendly features make the Grande Panda not just a mode of transport, but a fun driving experience.

details
Citroen C3
Fiat Grande Panda
C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
13700 - 23800 £
Price
16300 - 24000 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 5.7 L
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
16.80 kWh
Electric Range
206 - 324 km
Electric Range
320 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
43.80 kWh
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
0 - 130 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
44 L
Fuel tank capacity
44 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1226 - 1518 kg
Curb weight
1295 - 1554 kg
Trunk capacity
310 L
Trunk capacity
361 - 412 L
Length
4015 mm
Length
3999 mm
Width
1755 mm
Width
1763 mm
Height
1567 mm
Height
1581 - 1629 mm
Max trunk capacity
1220 L
Max trunk capacity
1315 - 1366 L
Payload
227 - 423 kg
Payload
353 - 453 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Power HP
100 - 113 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10 - 11.5 s
Max Speed
125 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
132 - 160 km/h
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
122 - 205 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Fiat
What drive types are available for the Citroen C3?

The Citroen C3 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.