We get behind the wheel of the Citroen e-C3 – one of the inexpensive electrical automobiles available on the market…
There are lots of explanation why EVs usually are not promoting in addition to had been hoped, together with the dearth of incentives, patchy public charging infrastructure and vary nervousness.
However for a lot of drivers, it’s the upfront price – which is why automobiles just like the all-new Citroen e-C3 are so necessary.
Beginning at £21,990, it’s about the identical value as an equal, well-equipped, small petrol hatchback.
And whereas its claimed vary is a modest 199 miles, it’s greater than sufficient for many motorists.
The actual fact is that the typical automotive within the UK travels round 20 miles a day (about 140 miles per week) – and that determine is skewed by a small variety of high-mileage drivers – so the truth is way much less, particularly in city areas.
In different phrases, small EVs are beginning to make sense for extra drivers, particularly in the event you can cost from dwelling and might make the most of cheaper electrical energy tariffs.
The Citroen e-C3 isn’t even the most affordable five-door electrical automotive available on the market. The Dacia Spring wins that title (priced from £14,995), adopted by the Leapmotor T03 (£15,995). Nevertheless, the likeable Citroen is extra grown-up and edges it relating to consolation, equipment and practicality.
Like its stablemates beneath the large Stellantis umbrella, which additionally consists of Peugeot, Fiat and Vauxhall, Citroen is hedging its bets with its new compact hatchback as a result of it’s additionally out there with a fundamental petrol engine (from £17,990).
Initially launched in 2002, the C3 is now in its 4 era. And simply to display its significance – 5.6 million have been offered globally since then, making it the model’s best-selling mannequin ever, even dethroning the enduring 2CV.
The Citroen e-C3 is the primary electrical model of the C3, which now options SUV-inspired styling, together with brief overhangs, entrance and rear skid plates, roof rails and huge 17-inch alloys.
Retaining the identical footprint because the outgoing mannequin, the brand new automotive is 10cm taller, whereas floor clearance has additionally elevated.
First impressions are nice. It’s good trying in a chunky approach, feels stable and the contrasting roof colors are cool. I notably appreciated the Monte Carlo Blue with a white roof possibility.
Inside, the e-C3 isn’t as low cost and nasty as you may suppose. Whereas there are many laborious plastic surfaces, there’s additionally a swathe of cloth trim throughout the center of the dashboard, whereas the cockpit design itself is funky and trendy.
Up entrance, there’s a ten.25-inch touchscreen, a small, low-set, rectangular steering wheel and a smooth digital driver’s show built-in into the dashboard above.
The set-up works properly, although the principle infotainment display’s graphics are pretty fundamental.
The cabin is surprisingly spacious and the driving place is a tad greater than you’d anticipate in a small hatchback, however then the e-C3 has a crossover really feel.
There’s no scarcity of headroom and there’s an honest quantity of legroom within the again. At 310 litres, the e-C3’s boot is about common (there’s a excessive lip, however it’s pretty deep), and in the event you fold down the 60:40-split rear seats, a complete of 1,188 litres of storage is on the market.
Nevertheless, the standout characteristic of the e-C3’s inside is the extent of cushioning and help offered by Citroen’s squidgy ‘Superior Consolation’ seats.
All variations include a beneficiant stage of normal tools, together with LED headlights, electrical door mirrors, rear parking radar, rear spoiler, cruise management, handbook air con, six airbags, and a set of driver help and security options.
Relying on which trim stage you go for (Plus or Max), different goodies on supply embody power-folding and heated door mirrors, leather-effect steering wheel, LED taillights, rear privateness glass, wi-fi charging and a rear digital camera.
At launch, the Citroen e-C3 is on the market with a 44kWh battery that’s good for an official vary of as much as 199 miles, with 100kW DC speedy charging offering 20% to 80% of capability in as little as 26 minutes.
Its front-mounted electrical motor produces 114bhp, which interprets right into a claimed 0-62mph time of 11 seconds, and a prime pace of 84mph.
These figures might sound modest, however the actuality is that it’s fast sufficient off the road and it may well maintain its personal on sooner roads and motorways.
In actual fact, it drives nicely, although after all, with its mild steering and wonderful visibility, it’s greatest suited to an city setting.
It’s additionally a really perfect small automotive for coping with the UK’s pothole-blighted roads. Along with the excellent seats, it’s additionally blessed with Citroen’s ‘Advance Consolation’ suspension which soaks up imperfections and delivers a refined, clean rode for probably the most half.
Regardless of its top and smooth suspension, the e-C3 manages to nook nicely too with managed physique lean.
I’d estimate the real-world vary is nearer to 150-160 miles, although if most of your driving is in built-up areas the claimed 199 miles is greater than doable, particularly in hotter climate.
Apparently, there’s no ‘B’ button for growing regenerative braking on the gear selector (a Stellantis fixture till now). As an alternative, there’s a ‘C’ (for consolation) button.
So, disappointingly, the regenerative braking ranges can’t be adjusted and there’s no one-pedal driving mode.
In the end, the e-C3 may be very succesful and good worth for cash. A automotive that can assist convey all-electric motoring to the plenty.
Verdict: The brand new Citroen e-C3 is an inexpensive and interesting small EV with an accent on consolation and practicality.
Citroen UK
