Citroen C3 VS ALPINA Series 3 Touring

Citroen C3

The Citroën C3 exudes a quirky charm with its distinctive design and bold colour options, making it stand out in the crowded hatchback market. Its interior is crafted with comfort in mind, offering plush seating and a host of modern technology features to enhance the driving experience. The C3's compact size makes it an ideal choice for urban commuting, effortlessly navigating through city streets while maintaining a sense of style and practicality.

ALPINA Series 3 Touring

The ALPINA B3 Touring exemplifies a blend of luxurious comfort and exhilarating performance, making it a standout in the estate car segment. Its exterior design is both sleek and assertive, with elegant touches that highlight its sporty credentials. Inside, the B3 Touring offers a plush cabin fitted with high-quality materials and advanced technology, ensuring a refined driving experience.

Citroen C3

Introduction to the Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 has long been a staple in the compact SUV segment, combining style, efficiency, and innovation. The latest iteration holds to this tradition while incorporating advancements that truly set it apart from its competitors. In this article, we delve into the technical details and explore the innovations that make the Citroen C3 an appealing choice for modern drivers.

Efficiency Meets Performance

The Citroen C3 offers a range of powertrains tailored to meet diverse customer needs. With petrol and electric options available, the C3 provides either a sleek manual or a responsive automatic gearbox. The petrol variant, powered by a three-cylinder engine, delivers an impressive output of 101 PS, achieving a consumption rate of just 5.6 L/100km. On the other hand, the fully electric e-C3 provides an output of 113 PS and an outstanding efficiency of between 17.1 and 17.4 kWh/100km, with a maximum electric range stretching from 320 to 326 km.

Design and Comfort

Citreon's focus on comfort is evident in the C3's spacious interior design, which accommodates five passengers. The SUV's dimensions — 4,015 mm in length, 1,755 mm in width, and 1,567 mm in height — combine in a way that gives ample room without compromising manoeuvrability. Furthermore, the Citroen C3 boasts a 310-litre boot, ensuring plenty of space for travel luggage or shopping.

Driving Dynamics and Safety

Front-wheel drive and a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes ensure a smooth and adaptable driving experience. The C3 offers a range of advanced safety features and driver assistance systems, cementing its reputation as a car that prioritises the safety of its passengers. Whether navigating city streets or cruising the open road, the Citroen C3's robust design provides assurance to all on board.

Technologically Advanced

Inside, the Citroen C3 presents a suite of modern technologies that enhance every journey. The vehicle's infotainment system is intuitive and easy to operate, featuring integration with smartphones to keep drivers connected. The built-in efficiency monitoring systems also provide real-time feedback, empowering drivers to maintain optimal energy conservation.

The Final Verdict

From its efficient engines to its innovative in-car technology and comfort-driven design, the Citroen C3 stands as an embodiment of modern automotive evolution. With prices starting from €14,990 and reaching up to €27,800, it offers competitive value and versatility for various budgets. In the 2024 model year, the Citroen C3 continues to inspire with its blend of economy, performance, and distinctive style, truly appealing to the demands of today's drivers.

ALPINA Series 3 Touring

Introducing the ALPINA 3 Series Touring: Fusion of Performance and Elegance

The ALPINA 3 Series Touring stands out as a unique blend of high performance and luxurious practicality. Known for their precision engineering and exquisite craftsmanship, ALPINA transforms the BMW 3 Series into something truly spectacular, capturing the hearts of automotive enthusiasts across the UK.

Under the Bonnet: Performance Powerhouse

The ALPINA 3 Series Touring is available with two exhilarating engine options—a petrol powerhouse and a diesel mild-hybrid option. Both variants come equipped with an efficient all-wheel-drive system and a superbly crafted automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience with seamless gear changes.

The petrol variant boasts an impressive output of up to 529 PS, delivering remarkable acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, while the diesel mild-hybrid generates a robust 355 PS, making long motorway drives effortlessly smooth while still achieving an efficient fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100km.

Technical Specifications and Innovation

At the heart of the ALPINA 3 Series Touring’s engine lies a finely-tuned inline-six-cylinder setup with a displacement of 2993 cm³. The model achieves a top speed ranging between 270 to 305 km/h, offering a thrilling driving experience without compromising on stability, thanks to ALPINA's precision-engineered suspension and aerodynamic enhancements. Not to mention the remarkable torque of 730 Nm that ensures powerful acceleration at any speed.

Equipped with ALPINA’s Switch-Tronic all-wheel system, this vehicle ensures optimal traction and handling in varied driving conditions. Despite its performance-oriented nature, it maintains a CO2 efficiency class of G, underscoring the balance between power and environmental responsibility.

Luxury and Practicality in One Sleek Package

The ALPINA 3 Series Touring displays its versatility through spacious interior dimensions, comfortably seating five passengers, with a significant boot capacity of 500 litres ensuring ample space for luggage or equipment. The car’s dimensions at a length of up to 4725 mm and a height of 1438 mm strike an elegant silhouette while allowing for practical everyday use.

Furthermore, despite its high-tech features and performance credentials, the vehicle exhibits a surprisingly functional curb weight between 1945 to 2020 kg, still enabling a boosted load capacity from 410 to 485 kg, suitable for all your family or travel needs. The model’s interior and safety features are packed with technological advancements and premium materials, further highlighting ALPINA’s dedication to luxury and comfort.

A Worthwhile Investment

The ALPINA 3 Series Touring comes with a price range of €83,000 to €102,900, reflecting its position as a premium option for discerning buyers who desire both sportiness and sophistication in one package.

An ALPINA is not just a vehicle; it's a statement of taste and an embodiment of exceptional engineering excellence. The 2024 ALPINA 3 Series Touring reaffirms its status as a leader in its class, offering an extraordinary driving experience replete with luxury and innovation.