The Citroen C3 and the Tata Punch charm you with their SUV-like styling however which of these high-riding crossovers is best for you?The C3 is Citroëns hatchback with a twist and the Punch is Tatas sub-compact SUV. Classify them as you will but, in essence, these are two hard little cars and trucks of fantastic interest. Their SUV-like styling hints make them distinct from like-priced hatchbacks, and both designs back the design up with some degree of SUV-ness too. Nope, they will not take you far into the wild, however in the pothole-laden city jungle, these relatively high-riding designs have their appeal. What makes the pairing even more fascinating is the various techniques they require to win you over, something well reveal over the next few pages. Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: exterior designThe Citroën C3 and Tata Punch are both attractive in their own right. The C3 is more a hatchback on the crossover scale but its not doing not have in road existence. It looks like a fairly considerable automobile, the appearance assisted by its relatively long wheelbase and high roof. Styling is trendy, specifically in advance where the split headlamps and X-shaped scuff plate on the bumper get your attention.C3s lift-type door deals with feel and look basic.You can jazz up your C3s appearance further with customisation packs. Our test car has the Vibe Pack that adds orange fog light surrounds, mirror covers and rear reflector surrounds, as well as side door moulding. The contrast roofing is also an option. The basic lift-type door manages arent really 2022.90-degree door openings on the Punch alleviates entry.The Tata Punch has a larger alternative mix and the top-spec Creative trim included here sure looks upmarket with its dual-tone paint, diamond-cut alloy wheels and halogen projector headlights. Do note, lower versions of the Punch that are equivalent to a C3 on price do use a reasonably de-glammed appearance. In its standard appearance, the Punch is all about chunky styling, and really does look like a shrunken SUV. The Harrier-like split headlamps, high bonnet and distinctive tail-lamps with tri-arrow LEDs are styling highlights.Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: interior designStylish C3 dash can be jazzed up with customisation packs. Quality is a variety, however. Both cars and trucks carry their exterior personalities into their cabins too. From behind the chauffeurs seat, the C3 seems like the raised hatchback that it is, using a great view out. And just like the exterior, theres scope to personalise the interior, too, with a dynamic orange or subtle grey for the dash top.Digital instrument cluster is standard, misses out on tachometer too.The C3s dash itself is elegant, however on the whole, the interior is a variety. The landscape-oriented 10-inch touchscreen has a wow appeal, while at the exact same time the standard digital instruments show looks like its been plucked from a budget scooter.10-inch touchscreen is dynamic, slick and excellent to use.Then there are things like the premium anodised dash top and scratchy, difficult plastics lower down that might very well belong to 2 separate cars. The slim front seats likewise dont look particularly premium but seating convenience is actually great. Sadly, the headrests are repaired and may supply inadequate head support to taller occupants.Punch dash echoes chunky outside styling. Upright pillars, large windshields give SUV vibe.The Punch seats you somewhat higher than a C3, but its the Tatas more upright pillars and larger windscreen that give you the feel of piloting a junior SUV, and this subconsciously adds to confidence at the wheel.Top versions get useful part-digital instruments.The Punch feels airier too, offering more area between motorist and guest. The chunky dash, with its squared-out air-con vents works well and Tatas effort to up the perceived quality is noticeable with the different textures and colours utilized harmoniously on the dash.Tatas 7.0-inch touchscreen lags the curve in size and feel.Panel fit is appropriate for this class but on the whole, the quality of products is more constant in the Tata. The Punchs front seats are likewise more accommodating for bigger occupants. Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: functions listBoth automobiles score well on functionality, with ample storage spaces inside the cabin. The C3s centre console has a clever cut-out to guide your phone wire and theres likewise a big tray to keep your phone. USB slots, one up front and two at the back, need to deal with all travelers charging requirements.USB battery chargers at the back of the C3 are handy.The Punch is down on USB slots (theres just one at the centre console), however the Tata does get you a much larger glovebox with handy compartments. A cooled glovebox is likewise one amongst numerous features on the Punch that the C3 does not get.Other functions special to the top-spec Punch Creative (Rs 8.42 lakh, ex-showroom) consist of alloy wheels, vehicle headlights and wipers, projector headlamps, cruise control, a helpful part-digital instrument