VS

Citroen C3 vs Renault Rafale comparison

Compare performance (113 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (14,000 £ vs 37,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 or Renault Rafale?

Citroen C3 vs Renault Rafale: Key differences

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • clearly more electric range
  • significantly lighter
details

Renault Rafale

4.8 (11 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
details

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:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Citroen C3 is considerably cheaper – starting at 14,000 £ , while the Renault Rafale costs 37,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 23,752 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Rafale uses 2 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Citroen C3 with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 3 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Citroen C3 offers clearly more range – reaching up to 325 km, about 228 km more than the Renault Rafale.

Rafale

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 Renault Rafale offers significantly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 187 HP more horsepower.

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

C3

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 is significantly lighter – 1,226 kg compared to 1,734 kg. The difference is around 508 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault Rafale offers clearly more boot space – 627 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 317 L.

When it comes to payload, the Renault Rafale carries very slightly more – 444 kg compared to 423 kg. That’s a difference of about 21 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault Rafale is barely ahead 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 £37,700
Rafale

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2 - 5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 97 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Renault Austral
Renault Rafale
VS
The Renault Austral and Renault Rafale represent two different takes on the modern Renault SUV: the Austral is a practical, family-oriented compact SUV, while the Rafale aims for a sportier, more premium coupé-SUV character. This comparison focuses on real-world driving, features and ownership …
Citroen C3
Citroen C3 Aircross
VS
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 …
Citroen C3
Renault Rafale

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.

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 Rafale

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

details
3889762baac06bae2df96037b1f6e225-l
cfebb339f4dc89e3dc217122d50fd1c5-l
b2cc54a3ff665644e95268836bc0f658-l

Reviews Renault Rafale

4.8 (11 Reviews)
rate
Wiktor
4 Jul 2026, 13:09:04

Comfortable, fast, solidly built, modern, elegant, everyone turns to look at it!

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
andy
19 Jun 2026, 12:58:24

Very good value for money for a well-equipped car.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Low Budget Urus
4 May 2026, 18:28:11

Resonably good, efficiant and very good looking family hyper Hybrid....

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
PILI
18 Feb 2026, 08:48:58

Very good car — responsive, supple, comfortable and reasonably economical. Not quite at the German premium level for noise insulation, but very close... Exceptional chassis.

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
Martin
4 Dec 2025, 08:40:43

As a Rafale owner, I'm happy with my choice. The car is spacious, feels luxurious, quiet, robust and very efficient at the same time. I also feel more “up to date” compared to the RAV4.

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Renault Captur
VS
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
VS
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
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
Peugeot 208
VS
Forget badge snobbery: the Citroën C3 is the comfy, quirky city car that soaks up potholes and prioritises practicality, while the Peugeot 208 feels sharper to drive with a more premium cabin and livelier engines. Pick the C3 for relaxed, characterful motoring and the 208 if you want style and …
Citroen C3
Jeep Avenger
VS
The Citroën C3 and the Jeep Avenger are two compact, city-focused crossovers that target buyers who want practicality, efficiency and a touch of personality. This quick comparison highlights their differences in ride comfort, interior space, fuel economy and features to help you pick the better fit …
Renault Arkana
Renault Rafale
VS
The Renault Arkana and Renault Rafale represent two different takes on Renault's crossover line-up: the Arkana is a compact, value-focused coupe-SUV, while the Rafale aims higher as a larger, more premium fastback crossover packed with technology. This comparison strips away the marketing to help …
Citroen C3
Opel Mokka
VS
Choosing between the Citroën C3 and the Opel Mokka comes down to whether you want a cozy, city-friendly hatchback or a taller, more SUV-like compact—both are practical but aimed at different buyers. The C3 focuses on comfort, quirky style and efficient urban driving, while the Mokka offers a higher …
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 …
Citroen C3
Renault Rafale

Costs and Consumption
Price
14,000 - 24,700 £
Price
37,700 - 49,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2 - 5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
212 - 325 km
Electric Range
97 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
43 - 108 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,226 - 1,518 kg
Curb weight
1,734 - 2,025 kg
Trunk capacity
310 L
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,755 mm
Width
1,886 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
227 - 423 kg
Payload
415 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
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.