VS
At a Glance
Power
60 kW
77 kW
Torque
115 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
5.6 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Towing
-
1000 Kg
Engine
1199 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Citroen C3 and the Toyota Starlet Cross is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Citroen C3 delivers 60 kW while the Toyota Starlet Cross produces 77 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 5.6 l/100km while the Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R242 500 for the C3 and R311 000 for the Starlet Cross. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Citroen C31.2 HOLA F/C P/V 2026 - From R242 500
Toyota Starlet Cross1.5xs 2025 - From R311 000
Performance
Power Output
60 kW
77 kW
Torque
115 Nm
138 Nm
Top Speed
-
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.6 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
133 g/km
131 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3981 mm
3995 mm
Width
1733- mm
1765 mm
Height
1599 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2540 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
988 / 1009 Kg
1005 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
—
304-605-1009 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
386 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2yr
4 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
30000km
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Starlet Cross
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Starlet Cross
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
C3
Practicality
Starlet Cross
Pros & Cons
Citroen C3
Lower starting price (R242 500)
Less power than rival (60 kW vs 77 kW)
Toyota Starlet Cross
More powerful engine (77 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or Starlet Cross?
The C3 uses 5.6 l/100km and the Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet Cross is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the C3 or Starlet Cross?
The C3 produces 60 kW and 115 Nm of torque while the Starlet Cross delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The Starlet Cross is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C3 and Starlet Cross?
The C3 starts from R242 500 and the Starlet Cross from R311 000. The C3 is cheaper by R68 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C3 or Starlet Cross?
The C3 has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the Starlet Cross can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C3 or the Starlet Cross?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider