VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
61 kW
Torque
205 Nm
114 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
—
12.6 s
Engine
1199 cc
1197 cc
Choosing between the Citroen C3 and the Hyundai Exter is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Citroen C3 delivers 81 kW while the Hyundai Exter produces 61 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the Exter uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R317 900 for the C3 and R314 900 for the Exter. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
81 kW
61 kW
Torque
205 Nm
114 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.6 s
Top Speed
—
165 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1197 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
141 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3987 mm
3815 mm
Width
1733- mm
1710 mm
Height
1602 mm
1631 mm
Wheelbase
2540 mm
2450 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
185 mm
Kerb Weight
1094 / 1126 Kg
957 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
315 l
290 / 1275 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
385 l
433 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2
3
Service Plan Distance
30000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Exter
2 / 4 categories
Performance
C3
Fuel Economy
Exter
Value
Exter
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Citroen C3
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Hyundai Exter
Better fuel economy (5.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R314 900)
Less power than rival (61 kW vs 81 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or Exter?
The C3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the Exter uses 5.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Exter is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the C3 or Exter?
The C3 produces 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque while the Exter delivers 61 kW and 114 Nm of torque. The C3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C3 and Exter?
The C3 starts from R317 900 and the Exter from R314 900. The Exter is cheaper by R3 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C3 or Exter?
The C3 has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the Exter can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C3 or the Exter?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.