Citroen C3 vs Skoda Fabia
What's the difference?

Citroen C3

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2023 price

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Skoda Fabia

$24,690 - $33,485

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2023 Citroen C3

2024 Skoda Fabia

By James Cleary

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.2L/100km (combined)

5.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Equipment
Design
Space efficiency

Playful and capable
Ergonomics and ‘Skoda’ touches
Fresh exterior design

Dislikes

Price
Sub-par refinement
Ownership costs

Interior styling still looks sub-$30K
Low-speed DSG hesitancy
Rear seat space

2023 Citroen C3 Summary

You’re a city dweller on the hunt for a small hatch, but the usual suspects just don’t do it for you. Time for a trip down the urban road less travelled.

The Citroen C3 fits the bill in terms of scale, but brings something extra when it comes to personality. A fun-sized European with the ability to surprise and delight.

It comes at a price, though. So, is the promise of some extra excitement in your motoring life worth it? Read on to find out.

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2024 Skoda Fabia Summary

The smallest car in Skoda’s local line-up is also its most affordable, but only just.

When the current generation Fabia launched with the halo Monte Carlo variant at almost $40,000, it was a bit of a surprise for a small hatch from what’s seen as an affordable brand.

Now, there’s a new entry-level version of Skoda’s bub and, while it’s not nearly as cheap as it once was, it offers a choice that’s more within reach for anyone keen on a premium small car.

Can the Fabia Select convince customers looking at the likes of the Mazda 2 or Suzuki Swift to go Euro and cross the $30,000 threshold?

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Citroen C3 2024 Skoda Fabia

Verdict

The Citroen C3’s plus column contains some big ticket items like a solid standard equipment list, design flair, generous interior space, an eager engine, good safety and a comfy suspension. However, the minus side of the ledger isn’t exactly empty, with entries like steep price, marginal perceived quality, poor cabin storage, sub-par refinement, okay economy, and high ownership costs.

But there’s no doubt this car delivers a different, adventurous take on the city-sized hatch, and for you, that alone may count for more than any of those things.

Verdict

Once you get past the shock of the Fabia no longer being a sub-$25K car (because let’s face it, what is anymore?), the fact that it remains refreshingly simple to live with and engaging on the road should be celebrated.

It has its downsides if you need space, and you can buy a light (or even small) SUV for the same price, but you’ll be compromising in other areas.

The Skoda Fabia can’t do everything, but what it can, it does well. Plus, it’s certainly less common than the similarly priced Toyota Yaris.

Citroen C3 vs Skoda Fabia What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Citroen C3 vs Skoda Fabia
What's the difference?