Citroen e-C3 review

Citroen e-C3 review

We get behind the wheel of the Citroen e-C3 – one of the most affordable electric cars on the market…

There are many reasons why EVs are not selling as well as had been hoped, including the lack of incentives, patchy public charging infrastructure and range anxiety.

But for many drivers, it’s the upfront cost – which is why cars like the all-new Citroen e-C3 are so important.

Citroen e-C3 review

Starting at £21,990, it’s about the same price as an equivalent, well-equipped, small petrol hatchback.

And while its claimed range is a modest 199 miles, it’s more than enough for most motorists.

The fact is that the average car in the UK travels around 20 miles a day (about 140 miles per week) – and that figure is skewed by a small number of high-mileage drivers – so the reality is much less, especially in urban areas.

Citroen e-C3 review

In other words, small EVs are starting to make sense for more drivers, especially if you can charge from home and can take advantage of cheaper electricity tariffs.

The Citroen e-C3 isn’t even the cheapest five-door electric car on the market. The Dacia Spring wins that title (priced from £14,995), followed by the Leapmotor T03 (£15,995). However, the likeable Citroen is more grown-up and edges it when it comes to comfort, kit and practicality.

Like its stablemates under the giant Stellantis umbrella, which also includes Peugeot, Fiat and Vauxhall, Citroen is hedging its bets with its new compact hatchback because it’s also available with a basic petrol engine (from £17,990).

Citroen e-C3 review

Originally launched in 2002, the C3 is now in its four generation. And just to demonstrate its importance – 5.6 million have been sold globally since then, making it the brand’s best-selling model ever, even dethroning the iconic 2CV.

The Citroen e-C3 is the first electric version of the C3, which now features SUV-inspired styling, including short overhangs, front and rear skid plates, roof rails and large 17-inch alloys.

Retaining the same footprint as the outgoing model, the new car is 10cm taller, while ground clearance has also increased.

Citroen e-C3 review

First impressions are great. It’s good looking in a chunky way, feels solid and the contrasting roof colours are cool. I particularly liked the Monte Carlo Blue with a white roof option.

Inside, the e-C3 isn’t as cheap and nasty as you might think. While there are plenty of hard plastic surfaces, there’s also a swathe of fabric trim across the middle of the dashboard, while the cockpit design itself is funky and modern.

Up front, there’s a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a small, low-set, oblong steering wheel and a sleek digital driver’s display integrated into the dashboard above.

Citroen e-C3 review

The set-up works nicely, though the main infotainment screen’s graphics are fairly basic.

The cabin is surprisingly spacious and the driving position is a tad higher than you’d expect in a small hatchback, but then the e-C3 has a crossover feel.

There’s no shortage of headroom and there’s a decent amount of legroom in the back. At 310 litres, the e-C3’s boot is about average (there’s a high lip, but it is fairly deep), and if you fold down the 60:40-split rear seats, a total of 1,188 litres of storage is available.

Citroen e-C3 review

However, the standout feature of the e-C3’s interior is the level of cushioning and support provided by Citroen’s squidgy ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats.

All versions come with a generous level of standard equipment, including LED headlights, electric door mirrors,  rear parking radar, rear spoiler, cruise control, manual air conditioning, six airbags, and a suite of driver assistance and safety features.

Depending on which trim level you opt for (Plus or Max), other goodies on offer include power-folding and heated door mirrors, leather-effect steering wheel, LED rear lights, rear privacy glass, wireless charging and a rear camera.

Gareth Herincx driving a Citroen e-C3

At launch, the Citroen e-C3 is available with a 44kWh battery that’s good for an official range of up to 199 miles, with 100kW DC rapid charging providing 20% to 80% of capacity in as little as 26 minutes.

Its front-mounted electric motor produces 114bhp, which translates into a claimed 0-62mph time of 11 seconds, and a top speed of 84mph.

Those figures may sound modest, but the reality is that it’s quick enough off the line and it can hold its own on faster roads and motorways.

Citroen e-C3 review

In fact, it drives well, though of course, with its light steering and excellent visibility, it’s best suited to an urban environment.

It’s also an ideal small car for dealing with the UK’s pothole-blighted roads. In addition to the superb seats, it’s also blessed with Citroen’s ‘Advance Comfort’ suspension which soaks up imperfections and delivers a refined, smooth rode for the most part.

Despite its height and soft suspension, the e-C3 manages to corner well too with controlled body lean.

Citroen e-C3 review

I’d estimate the real-world range is closer to 150-160 miles, though if most of your driving is in built-up areas the claimed 199 miles is more than possible, especially in warmer weather.

Interestingly, there’s no ‘B’ button for increasing regenerative braking on the gear selector (a Stellantis fixture until now). Instead, there’s a ‘C’ (for comfort) button.

So, disappointingly, the regenerative braking levels can’t be adjusted and there’s no one-pedal driving mode.

