The Citroën e-C3 is the brand's latest electric offering, combining stylish design with practicality and comfort at an affordable price. Aimed at those seeking a compact, budget-friendly EV without compromising on features or range, the e-C3 is a serious contender in the growing electric hatchback market. Here’s a closer look at what it has to offer.
Design and Interior
The new Citroën e-C3 is a stylish, quirky electric hatchback that draws inspiration from the bold Citroën Oli concept. With its crossover-like design, including raised roof height, rugged detailing, and a clean, modern aesthetic, it offers plenty of personalisation options. The cabin is surprisingly premium for its price, with soft, comfortable seats and a well-placed 10.25-inch touchscreen. While some plastics feel cheap, overall, the interior strikes a balance between comfort and practicality. Spacious and with a generous 310-litre boot, it’s a great choice for families.
Driving Experience
The e-C3 is all about comfort. Equipped with ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension, it absorbs bumps and road imperfections effortlessly. It’s a smooth and enjoyable drive, with a decent 0-100 km/h time of 10.4 seconds. The ride is relaxed but responsive enough for tight corners, though it’s not a car for spirited driving. At motorway speeds, it remains stable with minimal wind noise. The driving experience feels surprisingly premium, given its budget price tag.
Range and Efficiency
With a 43.7kWh battery, the e-C3 offers a practical range of up to 320 km on a single charge. In real-world conditions, it managed 328 km with minimal effort, making it an efficient EV for daily commutes. The car can be fast-charged to 80% in just 26 minutes, ensuring it’s ready for the road in no time.
Pricing and Trim Levels
In Ireland, the e-C3 starts at €23,400 after government incentives. The base ‘Plus’ trim offers essential features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. The ‘Max’ trim, priced from €25,650, adds more premium touches such as navigation, wireless phone charging, and heated front seats.
Summary
The Citroën e-C3 is a strong contender in the small electric vehicle segment, offering a stylish design, solid driving comfort, and excellent range at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a practical and fun EV, the e-C3 is hard to beat.
Read the full review originally published on Complete Car Ireland here