Klein aber Oho: Dacia Sandero trifft auf Citroën C3 im Kompaktwagen-Duell

Dacia Sandero and Citroen C3: A Comparison of Budget-Friendly Compact Cars

Both cars share the commonalities of affordability and appropriate sizing

The Dacia Sandero has consistently been a top seller in Europe due to its small size and competitive pricing. This strategy has been pivotal in the brand's success, a notion also embraced by the Citroën C3, which has undergone a complete transformation in its latest iteration.

Two compact cars that are suitable for long-distance travel come with just the right amount of tech features to be affordable. We're putting them head-to-head to highlight their similarities and differences.

Exterior

The Dacia Sandero first hit the market in 2020 and continues to maintain a contemporary appearance, largely due to its front-end design featuring LED lights that showcase Dacia's signature Y-shaped illumination. The introduction of a new logo has also been instrumental in updating the vehicle's facade.

Visually, the Dacia Sandero is available in the standard version or the Stepway option, which features roof bars and body protection panels reminiscent of the SUV and crossover segment.

The 2024 Citroën C3 showcases a more adventurous exterior design, partially inspired by the Oli Concept introduced a few years back. It features a boxy body shape, a rear end that almost stands perpendicular to the ground, and a subtle crossover aesthetic that always adds appeal.

The exterior can be customized with a selection of dual-tone body and roof colors, while the front headlights feature a sleek, C-shaped lighting signature.

Dacia Sandero

Model C3 from Citroën

Cabin Interior

In an era where larger and more numerous screens are becoming the norm, the standard model of the Dacia Sandero stands out for its complete lack of digital displays, save for the car's trip computer screen. At the center of the dashboard, there's a tiny compartment that flips open to serve as a mount for a smartphone. This can be connected to the car via Bluetooth to handle music, calls, and GPS navigation.

In essence, what we require is always within our reach, typically in our pocket. Meanwhile, the more advanced models come with an 8-inch touchscreen that, despite its straightforward presentation, is loaded with features.

The interior of the Dacia Sandero lacks a central display screen.

The interior of the Dacia Sandero features a display screen measuring 8 inches.

Space isn't an issue, including in the back seat area. Although, you won't find any air conditioning vents in the rear armrest; there's simply a 12-volt socket. The trunk offers ample room, with a capacity ranging from 410 to 1,455 liters.

The materials used are essentially all hard plastics, yet they surpass the subpar quality associated with Dacia vehicles from 15 years ago. The craftsmanship is commendable.

The interior of the Citroen C3 lacks a central display screen.

The interior of the Citroen C3 is equipped with a 10.25-inch screen.

The basic model of the 2024 Citroen C3 adopts a simple design approach, featuring only a mount for a smartphone. On the other hand, the premium model is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The vehicle's gauges are digital and appear on a dark surface in a fashion similar to a head-up display.

Additional affordable compact cars:

In the back, there's sufficient legroom, while in the front, both the driver and passenger have ample space without interfering with each other. There's a single 12-volt socket available and a pair of small pockets on the back of the front seats for holding smartphones. The trunk space is less than that of the Sandero, offering a minimum capacity of 310 liters.

Propulsion Options

The Dacia Sandero offers a choice between gasoline and LPG engines, but currently lacks a fully electric option. Electric vehicle enthusiasts will have to anticipate the upcoming model set to release in 2027. The engines' output varies from 67 to 101 horsepower, with the only option being a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine. For those desiring an automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available with the 90-horsepower engine.

The latest Citroën C3 model comes with two powertrain options: a 1.2-liter petrol engine delivering 100 horsepower or an electric variant producing 113 horsepower capable of traveling up to 320 kilometers on a single charge. Additionally, plans are in place to introduce a 48V hybrid version with 136 horsepower and automatic transmission. Notably, neither option will include a diesel engine.

The car model in discussion is

Model C3 by Citroën

Costs

The real advantage of both versions lies in their affordability. In Germany, the starting price for the Dacia Sandero is 11,800 Euros for the SCe 65 model and 14,800 Euros for the Stepway variant. Standard features include cruise control, a front USB port, rear parking sensors, and an automatic emergency braking system, with the Stepway also boasting an air conditioning system.

The starting cost for the 2024 Citroën C3 is set at 14,990 euros for the gasoline model and 23,300 euros for the electric version. Standard features include traffic sign recognition, cruise control, parking sensors at the rear, and air conditioning.

Photo Gallery: Testing the Citroën C3 (2024 Model)

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