Citroën DS3 1.6 HDi 110 CV vs Fiat Punto EVO 1.6 MTJ 120 CV, comparison (Part II)

After looking at the recent news (and what’s still to come), it’s time to continue with the comparison of these two city cars with diesel hearts of 110 and 120 CV. We’ve tested the Citroën DS3 equipped with the 1.6 HDi 110 CV engine and are comparing it with the Fiat Punto EVO, which has the 1.6 Multijet 120 CV engine under its bonnet.

We discussed performance and handling in the first part of the test, where we saw that both have more than enough power to move these city cars. The DS3’s engine proved more progressive and more fuel-efficient than the Italian’s, while the Italian has suspensions geared more towards everyday driving and less harsh than the French car’s (an advantage on roads with bends).

Now in this part of the test we’ll focus on exterior design, interior space, build quality and boot. That is, we’ll review both vehicles inside and out and see what each one offers or where they differ.

Exterior design

Although design is always a personal matter and, as they say, there’s no accounting for taste, from the outside the DS3 (3.94 metres long) probably draws more attention, thanks to its more striking design and above all some customisation options the Italian doesn’t have, such as the option to choose a roof in a different colour from the bodywork or even decorate it to your taste (as on the test car). However, the sunroof is an equipment item only the Fiat Punto EVO (4.07 metres long) can be fitted with, and neither offers xenon headlights as an option.

At the front, the DS3’s LED lights stand out, undoubtedly a signature feature that doesn’t go unnoticed, while the Italian makes do with bulb-type daytime running lights (which are the position lights). From the side, the design of the alloy wheels on both models stands out, both 17 inches.

At the rear the Punto EVO keeps a design familiar from the model, but it is now updated, especially at the lights, and has a sportier look (the bumper dimensions, chrome exhaust outlet…), while the DS3 keeps its distance from the C3, with a different rear end that gives it more personality.

Interior design

The DS3 has the same interior as the Citroën C3. The dashboard design is quite successful and, as a design detail, the main part is painted the same colour as the roof (and so is the steering wheel), the fit and finish is good, and almost all the materials are of good quality. However, plastic is very present in the design, and some materials (on the lower part of the dashboard) could have a better feel.

On the other hand, the Fiat has a more traditional design but is well finished, with the perforated finish in the centre of the dashboard standing out, pleasant to the touch, as is the upper part of the dashboard. That said, in some areas we again find plastics with a less than ideal feel.

As for driving position, the DS3 stands out for its seats, which hold the body perfectly and offer a driving position with a different character, but once settled in it’s comfortable. The Punto EVO is comfortable, but its seats don’t offer as good lateral support as the French car’s; even so, visibility is good and the position is more traditional.

At the front both models offer a similar sense of space, but the differences lie in the rear. The DS3 offers more headroom, but the Punto EVO has greater legroom. In short, two adults will travel comfortably in the back, provided they’re not very tall; three, however, would already be a squeeze.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage spaces, both models are practically tied: both have compartments in the central area for leaving our things, and both have glovebox compartments of normal size, both the main one and those in the doors.

As for the boot, in capacity the DS3 wins with 285 litres, but with rather irregular dimensions that make loading bulky items (a child seat, for example) difficult, while the Punto EVO has 275 litres, with fairly regular shapes.

Now that we know our two city cars inside and out, in the third part of the test we’ll discuss equipment (including safety equipment), price and our overall verdict on these two diesel city cars.

Photos | David Taboada