VS

Citroen C3 vs Renault R5 comparison

Compare performance (113 HP vs 540 HP), boot space and price (13,700 £ vs 23,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 or Renault R5?

Citroen C3 vs Renault R5: Key differences

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • slightly lighter

Renault R5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • a bit more efficient
  • slightly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally more trunk space

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

The New Contenders: Citroen C3 vs. Renault R5

In the ever-evolving automotive world, the battle for compact car supremacy intensifies with the electrifying face-off between the Citroen C3 and the Renault R5. As these automotive giants innovate and push boundaries, we delve into their technical prowess and explore the groundbreaking features that set them apart. Both models promise a unique, dynamic driving experience, blending style and efficiency.

R5

Design and Body Type

The Citroen C3 characterizes itself as a charming SUV, with a remarkable length of 4015 mm and a height of 1567 mm, lending it a robust and confident stance. Meanwhile, the Renault R5 emerges as a stylish hatchback, featuring a compact 3922 mm in length and a height of 1498 mm. Both cars comfortably seat five passengers, providing ample space for a small family or a group of friends. The trunk capacity also offers competitive storage, with the C3 at 310 liters and the R5 slightly ahead with 326 liters.

C3

Engine Performance and Efficiency

The Citroen C3 comes in versatile engine options, including petrol, Electric, and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV), catering to a broader audience. The petrol variant churns out 101 to 113 HP, whereas the electric version offers up to 326 km of range, with an efficiency of 17.1 kWh/100km. Notably, the petrol variant achieves a fuel consumption of 5.5-5.6 L/100km.

Renault R5 offers an all-electric experience, eliminating CO2 emissions entirely. With power outputs ranging from 95 to 150 HP and a torque of up to 245 Nm, the R5 guarantees a lively drive. Its energy efficiency is laudable, consuming just 14.8 kWh/100km and offering an impressive range of up to 405 km.

R5

Speed and Handling

When it comes to acceleration, the Citroen C3 exhibits respectable performance with a 0-100 km/h time between 9.9 to 11 seconds. The maximum speed reaches up to 183 km/h in its petrol guise. The Renault R5, with its sprightly 0-100 km/h time of 8 to 9 seconds, reaches a top speed of 150 km/h, making it slightly quicker off the line.

C3

Transmission and Driving Dynamics

Both cars offer front-wheel-drive configurations. The C3 comes with a range of transmissions, including a manual gearbox, reduction gearbox, and a dual-clutch automatic, providing drivers flexible choices for various driving preferences. The Renault R5 features a single reduction gearbox, emphasizing a seamless and straightforward driving experience.

R5

Innovation and Environmental Impact

In terms of innovation, Citroen's hybrid model holds a strong allure, merging classic fuel dynamics with new-age electric efficiency. However, the Renault R5's full-electric nature stands as a testament to the future of sustainable driving. Both models have laudable efforts toward reducing environmental footprint, with the C3's electric version and the R5 earning an A CO2 efficiency class.

C3

Conclusion

The Citroen C3 and Renault R5 exemplify modern automotive engineering's potential, presenting compelling options for those seeking a harmonious blend of style, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. While the Citroen C3 offers multiple powertrain choices to suit various lifestyles, the Renault R5 represents a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative with its full-electric power. Ultimately, the choice between these two will come down to personal preference and priorities, whether they lean more towards versatility or a greener tomorrow.

Frequently compared as well

Renault R5
Nissan Micra
VS
The cheeky, retro-modern Renault 5 squares up against the urbane, sensible Nissan Micra — two compact contenders fighting for your city keys. We’ll compare style, practicality, driving feel and running costs to find out which is the smarter buy for everyday life.
Renault R5
VW ID.3
VS
The Renault 5 arrives as a cheeky retro reboot — compact, full of personality and perfect for nimble city living — while the VW ID.3 plays the sensible electric family car, offering more range, room and that reassuringly German calm. If you want fun and style for town runs choose the Renault 5; if …

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

C3

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Citroen C3 is substantially cheaper – starting at 13,700 £ , while the Renault R5 costs 23,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,209 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Renault R5 is a bit more efficient: consuming 14.8 kWh/100km compared to 16.7 kWh/100km for the Citroen C3. That’s a difference of about 1.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Renault R5 offers slightly more range – reaching up to 405 km, about 80 km more than the Citroen C3.

R5

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 Renault R5 offers significantly more power – delivering 540 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 427 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault R5 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.9 s. That’s about 6.4 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Renault R5 is significantly faster – reaching 270 km/h, while the Citroen C3 tops out at 132 km/h. The difference is around 138 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Renault R5 delivers clearly more torque with 4,800 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 4,595 Nm more.

