Citroen has just taken the wraps off the C3 and it doesn’t fall in the segment we expected. Even though it falls in the sub-compact SUV segment, its equipment on offer and expected competitive pricing will be in line with the Tata Punch. The sub-compact SUVs like the Tata Nexon and Kia Sonet are way more feature-loaded and gets diesel engine options as well. As the closest sensible rival, we pit the Citroen C3 against the Tata Punch. Take a look at the Citroen C3 Vs Tata Punch spec comparison.
Citroen C3 Vs Tata Punch – Design and Dimensions
In terms of design, Citroen C3 is heavily inspired by the C5 Aircross and the C4 Coupe SUV. It gets various design elements like X-shaped LED DRLs, bubble side cladding, and squared taillights. However, the cost costing is evident in form of halogen bulbs, conventional placement of side indicators and lack of alloy wheels. Talking about the dimensions, the C3 measures 3.98 metres in length and other dimensions will be revealed at a later date. However, it offers the segment-best wheelbase of 2,540mm.
Tata Punch also offers a very quirky design and takes design cues from the Harrier. It gets split LED headlights along with high-mounted LED DRLs. Just like the C3, the Punch also gets silver skid plates and round fog lamps. On the side, the Punch looks smaller, owing to its shorter length, however gets dual-tone alloys and C-pillar mounted rear door handles. On the back, the Punch gets LED taillights that the C3 misses out on. In terms of dimensions, the expected measures of the Punch are 3.8-metre x 1.8-metre x 1.6-metre (LxWxH) and a wheelbase of 2,450 mm.
Citroen C3 Vs Tata Punch – Interiors and Equipment
The Citroen C3 offers far more quirky interiors with a lot of interesting elements and shades. The centre dash is finished in bright orange and gets large 10-inch infotainment that supports both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Citroen has also offered a fully digital instrument cluster with the C3. However, that is where the modernity ends, as the C3 lacks automatic climate control, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, cruise control, keyless entry and go, adjustable headrests, rear AC vents, a rear armrest and a lot more. These cost cuttings make it under-equipped as per competition standards.
Tata Punch, on the other hand, is a bit sublime on the inside but loaded with features. Its high-set dashboard gets a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system with both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Other features include a semi-digital instrument cluster, cruise control, automatic climate control, keyless entry and go and more. Side by side, Tata Punch wins over the C3 in terms of interiors and equipment.
Citroen C3 Vs Tata Punch – Engine and Performance
Citroen is yet to reveal the engine options for the C3 as it could get different engines in different international markets. However, rumours suggest a 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine that could produce around 130Hp. The engine will come mated to a standard manual gearbox and a dual-clutch automatic could also be on offer. There will be no diesel engines on offer and Citroen will manufacture the powertrain locally to keep the costs in check.
Tata Punch will share its engine with the Tiago that is the 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol engine. It will produce 86Hp and 113 Nm of torque and come mated to a 5-speed manual and AMT. Tata could also plonk in the turbocharged 1.2L petrol engine carried over from the Altroz in the 110Hp state of tune. Just like the C3, the Punch will also be a petrol-only offering. If the rumours are to be trusted, the C3 will have a good advantage over the Punch in terms of performance.
Citroen C3 Vs Tata Punch – Price and Launch Date
Citron has unveiled the C3 for the international markets and the India launch is expected in the first half of 2022. Earlier, the market anticipated it to take on the likes of the Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon but Citroen’s cost-cutting measures and scope of competitive pricing negates that anticipation. In all likelihood, the C3 will be pitted against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Tata Punch and Mahindra KUV100. Citroen could price the C3 in the region of Rs 5.5 – 9 lakh ex-showroom.
Tata Punch is expected to get launched in October whereas unofficial bookings are already open. Tata will price it above the Tiago whereas it will be positioned below the Nexon, as the smallest SUV in the portfolio. Tata is expected to price the HBX in the region of Rs 5.5 lakh to 8 lakh ex-showroom.
If you enjoyed reading this comparison, make sure to check other interesting stories on the Carorbis Blog and also read 2021 Citroen C3 Unveiled – First Made for India Citroen
