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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
