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@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Citroen C3 vs VW Golf – Which model is better for everyday use?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Citroen C3 or VW Golf fits your lifestyle better.

Citroen C3

VW Golf

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

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Citroen C3 has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 13700 £, while the VW Golf costs 25200 £. That’s a price difference of around 11490 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Citroen C3 with 5 L. The difference is about 3.90 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Citroen C3 performs clearly better – achieving up to 324 km, about 181 km more than the VW Golf.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 VW Golf has a decisively edge – offering 333 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 220 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.90 s. That’s about 5.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs noticeable better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Citroen C3 tops out at 183 km/h. The difference is around 87 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls clearly stronger with 420 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 215 Nm difference.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

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 curb weight, Citroen C3 is minimal lighter – 1226 kg compared to 1307 kg. The difference is around 81 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers somewhat more room – 381 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 71 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf performs barely noticeable better – up to 1237 L, which is about 17 L more than the Citroen C3.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf somewhat takes the win – 508 kg compared to 423 kg. That’s a difference of about 85 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

Citroen C3
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 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.

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

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

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DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02120_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02082_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02081_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02087_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02105_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Reviews Citroen C3

Reviews VW Golf

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Costs and Consumption
Price
13700 - 23800 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
206 - 324 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
44 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1226 - 1518 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
310 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4015 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1755 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1567 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1220 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
227 - 423 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
125 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Citroen
Brand
VW

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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.

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