Toyota Prius vs Citroen C3
What's the difference?

Toyota Prius

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2021 price

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Citroen C3

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2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2021 Toyota Prius

2023 Citroen C3

By Tom White

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.8L

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

3.4L/100km (combined)

5.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Seamless hybrid drive
Incredible fuel efficiency
Comfortable and spacious

Equipment
Design
Space efficiency

Dislikes

Polarising exterior
Dorky central instrument cluster
Not so engaging to drive

Price
Sub-par refinement
Ownership costs

2021 Toyota Prius Summary

What to say about the Toyota Prius in 2021? A car that was once a technology trailblazer seems now to have become properly retro, even while it’s still being built and sold.

The awkward-looking wedge, an eco-punk icon, not only brought Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive to the masses, it also debuted the brand’s excellent TNGA architecture and set the scene for the company's absurd hybrid success, which now sees the RAV4 version topping the sales charts.

So, after all these years (25 to be precise), is the Prius’s time finally over? Or does this quaint hybrid hero still have more to offer? I took a top-spec I-Tech 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 Toyota Prius 2023 Citroen C3

Verdict

The Prius can rest its weary head. The Age of the Hybrid has begun. Even though this iconic eco car might have lost its ultimate purpose to more mainstream models in the last few years, it’s still the best execution of Toyota’s hybrid tech on the market and if you can look past its divisive-as-ever looks, it’s comfortable and practical, too.

The brand’s Australian division promises the Prius will stick around in one form or another, so we’re keen to see what its next iteration will look like. Plug-in? Fully electric? Time will tell.

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.

Toyota Prius vs Citroen C3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Prius vs Citroen C3
What's the difference?