Citroen eC3

Citroen eC3 Expert Verdict

Citroen eC3 Detailed Review

• eC3 Exterior 8 /10

  The new Citroen eC3 looks almost exactly like the ICE-powered C3. The charging port placed on the front right side of the bonnet and the ‘E’ badge are the only differentiating elements of the eC3 from its ICE counterpart. Moreover, the design of the eC3 gives it an SUV-like stance. It looks proportionate from every angle and there are no radical design elements or angles to its design The eC3 is available in 4 monotone and 9 dual-tone colors. The 4 main colors are polar white, zesty orange, platinum grey, and steel grey. The dual-tone colors are offered with either a zesty orange roof, a platinum grey roof, or a polar white roof.

  Summary

• eC3 Interior 9 /10

  The interiors of the eC3 are also almost identical to its ICE counterpart. The difference is only in the driver's instrument cluster display which now displays important information like remaining battery level, estimated remaining range, driving mode indicator, battery regeneration indicator, etc. The eC3 also gets two interior trim/panel color options i.e. anodized orange or anodized grey.In the eC3’s center console area, the gear lever has been replaced by a small toggle switch to shift between neutral, drive, and reverse modes. The ECO drive mode button is also placed adjacent to this toggle. The front & rear seats of the eC3 get integrated headrests and there are all 4 power windows with one touch auto-down function.

  Summary

• eC3 Electric Motor, Battery & Charging 8.5 /10

  The new Citroen eC3 comes with a 29.2kWh natural air-cooled lithium-ion battery pack and a PMSM electric motor producing 57 PS of power and 143 Nm of torque. It gets a claimed full charge range of 320 km as per the MIDC cycle. The battery pack of the Citroen eC3 is covered with a 7-years or 1.4 lakh km warranty. Whereas the electric motor of the eC3 gets a 5-years or 1 lakh km warranty. The eC3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just 6.8 sec & has a top speed of 107 km/h. It also gets two driving modes i.e. ECO and Standard.When it comes to charging, the eC3 can be fast charged from 10 to 80% in just around 57 minutes using a DC fast charger. Also, according to Citroen, the eC3 doesn't require slow charging in between two successive DC fast charging cycles. Thus one can always opt to fast charge the eC3 at the DC charging stations. However, for home charging, Citroen only offers a 3.3 kW (15amp) portable charger which takes around 10.5 hours to charge the eC3 from 10 to 100%.

  Summary

• eC3 Features & Safety 8 /10

  The Citroen eC3 offers some basic and common features like a height-adjustable driver seat, tilt adjustable steering, remote keyless entry, internally adjustable manual ORVMs, manual air conditioner with heater, steering mounted audio & phone controls, 12V front power socket, all 4 power windows with one touch auto-down function, front & rear fast charging USB ports, etc.However, it also offers some advanced features like wireless android auto & apple car play, a 10.23-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 4 speakers, and connected car tech with a personal assistant application. On the safety front, it offers dual airbags, ABS & EBD as standard.

  Summary

  The Citroen eC3 rivals the Tata Tiago EV in India. Although it lacks several comfort, convenience, and EV-specific features that the Tiago EV offers, the eC3 still offers a slightly better range of 320 km and a competitive standard warranty on the battery pack & electric motor. Moreover, the eC3 also has an upper hand over the Tata Tiago EV when it comes to cabin and boot space.