Hyundai Ioniq vs Citroen C3
What's the difference?

Hyundai Ioniq

$18,195 - $42,950

2021 price

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Citroen C3

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2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2021 Hyundai Ioniq

2023 Citroen C3

By Tom White

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Turbo 3, 1.2L

Vehicle type

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Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

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5.2L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

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Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

Well-tuned electric drive
Range is about right
Excellent energy consumption

Equipment
Design
Space efficiency

Dislikes

Feels very heavy
Design won't be for everyone
Still a little too pricey for mass adoption

Price
Sub-par refinement
Ownership costs

2021 Hyundai Ioniq Summary

Hyundai's Ioniq range is nothing if not a flex in the face of Toyota.

Sure, Toyota has a dominating position in the Australian market, with its well-received range of hybrid models, but what happens after hybrid? Hyundai takes on the blocky Prius formula with not only a directly competing hybrid model, but a plug-in and a fully electric version, too.

This expansive range is as though Hyundai is trying to demonstrate it's ready for any future, near or far, and guess what, Toyota? Anything you can do; the Korean juggernaut thinks it can do better.

These cars aren't really designed to sell so much as they are offerings for early adopters, but a few years after its launch, with a host of rivals set to take it on, and an entire sub-brand based on the Ioniq just around the corner, is Hyundai's top-spec Ioniq electric worth a look? I took one for a week to find out.

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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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Deep dive comparison

2021 Hyundai Ioniq 2023 Citroen C3

Verdict

Just like the Kona EV, Hyundai's Ioniq is still one of the best EV options on the market today. It strikes an excellent balance by offering significantly more range and better energy consumption than the more affordable Nissan Leaf or MG ZS EV, while providing the familiarity of the Hyundai spec and drive experience at a price only a little higher than a top-spec Prius.

Its relatively high score is a product of these factors, but also the way in which its interactivity offers the early adopters the engagement they will be searching for.

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.

Hyundai Ioniq vs Citroen C3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Ioniq vs Citroen C3
What's the difference?