Citroen eC3

Citroen eC3 exterior design

The eC3, with its upright stance and quirky details, looks nearly identical to its ICE counterpart – even the grille is the same open unit – not sealed like you would find on most EVs. You have to look closely to spot differences between the ICE and EV variant, with the latter only sporting ‘e’ and eC3 badging, and a charging port flap cut into the right front fender. There’s even a fuel filler flap on the eC3, but it doesn’t open.

Citroen eC3 interior and seating

Inside too, the electric and ICE versions are the same, with the only difference being the absence of a gear lever. Instead, you get a small toggle switch for the drive state selector and a button below to select Eco mode. The 10.25-inch touchscreen, contrast-colour panel on the dashboard and storage spaces are all identical. Seats are also carried over, which means they are comfortable, both front and back. Space is also good for four adults with enough head- and legroom; three adults in the back seat, though, will find the cabin narrow.

Citroen eC3 features

The eC3 gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a very basic digital instrument cluster, 4-speaker audio system, LED DRLs, rear power windows, remote locking, tilt steering adjustment and USB chargers. Though day/night adjustment for the inside mirror has been added, the eC3, like its ICE-sibling, still has a few glaring omissions such as rear wash/wipe, defogger, and a rear parking camera. It also continues with manual AC and manual ORVM adjustment.

Citroen eC3 battery and range

The eC3 comes in one battery size only, which is a 29.2kWh lithium-ion pack. Range is a claimed 320km (ARAI), but as with all EVs, expect real-world range to be lower. Citroen does not supply a wall box charger, so at home on a 15A plug point, it will take 10.5 hours to go from 10 to 100 percent. You can also charge it on a DC fast charger, but even here, speeds are controlled to a dawdling 7.2kW and will take about an hour to go from 10 to 80 percent.

Citroen eC3 performance

Performance isn’t the eC3’s aim. Step on the throttle and power delivery is very sedate and acceleration is far from the typical instant response you get in an EV; after about 30kph, you do move a bit quicker though. Citroen claims a 0 to 60kph time of 6.8 seconds and top speed is limited to 107kph. Besides the slow off-the-line response, it performs just fine as a small city hatch. Its silent with little to no motor whine intruding, and is naturally smooth as well.

Citroen eC3 ride and handling

The steering isn’t one-finger-twirl light, but it’s just right and the weight imparts a degree of confidence around the corners. Body roll is present and the eC3 does not like to be hustled. The suspension is clearly geared towards ride comfort, which is a Citroen hallmark.

Citroen eC3 price and verdict

At an ex-showroom price of Rs 11.50 lakh to Rs 12.13 lakh, with the option of purchasing Dual Tone paint and a Vibe Pack at an extra cost, the Citroen eC3 might not come across as great value, given its sparse interior and features list and its aggressively priced rival from Tata Motors. The claimed range, however, is quite good, and what it does get you is good space and a comfortable driving experience.