Ultimately, the e-C3 is very capable and good value for money. A car that will help bring all-electric motoring to the masses.

Verdict: The new Citroen e-C3 is an affordable and appealing small EV with an accent on comfort and practicality.

Citroen UK

Leapmotor T03 review

Leapmotor T03 review

New car, new brand to the UK. We get behind the wheel of the dinky Leapmotor T03 hatchback…

Unlike most of the other new car brands from China, Leapmotor is a joint venture with Stellantis – the group which already includes Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat, Citroen, Jeep – to name but a few.

So, rather than having to set up from scratch, Leapmotor is leveraging Stellantis’ experience, which includes access to dealerships and an after-sales network.

Leapmotor T03 review

Leapmotor is launching in the UK with two all-electric cars – the pint-sized T03 hatchback and mid-sized SUV, the C10.

I’ve driven both, but this week I’m concentrating on the awkwardly-named T03 (a cute moniker might have been an idea, but there you go).

Priced from just £15,995, it’s the UK’s second-cheapest EV, at just £1,000 more than the Dacia Spring.

Leapmotor T03 review

I’m not 100% sure about the T03’s kerb appeal. While it’s not ugly, it’s certainly no Fiat 500, and there’s a hint of Daewoo Matiz about it.

One thing is for sure – it’s a strong all-round package. Thanks in part to its height (it’s taller than the Fiat 500e and Dacia Spring), it’s surprisingly spacious, with plenty of headroom throughout, and just enough legroom for adult passengers in the back.

Boot space is a cosy 210 litres, rising to 880 litres with the rear seats folded, so enough for a small shopping trip or carry-on luggage.

Leapmotor T03 review

Leapmotor has kept things simple with the T03. It’s only available in one (well-equipped) specification – all you do is choose the colour (Light White, Starry Silver and Glacier Blue).

For such an affordable hatchback, the list of goodies includes 15-inch alloys, a 10.1-inch central infotainment touchscreen, 8.0-inch digital driver’s display, panoramic sunroof, reversing camera, climate control, electronic parking brake and keyless start.

Safety and driver assistance tech, such as blind spot detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking (AEB), is all standard too.

Leapmotor T03 review

The heart of the little T03 is a 37.3kWh battery which offers a claimed 165 miles of range (more in city driving).

The electric motor on the front axle pushes out 94bhp and 117lb-ft of torque, which is enough for a 0–62mph time of 12.7 seconds and a top speed of 81mph.

The only obvious signs of cost-cutting are the lack of rear wiper, plasticky interior and lack of steering wheel reach adjustment. That said, it seems well put together, the infotainment tech available is impressive for a car in this sector and the doors close with a satisfying clunk.

Leapmotor T03 review

Sadly, my sat nav froze during my test drive and some of the infotainment screen text seemed on the small side to me, so it’s not perfect and there would seem to be a few early glitches.

It should also be noted that there’s currently no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. That could be sorted with an Over-the-Air (OTA) upgrade, but it may be a red line for some customers. In the meantime, there is Bluetooth connectivity.

Once you get used to the fairly high seating position, the first thing you notice on the move is an irritating whine from the electric motor. Thankfully, it disappears over 20mph, but it’s not quite the whisper-quiet experience of many EVs and road/wind noise is noticeable the faster you go.

Leapmotor T03 review

On the road, the Leapmotor T03 bowls along surprisingly well. It’s not the fastest EV out there, but absolutely fine for nipping around and there’s enough power to keep up with most traffic, even at motorway speeds.

A combination of its light weight (1,175kg), small footprint, wheel-at-each-corner design and tight turning circle result in a pleasant driving experience, even if it’s well short of putting a smile on your face.

The suspension is a tad stiff, but it soaks up most of the potholes. For the most part it feels settled and all-round visibility is good.

Leapmotor T03 review

It’s wisely been fitted with a set of classy Continental tyres, so there’s decent grip, while the steering is light. Delve inside the touchscreen and you’ll find three steering settings – Comfort, Standard and Sport. They are worth a try, with Sport just edging it for me.

There are also three drive modes (again hidden inside the infotainment system) – Eco, Comfort and Sport. As ever, stick to Comfort, which offers the best balance of economy and ‘performance’.

Sadly, there are no flappy paddles to adjust the brake regeneration behind the steering wheel, so it just varies according to the drive mode selected (Eco for max), and you won’t find a one-pedal option. On the plus side, the brakes in general are fairly progressive.

Leapmotor T03 review

Regen will claw back a bit of energy lost during braking and coasting, but naturally you’ll have to plug in for a full charge.

Most owners will charge overnight at home, but if you’re on the move, a 30 to 80% top-up using a rapid charger should take just over half an hour.

I’d need to spend a week with the T03 to come up with a more accurate real-world economy estimate, but I achieved around 3.5 miles/kWh during my test drive on mixed roads, so I reckon a 120-mile range is possible on a run – and closer to 200 miles in slow city driving.

