Citroen eC3 Aircross

The Citroen eC3 is an electric version of the C3 hatchback, designed with the Indian market in mind. It retains the same funky exterior design as its ICE counterpart, with distinctive features like the double-barrel Citroen logo and LED eyebrows. Inside, the eC3 offers ample space, including a generous boot of 315 liters and a spacious second row with good headroom and legroom. The car is powered by a 113bhp electric motor and comes with either a 44kWh or 54kWh battery pack, supporting up to 100kW DC fast charging. The eC3 also features a digital cluster, touchscreen infotainment, and a connected car app, although it lacks some premium features. Its ground clearance of 170mm and tight turning radius of 4.9 meters make it well-suited for Indian road conditions. Overall, the eC3 is a practical, comfortable, and affordable electric vehicle that is well-suited for urban driving in India.

The Citroen eC3, while not perfect, is a compelling option for those venturing into the electric vehicle market in India. What stands out is its spacious interior, particularly in the second row, where three medium-sized adults can sit comfortably. The cars suspension, dubbed Advanced Comfort, is a highlight, especially on Indias often rough roads. However, it lacks some modern features like projector headlamps, alloy wheels, and ambient lighting, which might be a drawback for some buyers. The driving experience is pleasant, with good steering response and a comfortable ride, although the regenerative braking could be more robust. Despite some limitations, such as the lack of liquid cooling for the batteries and limited service footprint, the eC3 is a solid choice for city driving and occasional highway jaunts.

I've been tracking the Citroen eC3 closely in India, and it's evolved into a compelling urban electric hatch with a claimed 320km range on its single electric motor setup, delivering 57hp and 143Nm through a permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with automatic transmission. Priced from around Rs 14.07 lakh on-road in Delhi for the Feel variant, it shines in ride comfort and handling thanks to Citroen's soft suspension tuning, making city commutes plush, while the 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto adds modern appeal, alongside height-adjustable driver's seat and rear USB ports. However, slow charging remains a pain point, and performance feels dull with a top speed of 107kph, not ideal for spirited drives. Recent updates include plans for six airbags across C3 family models like eC3, addressing its earlier 0-star Global NCAP rating, and a top-spec Shine trim at Rs 13.20 lakh ex-showroom boosting features. Compared to Tata Tiago EV, it commands a premium but offers superior comfort; after logging nearly 1,000km, I found storage practical and seats accommodating for my build, though missing auto AC and TPMS holds it back in the budget EV race. It's a solid pick for daily urban use if charging infrastructure aligns.

Citroen has announced that all its cars, including the eC3, will come with six airbags as standard starting from July 2024. This move is a significant step towards enhancing safety features in their vehicles. I believe this will greatly improve the safety rating and appeal of the eC3 in the Indian market.

Citroen has commenced exports of the all-electric eC3 from India, with the first batch of 500 cars flagged off from Kamarajar Port in Chennai to Indonesia. This marks a significant milestone for Citroen India in expanding its global footprint. I believe this export initiative will help boost the brands reputation and sales internationally.

The Citroen eC3 recently scored zero stars in the Global NCAP crash tests due to a lack of safety features and poor protection. Despite its stable bodyshell, the absence of crucial safety elements led to this disappointing result. I think Citroen needs to address these safety concerns urgently to regain consumer trust.

Citroen has launched the top-spec Shine variant of the eC3, which includes additional features such as diamond-cut alloy wheels, a rear wiper, and a reverse camera. The new variant is priced starting at Rs. 13.20 lakh. I think these updates will make the eC3 more competitive in the Indian EV market.

The pricing of the Citroen eC3 in India is competitive and aimed at making electric vehicles more accessible. The ex-showroom price starts around 11.5 lakh to 12.5 lakh, depending on the variant. When you factor in the on-road costs, including registration, insurance, and other charges, the price can go up to around 13 lakh to 14.5 lakh. This pricing strategy positions the eC3 as a value-for-money option in the budget EV segment, making it an attractive choice for first-time EV buyers or those looking for an affordable electric hatchback.

The Citroen eC3 boasts a claimed range of 320 kilometers on a single charge, which translates to a real-world mileage of around 220-240 kilometers. This range is more than adequate for city driving and occasional short trips on the highway. The cars efficiency is further enhanced by its ECO mode, which adds regenerative braking-like dynamics, helping to extend the range. While the range might not be as extensive as some other EVs, it is sufficient for the typical Indian urban commute and makes the eC3 a practical choice for daily use. ABOUT The Citroen eC3 is an electric version of the C3 hatchback, designed with the Indian market in mind. It retains the same funky exterior design as its ICE counterpart, with distinctive features like the double-barrel Citroen logo and LED eyebrows. Inside, the eC3 offers ample space, including a generous boot of 315 liters and a spacious second row with good headroom and legroom. The car is powered by a 113bhp electric motor and comes with either a 44kWh or 54kWh battery pack, supporting up to 100kW DC fast charging. The eC3 also features a digital cluster, touchscreen infotainment, and a connected car app, although it lacks some premium features. Its ground clearance of 170mm and tight turning radius of 4.9 meters make it well-suited for Indian road conditions. Overall, the eC3 is a practical, comfortable, and affordable electric vehicle that is well-suited for urban driving in India.