Name: New Citroën ë-C3 models and Specifications
Brand: Citroën

12-turbo-plus-5dr

83kW

1.2 Turbo

Plus

Hatchback

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

1.2 Turbo Plus 5dr

83kW Plus 44kWh 5dr Auto

83kw-plus-44kwh-5dr-auto

83kW Max 44kWh 5dr Auto

83kw-max-44kwh-5dr-auto

Citroën ë-C3

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

You'll struggle to find a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a>&nbsp;that undercuts the starting price of the Citroën ë-C3, with it coming in under the entry-level <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/gwm-ora/03/hatchback/review/n25190">Ora 03</a>. The<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2024-dacia-spring-review/n25967"> Dacia Spring</a> is cheaper, but that's a significantly smaller car with a much cheaper-feeling interior.

It it worth noting that if you go down the route of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/pcp-or-hp-which-car-finance-option-makes-most-sense/n1163">PCP finance</a>, the ë-C3 in our favourite Max trim is only a few pounds a month less than an entry-level MG4 or and Inster in 02 trim.

Two trims are offered for the ë-C3: Plus and Max. Plus gets the basics, including <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">touchscreen infotainment</a>, LED headlights, comfort seats, comfort suspension and rear parking sensors.

For a small outlay, Max adds 17in diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED rear lights, tinted rear windows, automatic air conditioning, wireless phone-charging, a rear-view camera, electric rear windows, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors, automatic wipers and automatic high-beam. It’s the one we’d go for.&nbsp;

DC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">charging speeds</a>&nbsp;for the ë-C3 are up to 100kW, which is&nbsp;faster than an equivalent <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a>&nbsp;but slower than an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a>. That will deliver a 20-80% charge (around 90 to 100 miles of real-world range) in 26 minutes, but you have to remember the battery size is fairly modest. A standard 7kW&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-home-ev-chargers/n25830">home charger</a> will fully charge the ë-C3 in around seven hours.

In terms of reliability, Citroën did well in our 2024 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/most-reliable-cars/n27337">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>, finishing seventh out of 31 brands. That should be good news for ë-C3 owners but we don't yet have specific data the model.

Citroën gives you a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the ë-C3. The battery is covered for eight years and 100,000 miles, with a guarantee that it will be refurbished or replaced if it drops below 70% of the as-new performance in the warranty period.

The ë-C3 has not yet been tested by the safety experts at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> but as standard it comes with lane-keep assist, speed-limit recognition, a driver attention alert system and automatic&nbsp;emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>).

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At launch, the Citroën ë-C3 is available in just one configuration&nbsp;with a 43.7kWh battery that’s good for an official range of 201 miles.

That’s usefully more than you get from a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a> (149 miles) and not far behind a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a> (211 miles in its cheapest guise) or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV SE</a> (218 miles). In time there will be an even more affordable, smaller-battery ë-C3 with around 124 miles of range.

The 44kWh battery uses the same lithium iron phosphate chemistry beloved by BYD. Those units are typically cheaper to produce than other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a> batteries but are also heavier, and the range offered is more readily impacted by cold weather. That could be a problem in the UK, especially when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/citroen">Citroën</a> won’t be offering an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/electric-car-heat-pump/n27141">EV heat pump</a> as an option.&nbsp;

The mercury was hovering around 11 degrees when we tested the ë-C3 and it&nbsp;returned an efficiency of 3.8 miles per kWh, giving it a rough <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/range-test-how-far-can-electric-cars-really-go/n24836">real-world range</a> of around 170 miles. Not groundbreaking, but respectable. For reference, on the same day&nbsp;an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 SE</a> returned 3.6 miles per kWh and an entry-level <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a> managed 4.0 miles per kWh.

The ë-C3 has just 111bhp on tap and an official 0-60mph time of 10.4 seconds, while&nbsp;an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV SE</a> covers the same sprint in just 7.7 seconds, so we were worried it would feel hopelessly slow. In reality, it’s more than nippy enough from 0-50mph. It’s also incredibly easy to drive smoothly thanks to a linear, well-calibrated accelerator pedal.

