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

We conclude this comparison of the Citroën DS3 diesel with 110 CV and the Fiat Punto EVO with 120 CV. In the first part we discussed the engine and performance of both models, what stood out about each of them, and how the 110 CV HDi engine of the French car and the 120 CV 1.6 Multijet of the Italian one work.

In the second part we reviewed the design, the exterior with its customisation options (especially in the case of the DS3), and we also looked at the interior, covering the space, the room, the quality of the materials and the boot. And now, to finish, we need to focus on the equipment of these two city cars, their prices and our overall assessment of them.

Equipment

In this section we begin by reviewing the safety equipment of both models. The Citroën comes better equipped with safety features from its base trim, including front, side and curtain airbags, as well as stability control. The Punto EVO comes as standard with front, side and curtain airbags, including a knee airbag, plus ABS with electronic brake force distribution, but there is one notable absentee in the base equipment: stability control (which is not standard across the whole range).

As for Euro NCAP stars, the DS3 has earned a good score and the famous five stars, but the Punto EVO has not passed the tests, so we have to take the 2005 Grande Punto as a reference, which did take them and achieved five stars back then (although the two are not directly comparable).

The standard equipment of the DS3 is quite complete, but there is a slightly curious detail: the DS3 is split into three trims (four with the 200 CV model), and in the base one the front LED lights (a real signature feature) are not available. If we want them we have to go up to the Style trim from 17,990 euros (rather than the 15,550 euros of the Design trim). Otherwise we get a CD-MP3 radio, front fog lights and cruise control.

The Punto EVO comes as standard with a CD-MP3 radio with USB input, central locking, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever knob, electric heated mirrors, among other items, and from 9,990 euros.

Now that we know both models, the DS3 is more expensive but from its base trim it offers superior equipment, although the LED lights are something that should be standard. Our two test units stood out for having satellite navigation, an integrated one (the DS3) and another with a fairly practical TomTom unit (the Punto EVO).

The radio of the Italian car seemed a bit more fiddly to operate than the French one, especially until we got used to it, and the integration of Blue&Me could be improved. As for the lights (neither has xenon as an option), the Italian’s are more effective, offering a better beam, especially on poorly lit roads.

Overall Assessment and Prices

What at first looked like two different cars has shown, after the comparison, that they share more elements in common than it seems. From the performance point of view, the Citroën’s engine won us over with its power delivery, responsiveness and consumption. Meanwhile, for day-to-day use the Punto EVO strikes us as more sensible, since it does not sacrifice comfort and behaves well on winding roads.

In exterior design the star is the DS3, which offers more customisation possibilities, but as we have seen it is odd that it cannot have a sunroof (something the Fiat does offer as an option). Inside, the Punto EVO seems larger, but the surprise came with headroom, which is rather tight for tall people.

And on price we have to consider two different realities: for someone looking for an entry-level car (where the Fiat wins, because the DS3 is not what they are looking for), but if we want a capable engine, complete equipment and a car that suits our taste, the prices level out and both come in around 20,000 euros.

The DS3 in the test had a price of 22,900 euros (starting from 15,550 euros), with full equipment, including satellite navigation, leather and air conditioning, among other items. Meanwhile, the Fiat Punto EVO in the test had a price of 21,340 euros (starting from 9,990 euros), with navigation, air conditioning or an electric sunroof, among other options.

We therefore have two fully equipped cars, with a powerful diesel engine and a fairly attractive price, especially if we look at the equipment and the power.

Photos | David Taboada