Citroen C3

autocar.india

•12w

Given your comfort with the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, we'd advise you against a conventional hatchback and recommend you look at a sub-compact SUV. The high seating is a boon and will put you at immediate ease in the car. Options that meet your requirements within a Rs 10 lakh budget include the Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch and Citroen C3. The Tata Punch offers more of what you need. It's got the widest cabin (though it's still not ideal as a 5-seater) and packs in all the features that you need, and then a whole lot more. The Citroen C3 makes a compelling case for itself with the best engines, well-sorted ride and handling, and the cabin experience is also vastly improved with the recent feature update. However, it's not quite as roomy as the Punch, and Citroen's service network is also not as widespread as Tata or Hyundai's.The Hyundai Exter is an easy-going option that's also worth a look.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

Citroen C3

autocar.india

•24w

As a first-time buyer, it’s good that you’re looking at both sides carefully.The Citroen C3 is a solid and very likeable car. Its biggest strength is ride comfort; it handles bad roads better than most cars in this segment and feels mature for its size. The 1.2-litre turbo petrol, in particular, is a gem. It’s strong, smooth and easily one of the nicest small-capacity turbo-petrol engines around today. If you enjoy driving and want something that feels a bit different from the usual crowd, this Citroen car stands out. For your daily run of under 50km and occasional long drives, this petrol car will be perfectly comfortable. Mileage is reasonable, especially with the naturally aspirated engine, though the turbo will be slightly lower.The Nissan Magnite has other strengths. It has better road presence with its SUV styling, a more practical cabin, a bigger boot and a feature list that feels more complete. Nissan, as a brand, has built a reputation for reliability, and its dealership and service network is currently more established than Citroen’s in most cities. That adds peace of mind, especially for a first-time buyer.So if you like to drive and value comfort and engine performance, the C3 is the more enjoyable car. But if you want a safer, more practical and lower-risk ownership experience, the Magnite is the wiser choice. The Nissan Magnite price starts at 5.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Citroen C3

Nissan Magnite

autocar.india

•39w

Of your shortlisted cars, the Citroen C3 Turbo AT is the best choice. It's almost uncanny combination of ride comfort and driving pleasure isn't replicated by many, with a strong engine and a smooth but responsive 6-speed torque converter automatic. Its fuel efficiency, though not best in class, is decent as well; just make sure you have a dealer and service centre close enough to you, as Citroen's network is still growing. While the Renault Kiger turbo and Nissan Magnite turbo represent better value for money, and better fuel economy, they aren't as comfy or fun to drive as the Citroen. And the Maruti Suzuki Fronx turbo AT, again, while more fuel efficient, will only just about fit into your budget, and that too for a lower-spec variant.

Citroen C3

Nissan Magnite

Renault Kiger

autocar.india

•12w

The Citroen C3 fits your requirement of comfort and no nonsense features very well. Space inside this automatic car is good and the suspension is tuned to provide excellent ride comfort even over bad and broken city roads. The C3 is also not loaded with features but its covers all of todays essential requirements very well and will come in under your budget. The C3 also has a torque convertor automatic gearbox which is the smoothest type of autobox to have, so given that nearly all you driving is within the city, this is something you will appreciate. The only issue with Citroen is the dealer network is very sparse, so only go ahead if you have a reputed dealer in your area. An alternative would be the Skoda Kylaq, at your budget you would get the lower trims but since you are not chasing fancy features this should do well. Like the C3, the Kylaq too has a torque convertor gearbox so it will be smooth and easy in city traffic. About the Jazz CVT - there’s no official plan to bring it back to India. If they do a new small Honda car, it is not around the corner, so don’t wait.

Citroen C3

Skoda Kylaq