- First time out in the rejuvenated Citroen e-C3 Aircross
- Compact electric SUV offers 'tremendous value'
- Verdict from our motoring expert Steve Fowler
- Available to lease now with Select
Citroën’s little C3 Aircross has always been a popular choice for those after a small SUV that’s both stylish and practical and won’t break the bank.
The new model has a twist up its sleeve – you can have it as a petrol, hybrid or an all-electric model – all are still great value with prices starting at £20,240 and they all offer a more spacious interior than before and a modern look inspired by Citroën’s bonkers Oli concept. Let’s be honest, Citroën does its best work when it leans into its quirky side, and this is no exception.
I’ve driven the all-electric e-C3 Aircross, which offers tremendous value. With prices starting at £22,990 it challenges the notion that electric cars are always out of reach for families on a budget. It also comes loaded with kit, so it’s not just good value—it’s a bargain.
However, the elephant in the room is the range. With a 44kWh battery, you’re looking at a maximum of 188 miles on a full charge. It’s not groundbreaking, but for a family car that’ll likely spend most of its time on school runs and weekly supermarket trips, it’s more than sufficient. Speaking as a former C3 Aircross owner, we never did 188 miles in a week, let alone in a single journey. Anyway, if you do need more range, there’s a bigger battery version coming later this year, offering closer to 250 miles.
Living with the e-C3 Aircross day-to-day is refreshingly simple. It’s as comfortable as you’d expect from a Citroën, with a ride that smooths out even the roughest roads. The seats are soft and supportive, the cabin is roomy, and everything’s easy to operate – Citroen’s unashamed focus on comfort is a refreshing change. This is much more real-world. Also in the real world, charging won’t break the bank either, especially if you can plug in on a cheap energy overnight tariff at home.
Performance isn’t exactly the e-C3 Aircross’s strong suit—0 to 62mph takes a leisurely 12.9 seconds. But this car isn’t built for speed; it’s built for comfort. Citroën’s clever suspension with hydraulic bump stops does a stellar job of soaking up potholes and bumps, and while it might lean a bit in the corners, it’s no big deal. The relaxed driving style this car encourages is part of its charm, and it helps eke out the most efficiency from the small battery.
Charging at home with a 7kW wall box takes just over four hours to top up, or if you are out and about, you can use a 100kW fast charger to go from 20 to 80 per cent in about 26 minutes.
Inside, the extra size makes a noticeable difference. It’s longer than before at 4,390mm to be exact—so there’s more room for passengers in the back, and the upright shape means headroom isn’t an issue.
The boot is decently sized at 460 litres, and if you fold down the back seats, you’ve got a whopping 1,600 litres of space, which could rival some small vans. Unfortunately, the EV version can’t accommodate seven seats like the petrol and hybrid variants, but it’s still more than spacious enough for most families.
The cabin feels bright and welcoming thanks to the large windows and a high-set driving position that gives you a good view out. Yes, some of the plastics are a bit cheap, but Citroën has dressed things up with a fabric strip across the dash that adds a cosy touch.
The Advanced Comfort seats are wider and squishier than most, making long journeys feel like a breeze. And if you’ve ever moaned about fiddly touchscreen climate controls, you’ll be pleased to know this one has proper physical buttons for heating and ventilation.
Tech-wise, there’s plenty to keep you happy. Every model comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen as standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Max trim adds extras like a heated steering wheel, LED rear lights, and wireless phone charging. Safety is well covered too, with active safety brake, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beam all included.
Running costs are another win for the e-C3 Aircross. Starting at £22,990, it actually undercuts the hybrid model by £750, and the electric version should prove cheaper to run thanks to lower energy costs. Plus, the battery is backed by an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty, giving peace of mind for those worried about long-term reliability.
All in all, the e-C3 Aircross is a cracking little family EV. It’s not perfect—the range could be better, and it won’t thrill you with its performance—but for everyday use, it’s hard to fault. With loads of space, a comfy ride, and a price tag that doesn’t make you wince, it’s got all the makings of a top-notch family runabout.
Specifications
- Model tested: Citroën e-C3 Aircross
- Price to buy outright/rough cost to lease: £22,990–£24,990
- Powertrain/battery size: Electric / 44kWh
- Power output/torque/top speed: 111bhp / 220Nm / 93mph
- Max Range/charging speed: 188 miles / 100kW fast charging (20–80% in 26 minutes)
- Fuel economy/CO2 emissions: n/a miles/kWh; zero emissions
- Boot space: 460 litres
- BIK/road tax: 2% (2025/26) / £10
- Standard-issue kit: 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, safety kit including lane-keeping assist and auto high beam
- Main rivals: Vauxhall Frontera, Hyundai Kona Electric, Fiat 600e
** Steve Fowler is one of the UK’s best-known automotive journalists and currently EV Editor of The Independent and a regular contributor to The Guardian. He’s the only person to have edited three of the UK’s biggest car titles – Auto Express, Autocar and What Car? – and has interviewed the biggest names in the car world from Tesla’s Elon Musk to Ford’s Jim Farley. Steve has also presented documentaries for BBC Radio Four and is used as a resident ‘car guru’ on TV and Radio. He’s a World Car of the Year juror and a judge on both Germany’s and India’s Car of the Year Awards. Read more of Steve's work at stevefowler.co.uk.
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