The Citroen C3 Aircross has finally been launched in India, with prices ranging from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 12.54 lakh (ex-showroom). Based on the C3 cross-hatch, the brand categorizes the C3 Aircross as a mid-size SUV; however, its pricing positions it as a competitive alternative to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV. If you’re also among those potential customers who are confused between these two offerings, here we have compiled a comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Citroen C3 Aircross vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Dimensions
| Parameters | Citroen C3 Aircross | Maruti Ertiga |
| Length | 4,323 mm | 4,420 mm |
| Width | 1,796 mm (w/o mirrors) | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,669 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,671 mm | 2,740 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200 mm | 190 mm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 / 7-seater | 7 seater |
| Boot Space | 5-seater: 444 litres 7-seater: 44 litres (all-seats up), 511 litres (3rd row seats removed), 830 litres (3rd row removed & 2nd row folded) | 209 litres (all seats up), 550 litres (3rd row seats folded) |
| Kerb Weight | 5 Seater: 1195 – 1230 7 Seater: 1267 – 1275 | 1150 – 1225 kg |
- Starting with the dimensions, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is longer and taller than the C3 Aircross, thus providing better space inside the cabin. In fact, there’s also ample space in its 3rd row, whereas the Citroen’s last row is only suitable for kids or occupants with short and skinny build.
- The Ertiga also offers more generous storage capacity inside the boot. On the contrary, the 3rd-row seats in the 7-seater version of the Citroen C3 Aircross can also be removed when not in use, whereas you can fold it down in the Ertiga.
Citroen C3 Aircross vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Engine Specifications and Mileage
| Parameters | Citroen C3 Aircross | Maruti Ertiga |
| Engine | 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol | 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol with mild-hybrid system (optional factory-fitted CNG kit available) |
| No of Cylinders | 3 | 4 |
| Max Power | 110 PS | 103 PS / 88 PS (CNG) |
| Peak Torque | 190 Nm | 137 Nm / 121.5 Nm (CNG) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic |
| Claimed Mileage (Fuel Efficiency) | 18.5 kmpl | 20.51 kmpl (manual), 20.11 kmpl (automatic), 26.11 km/kg (CNG) |
- The 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine of the Citroen C3 Aircross is not only more powerful but also makes more torque than Ertiga’s 1.5-litre unit, which should result in better performance in everyday usage. Moreover, its impressive torque output of 190Nm should make the city driving and highway overtaking effortless.
- On the other hand, Ertiga’s naturally aspirated unit is super refined and comes with a mild-hybrid system, which provides a torque boost when picking from a standstill; however, overtaking needs to be planned, especially in full-load conditions.
- When it comes to transmission options and fuel efficiency, the Maruti Ertiga certainly has an edge over the C3 Aircross. It also gets an optional factory-fitted CNG kit.
Citroen C3 Aircross vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Features
| Common | Additional Features In Maruti Ertiga | Additional Features In Citroen C3 Aircross |
| – Front fog lamps – LED DRLs – Alloy wheels – Dual front airbags – ABS with EBD – Hill hold assist – Electronic stability control – Rear parking sensors – Rear camera – Touchscreen infotainment system – Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto – Connected car tech – AC with heater – Roof-mounted rear A.C. vents – Power adjustable side mirrors – Coloured MID – One-touch folding second-row seats – Recline function for 2nd-row seats – 50:50 split 3rd-row seats – Rear defogger – Rear wiper & washer – Rear centre armrest – Day/night IRVM – Front seatbelt reminders – Pretensioner & load limiters for front seatbelts | – Automatic projector headlamps – Arkamys Surround Sound System – Cruise control – Air-cooled twin-cup holders – Both auto up & down functions for the driver’s window – Front centre armrest – Both slide & recline function for 2nd-row seats – Recline function for 3rd-row seats – Height-adjustable front seat belts – ISOFIX child seat anchors – Brake assist – Front side airbags – Seatbelt reminder for all seats – Idle start/stop technology – Torque boost assist (hybrid tech) | – Larger 17-inch alloy wheels – Bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system – 7-inch coloured TFT digital instrument cluster – Tyre pressure monitoring system – Shark fin antenna – Leatherette seats – One-touch auto-down function for all windows – Individual driver armrest – Removable 3rd-row seats |
Needless to say, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga packs tons of extra comfort and convenience that will make your overall ownership experience better.
Also Read: Citroen C3 Aircross: Variant-wise Features Detailed
Citroen C3 Aircross vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Price
| Model | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Citroen C3 Aircross | Rs 9.99 – 11.99 lakh (5-seater) Rs 11.69 – 12.34 lakh (7- seater) |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | Rs 8.64 -13.08 lakh (Petrol) Rs 10.73 – 11.83 lakh (CNG) |
Which Car Should You Buy?
Going through the above comparison, the Citroen C3 Aircross is certainly for those seeking a fresh offering with essential features and enhanced performance, setting it apart from the crowd. On the other hand, the Ertiga is ideal for easygoing owners looking for a comfortable family car with Maruti Suzuki’s reliability and high fuel efficiency.
Also Read:
- Toyota Rumion vs. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – Which Car Should You Buy?
- Citroen C3 Aircross: Variant-wise Features Detailed
Citroën C3 AirCross SUV Drive Impressions | 5 & 7 Seater | Gagan Choudhary
