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Citroen C3 vs Kia Picanto – Which model is better for everyday use?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Citroen C3 or Kia Picanto?

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Urban Terrain: Citroen C3 vs. Kia Picanto

In the bustling world of compact cars, two models stand out for their distinct characteristics and appeal—Citroen C3 and Kia Picanto. As city dwellers increasingly demand efficiency, practicality, and a touch of style in their rides, both vehicles aim to deliver an exceptional urban driving experience. This article provides a detailed comparison of their technical aspects and innovations, helping you make an informed choice.

Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Design and Dimensions

The Citroen C3 adopts the SUV styling with a length of 4015 mm, a width of 1755 mm, and a height of 1567 mm, giving it a commanding presence on the road. It echoes robustness and modern flair with its dynamic design.

On the other hand, the Kia Picanto comes in a compact hatchback form. With dimensions of 3605 mm in length, 1595 mm in width, and 1485 mm in height, it’s designed to navigate city streets with agility and ease. The Picanto's design philosophy centers around nimbleness and a youthful demeanor.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Under the Hood

The Citroen C3 offers a diverse range of powertrains to suit different preferences, including petrol, electric, and petrol mild-hybrid options. The petrol engine variant delivers up to 113 HP, while the electric version boasts a power output of 83 kW with a noteworthy range of up to 326 kilometers on a full charge. This versatility extends to its transmission choices as well, offering manual and dual-clutch automatic gearboxes.

Conversely, the Kia Picanto is powered by a petrol engine with available power outputs of 63 to 79 HP, emphasizing simplicity and efficiency. It includes options for a manual or automated manual transmission, prioritizing ease of use for city navigation.

Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Performance and Efficiency

When it comes to performance, the Citroen C3 impresses with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time as fast as 9.9 seconds in its petrol mild-hybrid variant, alongside a top speed of 183 km/h. Its fuel consumption is efficient, with figures ranging around 5.5 to 5.6 L/100km for petrol versions, making it a viable option for both daily commutes and longer journeys.

The Kia Picanto is tuned for practicality and economics, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in as little as 13.1 seconds. Its top speed ranges up to 159 km/h, making it a competent performer against urban traffic. Its fuel efficiency is commendable, averaging between 5.2 and 5.7 L/100km depending on the variant.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Interior and Cargo Space

Step inside the Citroen C3, and you will be welcomed by a spacious interior that seats five, complemented by a trunk capacity of 310 liters. Its SUV form factor contributes to a generous amount of headroom and legroom, ensuring that passengers travel in comfort.

The Kia Picanto, seating four to five passengers, features a practical interior with a trunk capacity of 255 liters. Although more compact, it is designed cleverly to maximize space, making it highly functional for urban users looking to optimize load space.

Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Conclusion

In summary, both the Citroen C3 and Kia Picanto are exceptional city cars tailored to distinct tastes. The C3 sets itself apart with its versatile powertrains and spacious SUV design suitable for drivers who desire added performance and space. Meanwhile, the Picanto shines through its compact nature, simplicity, and efficiency—ideal for those tackling the urban jungle. Your choice between these two ultimately hinges on prioritizing size and performance versus compactness and economy.

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

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Citroen C3 has a slightly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 13700 £, while the Kia Picanto costs 15300 £. That’s a price difference of around 1595 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Citroen C3 manages with 5 L and is therefore somewhat more efficient than the Kia Picanto with 5.60 L. The difference is about 0.60 L per 100 km.

Picanto @ Kia Corporation

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 Citroen C3 has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 113 HP compared to 68 HP. That’s roughly 45 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Citroen C3 is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 9.90 s, while the Kia Picanto takes 14.60 s. That’s about 4.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Citroen C3 performs slightly better – reaching 183 km/h, while the Kia Picanto tops out at 162 km/h. The difference is around 21 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Citroen C3 pulls convincingly stronger with 205 Nm compared to 96 Nm. That’s about 109 Nm difference.

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 curb weight, Kia Picanto is minimal lighter – 1124 kg compared to 1226 kg. The difference is around 102 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Citroen C3 offers to a small extent more room – 310 L compared to 255 L. That’s a difference of about 55 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Citroen C3 performs slightly better – up to 1220 L, which is about 210 L more than the Kia Picanto.

When it comes to payload, Citroen C3 noticeable takes the win – 423 kg compared to 332 kg. That’s a difference of about 91 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Citroen C3 proves to be wins the duel decisively 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
details

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
CITROEN_C3_25 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media
CITROEN_C3_26 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media
CITROEN_C3_44 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media
12D30_01 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Kia Picanto

5 (1)
rate

Kia Picanto is a cheeky city hatch that squeezes surprising style, practicality and a smile-inducing drive into a pocket-friendly package. It’s ideal for urban buyers who want fuss-free running, effortless parking and a car that punches above its class without pretending to be anything it’s not.

details
Kia_Picanto_GT_Line_MJ21_01 @ Kia Corporation
Kia_Picanto_GT_Line_MJ21_03 @ Kia Corporation
Kia Picanto X-Line_02 @ Kia Corporation
Kia_Picanto_MJ22_Innen_01 @ Kia Corporation

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Costs and Consumption
Price
13700 - 23800 £
Price
15300 - 19300 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 5.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
206 - 324 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
127 - 135 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
44 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1226 - 1518 kg
Curb weight
1124 - 1131 kg
Trunk capacity
310 L
Trunk capacity
255 L
Length
4015 mm
Length
3605 mm
Width
1755 mm
Width
1595 mm
Height
1567 mm
Height
1485 mm
Max trunk capacity
1220 L
Max trunk capacity
1010 L
Payload
227 - 423 kg
Payload
253 - 332 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Power HP
68 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
14.6 - 17.2 s
Max Speed
125 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
160 - 162 km/h
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
96 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Power kW
50 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
998 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Kia

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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.