Citroen eC3 updated, released in Europe

CITROEN has updated its eC3 range for Europe, the compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) offered with a smaller battery pack, giving it price competitiveness against a growing number of more affordable Chinese-made competitors.

Priced from €19,990 ($A33,200), the Citroen eC3 range comprises two variants, each with a 44kWh lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) battery the French manufacturer says can deliver between 200km and 320km of driving range (WLTP), depending on configuration.

Top speed is listed at 135km/h.

The model features an 83kW electric motor driving the front wheels which can accelerate the eC3 from standstill to 100km/h in roughly 11.0 seconds. Battery charging is via an 11kW AC or 100kW DC connection with a 20 – 80 per cent charge on the latter taking approximately 26 minutes.

To ensure a comfortable ride, the eC3 is equipped with Citroen’s Advanced Comfort progressive hydraulic suspension, smaller 16- and 17-inch wheels, and newly adopted Advanced Comfort seats. Coupled with the manufacturer’s new C-Zen Lounge interior, it is obvious that comfort is a major priority.

The Citroen eC3 rides on the Stellantis Group’s global Smart Car platform which can be adapted to a range of models, and both BEV and ICE propulsion. It measures 4010mm in length, 1760mm in width and 1570mm in height to offer more interior space than the outgoing model, as well as a generous 310 litres of cargo space.

Remaining inside we find cloth upholstery, a head-up style instrument panel and 10.25-inch infotainment array with included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A range of connected services features are also available via the MyCitroen App.

The compact model also packs a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance technologies, including AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active lane departure warning, driver attention alert, speed sign recognition, hill start assist, auto high beam, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

“Offering affordable vehicles has always been a major part of Citroen’s DNA,” explained Citroen CEO, Thierry Koskas.

“But customer expectations for vehicles in the B-segment have changed, notably with the rise in popularity of SUVs and the increasing desire to drive electric in and around our cities, and it has become more challenging for European vehicle makers to meet those expectations.

“Uniquely, Citroen is daring to do exactly that with the all-new, all-electric e-C3 for European buyers: a fresh, sharp and comfortable B-hatch that is fully-equipped, specifically designed for and made in Europe, and extremely affordable with on-the-road prices starting at 23,300 Euros.”

The all-electric e-C3 is the flagship of the freshly updated fourth generation C3 range. The C3 has sold more than 5.6 million examples globally since its launch in 2022 and is the most popular model in the brand’s European portfolio representing 29 per cent of its overall sales volume.

The European-only Citroen e-C3 will not be sold in Australia.