Compare performance (145 HP vs 145 HP), boot space and price (20,700 £ vs 16,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Vauxhall Frontera or Citroen C3 Aircross?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
The subcompact SUV market has been transformed with the introduction of versatile models that promise not only style but also performance and practicality. In this comparison, we will delve into two intriguing contenders: the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Opel Frontera. Both vehicles boast features that cater to modern drivers, but which one reigns supreme in the SUV segment?
The Citroën C3 Aircross presents a bold and lovable look with its SUV styling. Measuring 4,395 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, and standing at 1,660 mm tall, it offers a commanding presence on the road. Not to be outdone, the Opel Frontera is slightly shorter at 4,385 mm, yet maintains the same width and an overall height of 1,635 mm. Both vehicles embody the essence of an SUV, with the C3 Aircross providing a cabin that feels spacious and airy, perfect for urban and outdoor excursions alike.
Performance is a critical aspect of any car comparison. The Citroën C3 Aircross offers a variety of powertrains, including petrol MHEV, standard petrol, and an electric option. Its petrol engines output power ranging from 101 HP to 136 HP and feature advanced technology designed to optimize fuel consumption, yielding figures between 5.5 and 6.2 L/100 km. Additionally, its electric variant provides a range of up to 306 km on a single charge, marking its relevance in a progressively green automotive landscape.
On the other hand, the Opel Frontera offers a potent mix of power options with similar output and technical specifications. Both vehicles come with an electric variant; however, the Frontera leads with a top max speed of 190 km/h compared to the C3 Aircross's 179 km/h. Both models are equipped with front-wheel drive and multiple transmission options, including dual-clutch automatics for seamless power delivery.
When it comes to acceleration, the C3 Aircross records a 0-100 km/h time of up to 11.4 seconds, showcasing its capability in everyday driving scenarios. The Opel Frontera outshines with slightly quicker acceleration figures, ranging from 9 to 12.1 seconds, enhancing its appeal for those who prioritize a spirited driving experience.
Inside, both vehicles boast an array of tech features and spacious cabin layouts. The C3 Aircross features comfortable seating for five and offers generous trunk space of 460 liters, making it practical for weekend getaways or grocery runs. Apart from a comparable seating capacity, the Frontera gives a nod to versatility with an option for a seven-seater configuration, making it a more suitable choice for larger families or groups.
Fuel efficiency is a crucial element for eco-conscious consumers. The C3 Aircross records CO2 emissions of 125 g/km for its petrol engines, while the Frontera performs admirably with slightly lower emissions of 122 g/km. Both vehicles come with a fuel tank capacity of 44 liters, supporting long-distance travel without frequent stops.
Safety is paramount in today's automotive designs. The C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera come equipped with advanced safety features that assist drivers in ensuring the well-being of themselves and their passengers. Innovations such as lane departure warning, parking assistance, and adaptive cruise control can be expected in both models, setting a high standard in their respective classes.
In this face-off, the Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera both present compelling packages for consumers in search of an SUV that combines comfort, performance, and practicality. The C3 Aircross offers modern aesthetics and a slightly more efficient ride, while the Frontera gives emphasis on performance and versatility with its seating options. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your individual driving needs and lifestyle preferences.
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 Aircross is clearly cheaper – starting at 16,200 £ , while the Vauxhall Frontera costs 20,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,543 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Vauxhall Frontera uses 5.2 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the Citroen C3 Aircross with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 0.1 L/100km.
In terms of energy consumption, the Vauxhall Frontera is marginally more efficient: consuming 15.8 kWh/100km compared to 16.1 kWh/100km for the Citroen C3 Aircross. That’s a difference of about 0.3 kWh/100km.
As for electric range, the Vauxhall Frontera offers only slightly more range – reaching up to 408 km, about 8 km more than the Citroen C3 Aircross.
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.
Both models deliver identical power – 145 HP each.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Vauxhall Frontera is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 9.1 s, while the Citroen C3 Aircross takes 12.3 s. That’s about 3.2 s quicker.
Both models offer the same torque – 230 Nm.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Seats: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.
In terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 Aircross is barely lighter – 1,312 kg compared to 1,394 kg. The difference is around 82 kg.
Boot capacity is identical – both offer 460 L of storage.
When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries moderately more – 570 kg compared to 462 kg. That’s a difference of about 108 kg.
The Vauxhall Frontera stands out in the key areas 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.
The Opel Frontera wears its rugged, go-anywhere intentions proudly, serving up a simple, no-nonsense package that feels as comfortable off the beaten track as it does at the supermarket. It won’t set hearts racing with glamour, but its honest practicality and rugged charm make it a smart pick for buyers who prefer substance over style.
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The Citroën C3 Aircross is a cheeky compact SUV that trades bland conformity for playful French character and clever practicality, ideal if you want a car with personality. It soaks up city life with a comfortable ride, inventive cabin tricks and a look that turns heads without asking for attention.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
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Price
16,200 - 28,900 £
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Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.9 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 18.3 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
16.1 - 18.1 kWh/100km
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Electric Range
308 - 408 km
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Electric Range
307 - 400 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
0 - 119 g/km
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co2
0 - 134 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5 - 7
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
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Curb weight
1,312 - 1,608 kg
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Trunk capacity
460 L
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Trunk capacity
460 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,795 mm
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Width
1,795 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
436 - 570 kg
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Payload
407 - 462 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
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Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
110 - 145 HP
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Power HP
101 - 145 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.3 - 13 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
125 - 230 Nm
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Torque
125 - 230 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3
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Number of Cylinders
3
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Power kW
81 - 107 kW
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Power kW
74 - 107 kW
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Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
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Brand
Vauxhall
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Brand
Citroen
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España