While we suspect some buyers will disappointed to learn that the ë-C3 doesn’t feature a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-one-pedal-driving-and-how-does-it-work/n27129">one-pedal driving mode</a> or different grades of<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-regenerative-braking-and-how-does-it-work/n25212"> regenerative braking</a>, we found the base regen setting well-judged. When you lift off the accelerator, the car slows down gently, making it ideal for smooth, unhurried urban dawdling.

If, though, you’re coming in hot toward a sharp bend or junction, you’ll need the brake pedal. And here’s where it stumbles a bit: the pedal has a spongy, vague feel, so getting a seamless stop takes a little extra finesse.

Despite being something of a budget option, the ë-C3 still gets Citroën’s Advanced Comfort suspension (hydraulically cushioned dampers).

It delivers a plush, pillowy ride over most surfaces, although the rear axle sometimes crashes over nastier bumps, and you’ll feel a bit of body roll if you decide to throw it around.&nbsp;Not that you’d buy a compact <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a> expecting pin-sharp cornering prowess, mind.

Grip is good, and while the steering is light, it’s accurate enough, allowing the ë-C3 to glide along confidently at speed.

It’s certainly more engaging to drive than an equivalent <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a> and produces noticeably more grip in iffy conditions. Indeed, the Dolphin’s standard-fit Linglong tyres provide all the grip of a greased-up, er, dolphin. For those hankering after something a bit more fun to drive, the sharper <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a> remains tough to beat.

On the refinement front, the ë-C3 does generate some suspension clunks from the rear axle and you’ll notice a fair bit of tyre roar over coarser surfaces. Not enough to wear you down, but noticeable on a longer journey. Then again, neither the MG4 nor the Dolphin are exactly whisper-quiet companions either.

“The Citroën ë-C3’s official 0-60mph time of 10.4 seconds sound glacial but it’s not a liability in traffic. In fact, it feels rather nippy below 50mph.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a>

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

http://example.com

12-turbo

83kw

When it comes to electric cars, motoring&nbsp;journalists hear lots of hype&nbsp;about "unparalleled&nbsp;efficiency", "supercar-rivalling&nbsp;performance", "ultra-rapid&nbsp;charging" and so on, yet concepts like simplicity&nbsp;and value for money rarely come up. So&nbsp;the&nbsp;launch of this new&nbsp;Citroën&nbsp;ë-C3 feels like a breath of fresh air.

With the&nbsp;ë-C3, Citroën is offering a small <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a> with SUV-inspired styling, a spacious interior, a decent equipment list and a near 200-mile range&nbsp;for less than the price of an entry-level&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a>. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2024-dacia-spring-review/n25967">Dacia Spring</a>&nbsp;comes cheaper –&nbsp;but that's smaller, not as powerful and has&nbsp;a range of less than&nbsp;150 miles.

How has Citroën produced such a cost-effective package? Well, traditionally, Citroën’s USP has been comfort, but now, under the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-stellantis/n26975">Stellantis Group</a>, the brand is also focused on delivering maximum value for money. Hence the development of a new Smart Car platform (no, not that one) that's cheaper and simpler to produce.

<h2>Citroën ë-C3 video preview</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/npPsaaTDXWY?si=d0P3w0oyNIv1xpgK" width="560"></iframe>

Citroën is also very proud of offering the ë-C3 with basic but essential features. So don’t expect keyless entry, powered seats, a panoramic roof or even a starter button – you need to use a key to turn it on.

It’s all wonderfully sensible, but you do have to wonder whether tech-loving&nbsp;drivers will be well served by that austerity&nbsp;or be better off with, say, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a>. Read on to find out how the&nbsp;Citroën&nbsp;ë-C3 stacks up against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">best electric car&nbsp;rivals</a>...

The interior of the Citroën ë-C3 is not what you'd call plush&nbsp;but it doesn't feel too austere either. While plenty of hard plastics have been used throughout, the design itself is funky and modern – little motivational labels are stitched into the armrests on the doors, for example.