C3

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 terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 is slightly lighter – 1,226 kg compared to 1,447 kg. The difference is around 221 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault R5 offers marginally more boot space – 326 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 16 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Citroen C3 offers very slightly more capacity – up to 1,220 L, about 114 L more than the Renault R5.

When it comes to payload, the Citroen C3 carries only slightly more – 423 kg compared to 418 kg. That’s a difference of about 5 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault R5 holds a decisive 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 £23,900
R5

Renault R5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 540 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.8 - 15.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 307 - 405 km
details
Citroen C3
Renault R5

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 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
CITROEN_C3_26
CITROEN_C3_44
12D30_01

Reviews Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate

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

Renault R5

The Renault 5 is a cheeky city car that marries retro charm with modern flair, its playful looks promising smiles before you even start the engine. Practical enough for daily life yet lively enough to make short trips feel like mini adventures, it’s an irresistible choice for buyers who prefer personality to bland practicality.

details
D9BB3E56-4B0D-4E48-A734-11A1714B92A5
79A3C149-BC71-4BE3-A149-986DD84D251C
DDEACB99-545B-4C72-B12C-AB35E7B77365

Reviews Renault R5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Walter
4 Nov 2025, 21:42:46

Practical, nimble, and fun to drive. For rather small drivers up to 1.75 m there's plenty of space even on the back seat. Useful driver-assist systems, and Android Auto works well. Very economical in summer. In winter a lot of energy is used in the first five minutes to bring the battery up to 20°C, which makes consumption on short winter trips very high.

Frequently compared as well

CUPRA Born
Renault R5
VS
The CUPRA Born feels grown-up and focused — a proper hot‑hatch–inspired EV with genuine pace, sensible range and more practical space than its looks suggest, while the Renault 5 is a cheeky, retro‑flavoured city car built to charm tight streets rather than scorch the autobahn. Choose the Born if …
Citroen C3
Renault Clio
VS
City supermini buyers face a tasty dilemma: the Citroën C3 charms with cosy ride comfort, playful looks and practical flair, while the Renault Clio answers with sharper handling, a more premium cabin and smarter tech. Choose the C3 if you prioritise comfort and personality; pick the Clio if you …
BYD Dolphin
Renault R5
VS
If you want no-nonsense electric practicality and impressive value for daily miles, the BYD Dolphin delivers usable range, clever packaging and tech that actually matters without breaking the bank. The Renault 5, meanwhile, sacrifices a little practicality for irresistible retro charm and …
Renault R5
Renault Twingo
VS
Renault R5 and Renault Twingo go head-to-head as the ultimate city-car choices: the retro‑chic R5 brings bold styling and contemporary tech, while the cheeky Twingo trades flair for ultra‑agile practicality and clever packaging. Choosing between them isn’t about specs on paper so much as …
Citroen C3
Opel Corsa
VS
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; …
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
Citroen C3 Aircross
VS
The Citroën C3 is a cheeky, city-friendly hatch that’s easy to park, light on fuel and happy to nip through tight streets, while the Citroën C3 Aircross trades some of that nimbleness for SUV hauteur, extra interior space and a much more practical boot. Choose the C3 for pure urban agility and …
Ford Puma
Renault R5
VS
The Ford Puma is a practical, punchy compact crossover — roomy, fun to drive and full of clever storage — while the Renault 5 returns as a cheeky, retro-styled city car (now electric), favouring charm and efficiency over outright versatility. If you need everyday space and a grin on country lanes, …
Citroen C3
Renault R5

Costs and Consumption
Price
13,700 - 24,600 £
Price
23,900 - 137,100 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
212 - 325 km
Electric Range
307 - 405 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
40 - 52 kWh
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
2 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
3 - 5
Curb weight
1,226 - 1,518 kg
Curb weight
1,447 - 1,524 kg
Trunk capacity
310 L
Trunk capacity
326 L
Length
4,015 mm
Length
3,922 - 4,080 mm
Width
1,755 mm
Width
1,744 - 2,030 mm
Height
1,567 mm
Height
1,380 - 1,498 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,220 L
Max trunk capacity
1,106 L
Payload
227 - 423 kg
Payload
396 - 418 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Power HP
122 - 540 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 9 s
Max Speed
132 km/h
Max Speed
150 - 270 km/h
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
225 - 4,800 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Power kW
90 - 397 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,027
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Renault
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.