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Renault Clio vs Citroen C3 Aircross comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 145 HP), boot space and price (17,100 £ vs 16,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Clio or Citroen C3 Aircross?

Renault Clio vs Citroen C3 Aircross: Key differences

Renault Clio

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly more power
  • visibly more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter

Citroen C3 Aircross

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • clearly 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.

Clio

Comparing Comfort and Style: Citroën C3 Aircross vs. Renault Clio

When it comes to choosing a car that combines style, efficiency, and practicality, the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Renault Clio stand out as compelling options. Both vehicles find a niche in the competitive subcompact segment but offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and lifestyles. In this article, we will dive deeper into the technical aspects and innovations of both models to help you decide which one fits your needs best.

C3 Aircross

Body and Design: SUV vs. Hatchback

The Citroën C3 Aircross takes the form of a compact SUV with an adventurous spirit. Its dimensions of 4395 mm in length, 1795 mm in width, and a height of 1660 mm provide a rugged stance that attracts those seeking both style and practicality. With a trunk capacity of 460 liters, it excels in spaciousness, making it ideal for families or weekend getaways.

On the other hand, the Renault Clio embraces a more compact hatchback design, measuring 4053 mm in length and 1798 mm in width. While it is slightly shorter than the C3 Aircross, the Clio impresses with a trunk capacity of up to 391 liters. The sleek lines and modern aesthetic of the Clio focus on agility and urban charm, appealing to city dwellers who value maneuverability without sacrificing style.

Clio

Performance and Engine Options

Under the hood, the Citroën C3 Aircross offers a variety of engine choices, including petrol and a petrol MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle). With power outputs ranging from 101 to 136 HP and torque figures between 205 and 230 Nm, the C3 Aircross balances responsiveness with everyday efficiency. The C3 Aircross's fuel consumption is rated at approximately 5.5 to 6.2 L/100 km, making it relatively efficient for its class. Moreover, it provides an electric option with a range of 303 to 306 km, showcasing Citroën's commitment to eco-friendly innovations.

In contrast, the Renault Clio emphasizes fuel efficiency and technology with its engine lineup, which includes a full hybrid option, petrol, and LPG. Power outputs range from 67 to 143 HP, with torque figures from 95 to 205 Nm. The Clio's consumption figures are impressive, with ratings as low as 4.3 L/100 km. With acceleration times ranging from 9.3 to 17.1 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, the Clio shows commendable performance across its range.

C3 Aircross

Transmission and Driving Experience

Both cars offer similar transmission choices, with automatic and manual options. The C3 Aircross features a dual-clutch automatic transmission or a manual gearbox, providing smooth gear shifting and enhancing the driving experience. In comparison, the Clio offers a range of transmission types, including automatic, manual, and CVT, depending on the selected engine. This versatility allows drivers to choose their preferred driving feel, whether it be sporty or smooth.

Clio

Innovations and Technology

The Citroën C3 Aircross boasts advanced safety features and innovative technologies typical of the brand's design philosophy. With a focus on comfort, it incorporates features like a touchscreen infotainment system, connectivity options, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The spacious interior and elevated driving position provide great visibility and comfort for passengers on all fronts.

Meanwhile, the Renault Clio stands out with its modern digital interface and connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, it incorporates numerous safety technologies (including semi-automated driving features) that enhance the driving experience by providing intelligent assistance on the road. The Clio's compact design is complemented by a smart use of interior space, ensuring comfort without sacrificing features.

C3 Aircross

Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?

In conclusion, both the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Renault Clio offer appealing advantages, making them strong contenders in their respective categories. If you prioritize spaciousness, versatility, and an SUV experience, the C3 Aircross may be the way to go. However, if you value fuel efficiency, compactness, and a more agile driving experience, the Clio is a solid choice.

Ultimately, your decision should take into account your lifestyle, intended usage, and personal preferences. Whether opting for the rugged charm of the C3 Aircross or the sleek sophistication of the Clio, both models uphold their brands’ legacies of style, comfort, and innovation.

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Citroen C3 Aircross
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Clio

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Citroen C3 Aircross is barely cheaper – starting at 16,200 £ , while the Renault Clio costs 17,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 866 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Clio uses 4.1 L/100km and is visibly more efficient than the Citroen C3 Aircross with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 1.2 L/100km.

C3 Aircross

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 Clio offers only slightly more power – delivering 158 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 13 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Clio is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.3 s, while the Citroen C3 Aircross takes 12.3 s. That’s about 4 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Renault Clio is noticeably faster – reaching 180 km/h, while the Citroen C3 Aircross tops out at 143 km/h. The difference is around 37 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Citroen C3 Aircross delivers a bit more torque with 230 Nm compared to 190 Nm. That’s about 40 Nm more.

Clio

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, Renault Clio is barely lighter – 1,202 kg compared to 1,312 kg. The difference is around 110 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Citroen C3 Aircross offers clearly more boot space – 460 L compared to 327 L. That’s a difference of about 133 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Citroen C3 Aircross offers markedly more capacity – up to 1,600 L, about 424 L more than the Renault Clio.

When it comes to payload, the Renault Clio carries only slightly more – 463 kg compared to 462 kg. That’s a difference of about 1 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault Clio 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 £17,100
Clio

Renault Clio

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 115 - 158 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.1 - 5.1 L/100km
details
Renault Clio
Citroen C3 Aircross

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Renault Clio

The Clio punches above its weight with chic French styling and a surprisingly grown-up cabin that makes city driving feel effortlessly stylish. It's an easy-to-live-with choice that keeps ownership simple and even manages to put a grin on your face when the traffic gets dull.

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Reviews Renault Clio

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
technoman
31 Mar 2026, 08:36:27

Having owned a clio now for the last 8 years we have found the 0.9ltr engine to work well both around town and on motorways . Averaging around 45mpg on mixed driving. The 3 cylinder engine has no cambelt to worry about . Interior has worked and worn well . No defects at all during owner ship BUT the striking red paintwork (metallic) is showing deterioration and is expensive to put right and this would be the only reason for dropping a star off the rating . There are two main services on the car an A and a B service. All they do on the A service is change the cabin filter and do the usual safety checks which costa around £120 the second B service is oil and filter change around £230 but at 36000 miles need air filter and brake fluid change which can add another £120

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Citroen C3 Aircross

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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Reviews Citroen C3 Aircross

4.4 (1 Reviews)
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Citroen C3 Aircross

Costs and Consumption
Price
17,100 - 23,700 £
Price
16,200 - 28,900 £
Consumption L/100km
4.1 - 5.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.1 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
303 - 400 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
92 - 115 g/km
co2
0 - 134 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
39 - 42 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,202 - 1,316 kg
Curb weight
1,312 - 1,608 kg
Trunk capacity
301 - 327 L
Trunk capacity
460 L
Length
4,116 mm
Length
4,395 mm
Width
1,768 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
1,451 mm
Height
1,640 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,094 - 1,176 L
Max trunk capacity
1,600 L
Payload
453 - 463 kg
Payload
407 - 462 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
101 - 145 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.3 - 13 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
143 km/h
Torque
190 Nm
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
74 - 107 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
Brand
Renault
Brand
Citroen
What drivetrain options does the Renault Clio have?

The Renault Clio 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.