Our&nbsp;top-spec ë-C3 Max model had an attractive swathe of material across the dashboard. In other words, it’s a much more inviting interior than you’ll find in the monochrome <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a>.&nbsp;

You even get what <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/citroen">Citroën</a> calls a head-up display, although it's not the sort you get on pricier cars. Rather than the graphics being projected on to the windscreen, they're on a reflective instrument panel. It’s a neat cost-effective design that places the digital speedo, battery charge level and trip information right in front of you.

It’s also easy to see the instruments over the unconventional oblong steering wheel – Citroën’s take, in effect, on the i-Cockpit set-up in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/peugeot">Peugeot car models</a>.

Unlike the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a>, the ë-C3 has a plethora of tactile physical buttons for the climate control and to turn off drive assistance systems such as lane-keep assist. That makes operating them much easier while you're driving.

It's disappointing that <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/citroen">Citroën</a> didn’t put a little more effort into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment system</a>, with its murky 10.25in&nbsp;touchscreen and limited applications. Mercifully you get&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> as standard.&nbsp;

In line with its SUV-inspired styling, the ë-C3's driving position is a touch higher than in an MG4 or a Dolphin. Combined with tall side windows and relatively narrow pillars, visibility is generally good.

Nervous parkers will also be pleased to hear that rear parking sensors come as standard, while top-spec ë-C3 Max models gain a rear-view camera.

Speaking of the driving position, the seats themselves are worth discussing.<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/citroen"> Citroën</a> calls them Advanced Comfort Seats and they use a high-density foam that was inspired by the bed industry. We found them to be lovely and plush.

There's no lumbar support adjustment, but we didn't miss it thanks to the supportive shape of the backrest.

“I don’t get on with Peugeots' small steering wheels and raised dials, but Citroën’s version works much better, with the dials unobstructed no matter how I set my seat. However, the steering wheel itself is a little awkward to hold.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a>

The ë-C3 is a very affordable electric car that offers decent quality and is good to drive

The Citroën ë-C3 isn't the broadest car on the road&nbsp;but there’s still enough elbow room up front to keep passengers from awkwardly bumping into each other.

In the back, things get even better – you’ve got more head room than in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a>, and because <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/citroen">Citroën</a> has cleverly stashed the battery under the rear seat, the floor is a sensible height. Translation? You can sit without feeling like your knees are auditioning for Cirque du Soleil.

Leg room is surprisingly generous for a car of this size&nbsp;too. Sure, the Dolphin and&nbsp;MG4 give you a bit more space – as does the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a> – but the ë-C3 holds its own. And it’s got three rear headrests (the MG4 has two). You’ll still be rubbing shoulders with three in the back but&nbsp;that’s par for the course, even with pricier rivals such as the Dolphin.

When it comes to <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">boot space</a>, the ë-C3 has a&nbsp;modest 310 litres. That’s less than the Dolphin&nbsp;and MG4 but much more than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/gwm-ora/03/hatchback/review/n25190">Ora 03</a> offers. We managed to fit five <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">carry-on suitcases</a> under the parcel shelf with some space remaining for a soft bag – that’s the same number of cases as we squeezed into the Dolphin and MG4.

That said, the ë-C3’s boot isn’t particularly clever. There’s no adjustable boot floor like you get in a Dolphin, for example. That’s a shame because the boot opening is quite small and it has a high load lip, which makes loading in heavy items a chore.

There’s also no hidden cable storage compartment under the boot floor or any storage under the bonnet, so the charging cables will have to go in with the rest of your luggage.

When you need more storage space, you can drop the rear seat backs in a 60/40 split. When folded down they leave a step up from the recessed boot floor, rather than creating a long, flat load area, like you find in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a>.&nbsp;

“The Citroën ë-C3’s boot looks small on paper&nbsp;but it's deceptively deep. If you pack carefully there's easily enough space for a family road trip.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a>

plus

The Citroën ë-C3 is not particularly quick and doesn't have a great range, but it's a solid choice as a well-equipped and affordable small electric car that doesn’t feel too cheap, drives well and comes from a well-established brand. However, it’s hard to ignore than on PCP finance an MG4 EV is only fractionally more expensive than the ë-C3 in Max trim (which is the version we recommend). 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

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