VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
82 kW
Torque
205 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Towing
—
—
Engine
1199 cc
1197 cc
Choosing between the Citroen C3 and the Mahindra XUV 3XO is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Citroen C3 delivers 81 kW while the Mahindra XUV 3XO produces 82 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the XUV 3XO uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R317 900 for the C3 and R300 899 for the XUV 3XO. 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
82 kW
Torque
205 Nm
200 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1197 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
42 l
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
139 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3987 mm
3990 mm
Width
1733- mm
1821 mm
Height
1602 mm
1647 mm
Wheelbase
2540 mm
2600 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
201 mm
Kerb Weight
1094 / 1126 Kg
1389 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
315 l
364 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
385 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ 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
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2
3
Service Plan Distance
30000
55000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mahindra XUV 3XO
3 / 4 categories
Performance
XUV 3XO
Fuel Economy
XUV 3XO
Value
XUV 3XO
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Citroen C3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 82 kW)
Higher starting price
Mahindra XUV 3XO
More powerful engine (82 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R300 899)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or XUV 3XO?
The C3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the XUV 3XO uses 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The XUV 3XO 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 XUV 3XO?
The C3 produces 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque while the XUV 3XO delivers 82 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The XUV 3XO is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C3 and XUV 3XO?
The C3 starts from R317 900 and the XUV 3XO from R300 899. The XUV 3XO is cheaper by R17 001 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C3 or XUV 3XO?
The C3 has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the XUV 3XO can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C3 or the XUV 3XO?
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.