Peugeot 208 x Citroën C3: 1.0 Engine Comparison

• Citroen C3 Sensation 1.0: BRL 83,990
• Peugeot 208 Style 1.0: BRL 84,990

Design: Tie

The Peugeot 208 showcases distinct characteristics that differentiate it from other vehicles, akin to two unique knives colliding. It possesses a classic and highly athletic appearance, emphasized by its two-tone color scheme. The bodywork of the vehicle exudes a sleek and sporty vibe, coupled with a relatively low ground clearance of 15cm. Specifically, in the Style 1.0 variant, the Peugeot 208 is equipped with 16-inch black wheels, which harmoniously blend with the overall aesthetic. The same black color is also utilized in the exterior mirrors and rear spoiler, creating a cohesive and visually appealing design. Notably, the front of the vehicle draws attention with its LED daytime running lights, featuring a captivating design reminiscent of the sharp fangs of a saber-toothed tiger.

The Citroen C3 possesses a design that is not only appealing but also exudes a certain level of attractiveness. It showcases a larger size similar to that of an SUV, highlighted by its elevated hood and spacious wheel arches. Notably, its height measures less than 18 centimeters, a feature that proves advantageous in navigating through various urban obstacles. In the specific model under examination, namely the Feel 1.0 MT, roof bars and 15-inch alloy wheels are included as standard features. Furthermore, the tested unit offers the option of a skirt and blouse painting, characterized by a Spring blue body color accompanied by a white roof. This optional customization comes at an additional cost of R $ 2,800.

Finish: Peugeot 208 victory

Both the Citroen C3 Feel 1.0 MT and the Peugeot 208 Style models incorporate hard plastic materials in their interiors. However, they differ in their approaches to mitigating the perception of this “force” or drawback.

The Citroen C3 Feel 1.0 MT employs a strategy of creating a calm and pleasant interior ambiance to divert attention from the hard plastic elements. This is achieved through the prominent use of blue panels on the dashboard and air vents, which contribute to an overall soothing effect. Despite this effort, the fabric chairs in this model maintain a simplistic appearance, without any notable enhancements.

On the other hand, the Peugeot 208 Style takes a more reserved approach to address the presence of hard plastic materials. The plastic components in this model are designed and manufactured in a way that imparts a sense of high quality. This is particularly evident in the front doors, where the plastic materials are finished to create a luxurious feel. Additionally, the metallic trim on the dashboard adds a touch of modernity to the interior design. Furthermore, the seat covers in the Peugeot 208 Style are crafted to provide both an appealing aesthetic and a pleasing tactile experience.

In summary, while both the Citroen C3 Feel 1.0 MT and the Peugeot 208 Style models utilize hard plastic materials in their interiors, they employ distinct strategies to address this aspect. The Citroen model aims to divert attention from the hard plastic through a calm and pleasant interior design, while the Peugeot model focuses on creating a sense of high quality with its plastic materials, complemented by metallic accents and well-crafted seat covers.

Interior space: Citroen C3 triumph

The Citroën C3 possesses a notable advantage over the Peugeot 208, particularly in terms of its suitability for emerging markets and its enhanced features. Despite sharing the same wheelbase measurement of 2.54 meters, the seating arrangement in the C3 offers a distinct advantage. The seats are positioned higher relative to the floor, resulting in a more spacious legroom for rear seat passengers, which requires less overall space. Moreover, the C3 boasts a larger trunk, providing a 20% increase in volume compared to its counterpart, with a capacity of 315 liters.

On the other hand, the Peugeot 208 falls short in terms of interior space, particularly when compared to other compact hatchbacks. The seats in the 208 are positioned closer to the floor, which does not effectively optimize the available space. However, the primary concern in this regard is the remarkably low roof, causing discomfort for taller individuals. Furthermore, the backs of the front seats encroach upon the legroom of rear passengers, resulting in a compromised seating experience. In terms of storage capacity, the 208 features one of the smallest trunks in its segment, with a volume of only 265 liters.

Ergonomics: the triumph of the Peugeot 208

The Citroen C3 offers an elevated driving position, which enhances the driver’s visibility of the road ahead. However, it lacks telescopic adjustment for the operating column, limiting the adjustability to the height only. Furthermore, the instrument panel in the C3 does not include a tachometer, which can be considered a significant drawback.

In contrast, the Peugeot 208 takes a different approach by placing the driver in a lower position while incorporating a raised instrument panel above the steering wheel, a design characteristic found in current Peugeot models. Although the 208 also lacks a coolant temperature gauge, it outperforms the Citroen C3 by featuring a useful tachometer. Additionally, the 208 offers an adjustable operating range, providing further customization options. The seats in the 208 are designed to provide better support for the thighs and feature more pronounced bolsters on the sides, contributing to improved comfort and stability during driving.

Equipment: Peugeot 208 triumph

When it comes to content, the Peugeot 208 has a clear advantage. Look at the table:

Performance: Drawing

Despite the Peugeot 208 weighing only 50 kg, the performance of both models equipped with the 1.0 Firefly engine remains quite similar. The 1.0 engine is specifically designed for urban environments, where cars can navigate without significant issues while maintaining low fuel consumption. However, it is important to note that when driving uphill, it is advisable to keep the engine running at higher RPMs.

On highways or open roads, it takes a considerable amount of time for the vehicle to reach and maintain cruising speed. Additionally, as the terrain varies, it is beneficial to engage the top boost, which provides additional power. Overtaking maneuvers require careful planning, as they demand more space and time to execute. Furthermore, both models feature a manual transmission and a 5-speed gearbox, which, although functional, may exhibit some slight imprecision.

Driving ability: drawing

When considering the specific model of Citroen C3, it is notable that the suspension system demonstrates remarkable performance. This particular feature bestows upon the vehicle a heightened level of comfort and maneuverability when encountering common urban obstacles such as speed bumps and ditches. Conversely, the Peugeot 208 does not excel in these aspects; however, it remains far from inadequate. The Peugeot 208 possesses a robust combination of springs and dampers, effectively mitigating any inherent manufacturing flaws. Notably, despite its relatively low ground clearance, the front of the hatchback did not make contact with the ground throughout the entirety of the test.

A shared attribute between the two models, which is facilitated by the suspension setup for stabilization and the overall lower height, is the commendable stability exhibited in curves, particularly in the Peugeot 208. This model showcases an excellent level of safety, and even elicits a sense of excitement in the driver when traversing undulating roads. On the other hand, the Citroen C3 may not exhibit the same level of agility, yet it does not pose any imminent threat to the driver. Moreover, both vehicles display satisfactory braking performance.

Conclusion: Peugeot 208 beats Citroen C3

The Peugeot 208 Style 1.0 is ultimately a worthwhile investment despite its higher price tag. It excels in terms of finishing and ergonomics, and also offers a more generous selection of standard equipment. In terms of style, each vehicle possesses its own distinct characteristics, and they also differentiate themselves in terms of performance, excelling in different areas. However, in terms of practicality, the Citroen C3 Feel 1.0 holds a significant advantage with regards to interior space, both in the passenger compartment and the trunk. This is particularly important for potential buyers who are tall and require ample room.

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