What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the Citroen C3 and Hyundai Exter, and find out why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Citroen C3 vs Hyundai Exter – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
Performance enthusiasts seek a car that delivers an exhilarating driving experience. Key attributes include a potent engine with impressive horsepower and torque, swift acceleration, and agile handling.
They appreciate a firm, communicative steering and a well-tuned suspension that balances ride comfort with minimal body roll in fast cars. Additionally, high-speed stability, a responsive transmission, and a set of features that augment the driving experience are crucial.
The aesthetics of the car’s design both inside and out, coupled with the quality of materials used, add to the allure for a performance enthusiast. Lastly, modern driver-assist features for enhanced safety and convenience are also desirable.
Why Citroen C3 and Hyundai Exter are Popular
Citroen C3 and Hyundai Exter have emerged as intriguing choices for performance enthusiasts, owing to their distinctive attributes as quick cars.
Citroen C3, with its turbo variants, promises a peppy driving experience courtesy of its agile handling and quick engine responsiveness. Its minimal body roll and stable high-speed maneuvering echo the performance-oriented design.
On the other hand, Hyundai Exter, although less powerful, brings forth a value proposition with its reasonable pricing and decent performance traits. Its variants offer a satisfactory acceleration and adequate handling which ensure a fun-to-drive experience.
Furthermore, both models come with modern touchscreens, power steering, and other features that enhance driving convenience and entertainment, aligning with the tech-savvy nature of modern performance enthusiasts.
The sleek exterior design and the promise of a comfortable yet performance-centric drive make them appealing choices.
Citroen C3 and Hyundai Exter variants shortlist in Rs 8-10 Lakh Range
For Citroen C3, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 3 October 2023 |
| Feel Dual Tone Turbo | ₹828,000 |
| Puretech 110 Feel | ₹843,000 |
| Shine Dual Tone Turbo | ₹892,000 |
For Hyundai Exter, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 3 October 2023 |
| SX | ₹800,000 |
| SX Opt | ₹864,000 |
| SX AMT | ₹868,000 |
Citroen C3 Feel Dual Tone Turbo and Shine Dual Tone Turbo
The Citroen C3 Feel Dual Tone Turbo and Shine Dual Tone Turbo variants are particularly enticing for performance enthusiasts due to their agile handling, quick engine responsiveness, and linear power delivery emanating from their 108.62 BHP petrol engines.
The 6-gear transmission further allows for better control over the car’s performance. The Shine Dual Tone Turbo, being priced slightly higher, also provides alloy wheels which could offer better handling and aesthetics.
Citroen C3 Puretech 110 Feel
The Puretech 110 Feel, although identical in engine specs, lacks in the alloy wheel feature which slightly trails behind the Shine Dual Tone Turbo in terms of handling. If you’re a style-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the C3 with Tata Punch.
Hyundai Exter variants
Hyundai Exter, on the other hand, has the SX Opt as a standout variant due to its additional wireless charging feature despite its lower power figures.
The SX and SX AMT variants are closely priced but lack the wireless charging feature, placing the SX Opt slightly ahead in terms of convenience features. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Exter with Tata Punch.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Citroen C3 and Hyundai Exter for Performance Enthusiasts
The Citroen C3 Shine Dual Tone Turbo emerges as the best variant for performance enthusiasts. With its 108.62 BHP engine, 6-gear transmission, and agile handling, it encapsulates the essence of a performance-oriented vehicle.
The alloy wheels contribute to better handling and add a sporty aesthetic appeal. Although priced higher, the value it offers in terms of performance and handling dynamics outweighs the cost difference.
Moreover, its linear power delivery ensures a smooth yet thrilling driving experience, catering perfectly to the performance enthusiast’s demands. The sleek exterior design coupled with a decent ground clearance of 180 mm further augments its appeal.
The Top 3 choices
- Citroen C3 Shine Dual Tone Turbo
- Citroen C3 Feel Dual Tone Turbo
- Hyundai Exter SX Opt
| Attributes | Citroen C3 Shine Dual Tone Turbo | Citroen C3 Feel Dual Tone Turbo | Hyundai Exter SX Opt |
| # of cylinders | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Acceleration (0-60 km/h) | Not provided | Not provided | Not provided |
| Engine power (BHP) | 108.62 | 108.62 | 81.8 |
| Engine responsiveness | Quick | Quick | Not provided |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Not provided |
| Transmission – # of gears | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Transmission – Auto Type | None | None | None |
| Body colored bumpers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | No | No | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging | No | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Citroen C3 variants, with their superior engine power and transmission, edge out in performance metrics.
- The Hyundai Exter SX Opt brings in extra convenience features like wireless charging and cruise control at a modest price point. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, you can read our guide to the best Exter variants for you.
The three variants listed embody a blend of performance, handling, and essential features that a performance enthusiast craves. This compilation reflects a spectrum of preferences within the performance enthusiast community, allowing for a choice between raw performance and a balance of performance with modern features.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered
