Electric vehicles are becoming more and more affordable - and this new Citroen e-C3 proves it.
Cost is often perceived as a barrier to EV enjoyment (despite the fact you can lease one with Select for less than £200 per month*) and it’s true that battery-powered cars are often dearer than their petrol-powered equivalents.
But things are changing.
An influx of tech-heavy, cheap, but still sophisticated cars from China has pulled prices down. And now the major European manufacturers are muscling-in on the act by bringing out their own wallet-friendly EVs.
Case in point - the new Citroen e-C3.
The compact SUV-hatchback crossover will sit below the e-C4 in the French firm’s range and acts as an electrified version of the popular Citroen C3.
The boxy e-C3 has got very different looks to the current C3, though, and it’s really hard to pick fault with the styling. It’s a good looking car indeed.
When it goes on sale next year, Citroen says the e-C3 will set you back ‘less than £23,000’.
Most of the e-C3’s competitors - like the MG4 EV - start at around £27,000-£30,000, so you can see how competitively-priced it’ll be. Better yet, Citroen says that by 2025 an even cheaper e-C3 will be available, and that’ll be priced from 19,990 Euros - aka £17,324.
Add the upcoming and equally affordable Dacia Spring into the mix, which joins the party next year, and you’ll be looking at some tantalising lease deals.
So, what’s to like about the e-C3, with Citroen promising an ‘easy electric life’?
A 44 kWh battery gives a range of up to 199 miles and power of 113 hp, while rapid 100 kW DC charging will take the battery from 20-80% full in 26 minutes.
Like most Citroens, you can expect a plush ride, with ‘Advanced Comfort Suspension’ and hydraulic cushions as standard. Take that, potholes.
The cabin - called the ‘C-ZEN Lounge’ - is ‘simple’ but ‘refined’ and a 310-litre boot should be ample for most shopping trips.
A smartphone docking station is standard on entry-level ‘You!’ models while the swankier ‘Plus’ trim enjoys a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Top-of-the-range ‘Max’ versions add rear privacy glass, uprated seats, 3D sat nav, and wireless phone charging.
You can also expect safety features like active emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, and a rear parking camera.
Citroen Global CEO, Thierry Koskas, explains: “Offering affordable vehicles has always been a major part of Citroen’s DNA. However, 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 from under £23,000 in the UK.”
While we wait for the e-C3 to pull in, you can lease the petrol Citroen C3 with Select from just £178 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 18/10/23.
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