cluster, a reversing video camera and powered mirror adjust.Top versions of the Punch get a rear wiper and defogger.The thing is, the C3 is only sold in two variations, the higher of which is really at par with a mid-spec Punch on price. Compare a C3 Feel (Rs 7.1 lakh) with a similar-priced Punch Adventure (with Rhythm Pack, Rs 7.05 lakh) and the function set is actually quite close. The C3s 10-inch touchscreen with cordless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is leagues much better than the Punchs 7.0-inch unit. The Punch goes one up with a reverse cam and powered wing mirrors.Rear window button position in the C3 is inconvenient.Both automobiles abide by the current Indian crash test regulations and get obligatory security features like anti-lock brakes, double airbags and rear parking sensing units. The Tata Punch likewise loads in ISOFIX child seat mounts, and has boasting rights with a 5-star Global NCAP rating, albeit in the older testing protocol.EquipmentCitroen C3 Puretec 82 Feel Vibe Pack Dual ToneTata Punch 1.2 Revotron Creative MTAirbags22Rear parking sensors/cameraAvailable/NAAvailable/ AvailableRear defogger & & wash/wipeNAAvailableISOFIX child seat mountsNAAvailableHeadlampsHalogen with LED DRLsHalogen projector with DRLsWheelsAlloy (optional) AlloyPush button startNAAvailableAuto headlamps/wipersNAAvailableInstrumentationDigitalPart digitalApple CarPlay/Android AutoWirelessWiredSteering audio controlsAvailableAvailableClimate controlManualAutoMirror adjustManualPoweredPower windowsAllAllCruise controlNAAvailableRear armrestNAAvailableAdjustable headrestsNAFront and rear Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: area and comfortC3 has comfier cushioning, much better seat position. Its roomy too but best for two. The C3s long wheelbase equates into an enjoyable rear seat experience. Theres adequate kneeroom for six-footers to sit in convenience and the spacious seating position is another highlight. What is an irritant is the position of the power window switches at the centre console rather than at the doors; auto down for all windows is a little alleviation. Adjustable rear headrests are sorely missed.Tata offers more space for three; top-spec gets armrest, adjustable headrests.Doors that open to 90 degrees permit easy access to the Punchs cabin, specifically to the rear seat. Legroom at the back is similar to the C3, the headroom is partially much better and seating three abreast is comfier too, thanks to a near-flat floor and a back-rest thats flatter at the sides.Flat floor in the Punch helps middle guest comfort.The top-spec Punch also crams in the security of height-adjustable headrests and the convenience of a rear centre armrest.You can pack plenty into a C3. Filling isnt as simple (left). Punch has the edge with lower, broader lip (right). Theres very little between the two in terms of luggage space. The Punch does have the a little wider and lower sill, which makes loading luggage that bit simpler. Both automobiles use the option to fold the rear seats to make more space for luggage.Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: performance The C3 and Punch are petrol-only models however where Citroën provides the choice of 2 1.2-litre engines (naturally aspirated and turbocharged, both with manual transmissions), the Tata is offered with just the one 1.2 naturally aspirated engine, albeit with manual and AMT choices. To keep things close, weve thought about the C3 with the base naturally aspirated engine and the Punch in manual gearbox avatar. The C3s Puretech 82 engine does not rather have the bottom-end pep of the older Suzuki K12 units nor is it as improved as Hyundais 1.2, however its still a really enjoyable engine. It builds speed with ease, power shipment is smooth and it feels responsive enough. Its in faster environments such as the highway that the 82hp Citroën engine has the edge, feeling a lot freer and livelier than the Tata system. The light clutch makes life easy in the area, though the 5-speed gearbox is a touch notchy.Performance is at par in everyday city driving, however the C3 is livelier at higher speeds.After a go in the C3, its easy to zero in on the Tatas weak spot– its engine. The 86hp Revotron system uses appropriate performance for simple driving and ambling around town, and the smooth transmission and light clutch do assist to this end. Nevertheless, ask any more of the engine and it feels out of its convenience zone. Power shipment is flat and the timid construct of power indicates youll need to prepare overtakes out on the highway. The engine likewise gets rather noisy at greater RPM.Unique to the Punch are drive modes– City is the default setting and while Eco helps conserve fuel, it just dulls efficiency even more. Theres also auto engine stop-start on leading variations of the Punch. The Tata has an ARAI-rated economy of 18.97 kpl, which is simply shy of the Citroëns 19.8 kpl figure. You will need to make more stops for fuel in the C3 though. Its fuel tank can hold all of 30 litres versus the Punchs 37-litre capacity.Technical DetailsCitroen C3 Puretec 82 Feel Vibe Pack Dual ToneTata