The mid-size SUV segment in India is currently ablaze with excitement as manufacturers strive to meet the demands of consumers who seek comfort and style on their long journeys. Among these manufacturers, Hyundai, the renowned South Korean automaker, recently introduced the Exter to the Indian market, with prices starting at an attractive Rs. 6 lakh (ex-showroom). In this article, we compare the sub-four-meter SUV to one of its rivals, the Citroen C3, to determine how these two vehicles stack up against each other in their respective segments.
Dimensions Speak Volumes
A key aspect of any SUV is its size, and the dimensions of the Hyundai Exter and Citroen C3 reveal their unique attributes.
- Hyundai Exter:
- Length: 3815mm
- Width: 1710mm
- Height: 1631mm
- Wheelbase: 2450mm
- Ground clearance: 185mm
- Boot space: 391L
- Fuel tank capacity: 37L
- Citroen C3:
- Length: 3981mm
- Width: 1733mm
- Height: 1586mm
- Wheelbase: 2540mm
- Ground clearance: 180mm
- Boot space: 315L
- Fuel tank capacity: 30L
While the Exter boasts higher height, ground clearance, boot space, and fuel tank capacity, the Citroen C3 excels in terms of length, width, and wheelbase, offering more space to occupants.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The interiors of both SUVs offer distinct features and technologies:
- Hyundai Exter:
- Three interior themes to choose from based on the variant.
- Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless mobile connectivity.
- 4.2-inch colored Multi-Information Display (MID) supporting 12 languages.
- Voice-enabled sunroof.
- Automatic climate control.
- Footwell lights.
- Paddle shifters.
- BlueLink connected car technology.
- Citroen C3:
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Keyless entry.
- Four speakers.
- Steering-mounted controls.
- Rear parking camera.
- Rear wiper with washer.
Safety and Features
Safety is a paramount consideration for both vehicles:
- Hyundai Exter:
- Electronic Stability Control.
- Vehicle Stability Management.
- Hill Assist Control.
- ABS with EBD.
- Features like a burglar alarm, three-point seatbelts, seatbelt reminders, keyless entry, and rear parking sensors.
- First-in-segment dashcam with dual cameras.
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System).
- Six airbags across all variants as standard.
- Citroen C3:
- Front airbags.
- ABS with EBD.
- Reverse parking camera with sensors.
- Seatbelt reminder for the front seats.
- Engine immobilizer.
- ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
- Hill Hold Assist.
- TPMS.
Engine and Specifications
Both SUVs offer a variety of engine choices:
- Hyundai Exter:
- 1.2-litre Kappa petrol.
- 1.2-litre petrol-CNG engine.
- ARAI-tested mileage of 19.4kmpl (manual), 19.2kmpl (AMT), and 27.1km/kg (CNG).
- Citroen C3:
- 1.2-litre NA petrol.
- 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine.
- A claimed mileage of 19.3kmpl.
Variants and Colors
Both the Exter and C3 offer a wide range of variants and colors to suit diverse preferences:
- Hyundai Exter: Seven variants, six monotone, and three dual-tone colors.
- Citroen C3: Three variants, four monotone, and six dual-tone colors.
Price Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the ex-showroom prices for both SUVs:
- Hyundai Exter: Rs. 5,99,900 to Rs. 9,99,990.
- Citroen C3: Rs. 6,16,000 to Rs. 10,09,990.
In the end, the choice between the Hyundai Exter and Citroen C3 depends on individual preferences, priorities, and budget. Both SUVs offer unique features and strengths that cater to different needs in the competitive mid-size SUV segment.
