SPACE WARS

There are plenty of budget-friendly seven-seat MPVs on the market, but what if you desire ample space without compromising on style?

- AAKASH S PAUL

Until now, if you sought a spacious three-row vehicle for your family, your most likely option would be the Toyota Innova Crysta. But if budget was at a premium, you would go for either the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga or one of its many avatars, like the Toyota Rumion. However, now the Citroen C3 Aircross - an SUV with three rows of seating available in the same price bracket as the Rumion - has entered the scene. Given that it offers the appeal of an SUV and the practicality of an MPV, the need for even considering other options seems redundant, doesn't it? So, has Citroen made a slam dunk with their latest offering, or are the conventional budget-oriented MPVs still relevant? We compare the Rumion and the C3 Aircross to find out!

BATTLE OF BODY STYLES

Now, I am of the opinion that comparing designs is not a very productive endeavour, for any outcome of such a comparison will be, more often than not, influenced by subjective preferences. However, that is not the case here. The fact that the Rumion is an MPV and the C3 Aircross is an SUV makes their difference in terms of appearance as clear as a freshly cut diamond. The Rumion - based on the Ertiga, which is an old vehicle - exudes a simplistic design. It is longer and taller than the C3 and even has a longer wheelbase, all of which translates into more room inside - which I will elaborate on later.

The C3 Aircross, on the other hand, has a more modern and captivating design. Its SUV stance, combined with the split LED DRLs and large 17-inch alloy wheels, makes for a stunning package. Additionally, the C3 is also available in a wide range of colour options, including dual-tone shades, while the Rumion's colour options, aside from blue, may seem a bit bland. So, if you are looking to add a head-turner in your garage, the C3 Aircorss is the obvious choice.