Punch 1.2 Revotron Creative MTL/W/H3981/ 1733/1604mm3827/1742/ 1615mmWheelbase2540mm2445mmGround clearance180mm190mmTyres195/65 R15195/60 R16Weight982kg1035kgEngine3cyl, 1198cc, petrol3cyl, 1199cc, petrolPower82hp at 5750rpm86hp at 6000rpmTorque115Nm at 3750rpm113Nm at 3300rpmGearbox5-speed manual5-speed manualFuel economy19.8 kpl18.97 kplFuel tank capacity30 litres37 litresBoot315 litres319 litres Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: ride and managing They arent off-roaders however sufficient ground clearance helps take on worst of roadways and even moderate trails.A location where both the C3 and Punch score huge is flight and handling. Both models feel difficult which quasi-SUV nature truly comes through on bad roads. There are distinctions though: the Punch feels a bit stiffer whereas the C3 discovers as better damped. Up the pace, and its the Punch that feels more surefooted; the C3 is stable but there is more vertical motion on straights and roll in corners. The Punch drives flatter throughout and its well weighted steering just adds to the experience. In isolation however, its the C3s more feelsome steering that keen chauffeurs will like much better. Both cars brake confidently and are simple to manoeuvre at low speeds. Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: decision The C3 and Punch have their draws however the option of a much better cars and truck ultimately comes down to your top priorities. If you value big-car-like convenience functions and do not mind paying a huge premium for them, the fully-loaded Punch is the one for you. Reality is, there really isnt an option in the C3 line-up. On the other hand, if youre somebody who enjoys to drive, youll find a good match in the C3 Turbo. Yes, its down on features but to numerous, the driving experience will more than offset the lack of frills.Things get more complicated for buyers on a stringent budget. Tata quickly has the larger reach throughout India and theres comfort in purchasing an established item. Thing is, the Punch loses its feature advantage lower down the cost ladder. For the very same cash, the C3 Puretech 82 gets you comparable features, with the added advantages of a slicker infotainment system and a much better engine. Youll have to think about the proximity to a Citroen center near you, but rupee for rupee, its the C3 that makes more sense.Price and VerdictCitroen C3Tata PunchVariantPuretech 82 Feel Vibe Pack1.2 Revotron Creative MTPrice (ex-showroom, Delhi) Rs 7.10 lakhRs 8.42 lakhVerdictGets the basics right, with nice engine, good infotainment. Down on frills however is the much better car for the money.Engine is the weak link in the hard and useful Punch plan. Top-spec versions well equipped but are too pricey.Rating8/ 108/10Citroen C3 Turbo: worth the extra premium?The C3 Turbo (Puretech 110 in Citroën speak) gets no function additions over the comparable trim Puretech 82, so the Rs 1 lakh premium is entirely for the engine. Is it worth it? In a word, yes! The 110hp and 190Nm, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine is tuned for mid-range and low power, and what that gets you is an energetic little automobile. The vigorous 10.7 sec 0-100kph time fasts for an automobile of this size. It feels eager, the 6-speed transmission is great to utilize and the steering is nicely tuned too. Its not the slickest handler however in the lack of Fords, the C3 Turbo is among the most enjoyable cars you can purchase under Rs 10 lakh.Also see: Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch video comparisonMaruti Suzuki Celerio vs Tata Tiago contrast: Compact effect

The Citroen C3 and the Tata Punch woo you with their SUV-like styling but which of these high-riding crossovers is right for you?The C3 is Citroëns hatchback with a twist and the Punch is Tatas sub-compact SUV. Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: outside designThe Citroën C3 and Tata Punch are both attractive in their own. The Harrier-like split headlamps, high bonnet and unique tail-lamps with tri-arrow LEDs are styling highlights.Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: interior designStylish C3 dash can be jazzed up with customisation packs. A cooled glovebox is also one among many functions on the Punch that the C3 doesnt get.Other features exclusive to the top-spec Punch Creative (Rs 8.42 lakh, ex-showroom) include alloy wheels, car headlights and wipers, projector headlamps, cruise control, an informative part-digital instrument cluster, a reversing video camera and powered mirror adjust.Top versions of the Punch get a rear wiper and defogger.The thing is, the C3 is only sold in two variants, the higher of which is really at par with a mid-spec Punch on cost. Legroom at the back is similar to the C3, the headroom is partially much better and seating three abreast is comfier too, thanks to a near-flat flooring and a backrest thats flatter at the sides.Flat floor in the Punch assists middle traveler comfort.The top-spec Punch likewise loads in the safety of height-adjustable headrests and the comfort of a rear centre armrest.You can pack plenty into a C3.