Leapmotor T03 review

Inevitably, the Leapmotor T03 will be compared with the Dacia Spring. Just from first impressions, I’d say the T03 has more space for passengers, better quality materials are used and it seems more solid. It also has a longer range and it comes with a four-year warranty.

All in all, Leapmotor and Stellantis should be commended for helping to bring affordable electric motoring to the masses.

Verdict: The Leapmotor T03 isn’t quite the cheapest, but it is the best value EV on the UK market. Surprisingly spacious, comfortable, well-equipped and with a respectable range, it’s an ideal zero emissions urban runabout.

Leapmotor UK Leapmotor T03 review

Milestone as 100,000th UK customer takes delivery of a Dacia Duster

Home / Auto News / Milestone as 100,000th UK customer takes delivery of a Dacia Duster

Gareth Herincx

21 hours ago
Auto News

100,000th UK Dacia Duster customer

Dacia has sold its 100,000 Duster SUV since its launch in the UK in 2013.

Gail Hill was the special customer, taking delivery of her Dusty Khaki-finished Journey TCe 150 Auto from Mitchells Dacia in Lowestoft.

Since its launch, the Duster has accounted for 36% of all Dacia sales in the UK and it’s won more than 20 UK industry awards, including ‘Best Small SUV’, ‘Best Off-Roader’ and ‘Best Value Car’.

“I hadn’t considered a Duster before buying my original one, but my son said it was a good car,” said Gail.

“I needed something with a bigger boot and the Duster had plenty of space, plus it was a really good price and felt very solid.

The latest offers made upgrading to a new one more affordable than I thought, and I love the colour and how it drives with the automatic – it does go very well!”

So far, more than 12,500 drivers have already registered their interest in the all-new Dacia Duster ahead of its launch later this year.

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Dacia UK marks its 10th anniversary

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Dacia celebrates 10 years in the UK

Value-for-money car brand Dacia is celebrating its first decade in the UK.

The first UK-registered Dacia was a Sandero in January 2013. Since then, a total of 240,010 Dacia vehicles have been sold.

The rugged Duster is the UK’s most popular model, recording 88,488 registrations.

Dacia’s success shows no sign of slowing as the brand enters 2023 having achieved an increase in year-on-year sales of 55% last year.

When Dacia launched, David Cameron was the Prime Minister and the last word in tech was the release of the Apple iPhone 5S and 5C.

The year was also be memorable for the birth of Prince George, while Sir Alex Ferguson retired as Manager of Manchester United.

Dacia Sandero Stepway and Dacia Sandero

The Sandero supermini and Sandero Stepway soon complemented the Duster and a decade later the trio still feature in the Dacia range. The Sandero Stepway has notched up 71,236 sales, while 59,987 examples of the Sandero have been sold.

The growing number of accolades the Renault-owned brand has received include several wins at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards, Auto Express New Car Awards and Auto Trader New Car Awards.

Today, Dacia commands an impressive 3.1% retail market share, a remarkable achievement for a brand that has only been in the UK for 10 years.

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Milestone as Dacia makes 10 millionth vehicle

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Dacia celebrates 10 million vehicles

Dacia is celebrating the production of its 10 millionth vehicle since the value-for-money brand was born in 1968.

The Dacia Duster Extreme SE in Urban Grey was produced at the company’s plant in Romania.

Dacia celebrates 10 millionth vehicle

Dacia assembled its first vehicle, the Dacia 1100, in August 1968. The following year, the popular Dacia 1300 model was introduced. It inspired a whole family of derivatives such as the saloon, station wagon, sports coupe and LCV and remained in production for 35 years.

A new chapter in Dacia’s history was opened following its acquisition by Renault Group in 1999.

With the launch of Logan in 2004, Dacia became a global carmaker and the pace of sales accelerated. In 2005, Dacia opened a production line outside Romania, at the Somaca plant in Casablanca, Morocco.

Dacia launched in the UK in January 2013 and enjoyed the most successful start ever for a new car brand in the UK. So far, more than 220,000 Dacia vehicles have been sold. In all, Dacia vehicles are sold in 44 countries.

Within the 10 million vehicles produced, there have been:

  • 2.6 million Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway, the best-selling vehicle to private customers in Europe since 2017
  • 2.1 million Dacia Duster, the best-selling SUV to private customers in Europe since 2018
  • 1.95 million Dacia Logan and Logan MCV
  • 2.3 million Dacia 1300 (and variants)

“We are very proud to have passed the symbolic milestone of 10 million vehicles produced,” said Denis Le Vot, CEO of Dacia.

“This result rewards a pragmatic vision of the automobile, focused on what is essential to our customers.

“Building on its experience, Dacia will continue to grow and offer attractive vehicles that are adapted to our customers’ lifestyles.”

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