The French brand aims to conquer the more affordable end of the electric car market with this all-new small SUV. Our reader jury gives it a thorough looking over
Photography: Alasdair Rodden
Claire Evans
claire.evans@haymarket.com
WITH THE E-C3, Citroën appears to be returning to what it’s always done best: providing drivers with small, affordable, practical vehicles that are full of character. And this one adds electric power to the mix.
The biggest news is that, starting at around £22,500, the e-C3 undercuts our current favourite small electric vehicle (EV), the MG 4, by around £4000. Yet it still promises a decent range and can be charged up swiftly.
The initial version will be powered by a 111bhp electric motor and a 44kWh (usable) battery, with the latter delivering an official range of 199 miles – just 19 miles less than the entry-level MG 4. Charging at rates of up to 100kW, the e-C3’s battery can officially be taken from 10-80% in 30 minutes.
With distinctive, rugged-looking styling, the e-C3 is the first car to display Citroën’s new design language, as well as the brand’s new double chevron badges. It has an equally bold-looking interior, with a digital driver’s display above the dashboard and a wide storage shelf above the glovebox. A head-up display projects key driving information into your line of sight, and the two-spoke steering wheel is designed to give a clear view of the digital dash.
To see if the e-C3 will be a hit with drivers, we asked members of our reader panel to take a close look and issue their verdicts.
MAGGIE MASON
Age 80 Job Retired laboratory technician Drives Honda CR-V
“I’m looking to replace my ageing Honda with something smaller and cheaper to live with. I only do short local trips; the e-C3’s range would probably last me for one or two weeks, and having a drive with an electric car charger means charging it up would be easy and cheap.
“I like the way the e-C3’s interior feels like it wraps around you when you’re in the driver’s seat. Although it’s much smaller than my CR-V, you sit higher up than in a traditional hatchback, for a great view out. I also like how wide the e-C3’s front doors open, and that you don’t have to bend down to get in.
“Access to the rear seats is good, too; getting my great-grandson in and out and strapping him into his child seat would be easy. Although the boot is a reasonable size
