KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The C3 now comes with the option of a retrofittable CNG kit.
- The other two cars in this list come with factory-fitted CNG kits.
- The C3 undercuts the Exter and the Punch in this comparison.
The Citroen C3 has just been given the option of a retrofittable CNG kit, and with that, we can't help but put on our thinking caps, with an on-paper comparison with the Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG and the Tata Punch iCNG. Even though Citroen classifies the C3 as a hatchback, it appears to closer to the other two tallboy SUVs in this comparison.
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Citroen C3 CNG Vs Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Vs Tata Punch iCNG; Details
Powertrain
| Criteria | Citroen C3 CNG | Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG | Tata Punch iCNG |
| Engine type | 1.2-litre, three-cyl, nat-asp | 1.2-litre, four-cyl, nat-asp | 1.2-litre, three-cyl, nat-asp |
| Power | 80.4bhp (petrol) | 67.7bhp | 72.4bhp |
| Torque | 115Nm (petrol) | 95.2Nm | 103Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed |
All three cars in this comparison come with a 1.2-litre, nat-asp petrol, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Exter is the only one among these cars with a four-cylinder layout, which should ideally result in more engine refinement over the other two cars in this comparison. However, even with the extra cylinder, the Exter finds itself on the backfoot as the Punch produces more power and torque, while Citroen is yet to reveal the power and torque figures for the C3 in CNG mode.
CNG Capacity And Efficiency
| Criteria | Citroen C3 CNG | Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG | Tata Punch iCNG |
| CNG Capacity | 55 litres | 60 litres | 60 litres |
| Claimed mileage | 28.1km/kg | 27.1km/kg | 26.99km/kg |
The C3 comes with the smallest CNG capacity in this comparison. However, Citroen also claims the highest fuel efficiency on a single unit. The Exter Hy-CNG and the Punch iCNG come with identical CNG capacity and they are quite close in terms of claimed efficiency as well. However, the real-world efficiency wll differ, and we shall be able to verify these efficiency figures after driving all three cars back-to-back.
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Interior And Features
Finding its roots in the standard Punch, the Punch iCNG clearly feels like the oldest car in this lot. The dashboard has begun to look dated and there are hard plastics to be found. The cream white treatment on the dashboard in particular does not feel very premium. However, credit where it's due, the cabin feels genuinely roomy and spacious, and thanks to the 90-degree opening doors, the Punch offers easy ingress/egress as well.
Tata has been generous with the addition of features from the second most affordable variant, i.e the Adventure, which offers a four-speaker sound system, a 3.5-inch basic infotainment screen, rear A/C vents, powered ORVMs, driver seat height adjustability, all power windows, follow-me headlamps, and steering-mounted controls among other things. The range-topping Punch iCNG comes equipped with a 10.25-inch HD infotainment touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, voice-assisted electric sunroof, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, cooled glovebox, cruise control, a reverse parking camera, and a push-button start-stop system among other things.
The Exter's interiors will feel familiar if you have ever been in a Grand i10 Nios or an Aura; the dashboard layout, steering wheel and the instrument cluster are identical. The range-topping SX (O) Connect variant comes with an 8-inch HD infotainment touch screen, a digital instrument cluster, voice commands, footwell lighting, push-button start, automatic climate control, a dual dashcam, a reverse parking camera with adaptive guidelines, six airbags, a cooled glovebox, and a USB fast charging port among other things.
Recently, the car maker added new S and SX variants to the Exter lineup. The S Smart comes with features such as an electric sunroof, a tyre pressure monitoring system, rear A/C vents, and 15-inch steel wheels with covers. The SX Smart adds on a smart key system with push-button start, a shark-fin antenna, and projector headlamps. Both variants also get a 9-inch touch screen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity and a rear parking camera, as optional add-on features for a price of Rs 14,999.
The Citroen C3 CNG is available in three variants; Live, Feel and Shine, and the range-topping Shine variant comes with a new TFT instrument cluster, powered ORVMs, driver seat height adjustability, reverse parking sensors, automatic climate control, a four-speaker sound system, a 10.23-inch touch screen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, and three USB fast chargers among other things.
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Pricing
| Car | Citroen C3 CNG | Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG | Tata Punch iCNG |
| Price range (ex-showroom) | Rs 7.16 lakh to Rs 9.08 lakh | Rs 8.62 lakh to Rs 9.53 lakh | Rs 7.29 lakh to Rs 9.99 lakh |
The C3 CNG undercuts the Punch iCNG and the Exter Hy-CNG, but with the update the C3 got in 2024, Citroen has at least given it some arsenal to up against the other two cars in this comparison. While the features list on the C3 will not wow you, it packs in just about enough to satisfy your daily rides. Needless to say, the Punch and the Exter have the edge over the C3 when it comes to features and pricing, and it becomes easier to justify the extra bucks when you're considering these cars.
Verdict
Citroen cars are usually known for their ride quality, and while the car maker says it has made changes to the suspension of the C3 CNG, we will wait for a proper drive to verify that claim. The Punch and the Exter are quite neck-to-neck, but Hyundai's reliability and service network makes it easier to recommend the Exter over the Punch. That said, the Punch is not a bad car at all, and it certainly has an edge over the other two cars here with its safety credentials.
