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Full expert breakdown
Are you looking for a new car in India? The search often begins with a few big questions: How much does it cost? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly running costs? Does it have all the latest features? And, of course, how good is the company service? Well, if an electric car is on your mind, you’re in for a treat. Today, we are taking a deep dive into the Citroen eC3, an electric vehicle designed specifically for our Indian roads and needs. Is this the budget-friendly, feature-packed EV you have been waiting for? Let us find out.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
- Max Power: 57 PS (42 kW)
- Max Torque: 143 Nm
- Battery Capacity: 29.2 kWh
- Range (ARAI certified): 320 km
- Charging: DC Fast Charging (10-80% in 57 mins), AC home charging
Design Overview
Exterior
The eC3 keeps the quirky, distinct look of its petrol sibling, the C3. It has a robust, SUV-like stance with high ground clearance. You will see split headlamps, signature Citroen grille design, and chunky body cladding. The dual-tone paint options make it look even more youthful and appealing. It definitely stands out in traffic.
Interior
Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that is functional and quirky. The dashboard has a layered design, and the colour accents add a fresh touch. While it might feel basic in some areas, the focus is on practicality and space. The seats are comfortable, and there is enough room for five adults, though four would be more comfortable on longer journeys.
Key Features
- 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- MyCitroen Connect app with 35 smart features
- Digital instrument cluster
- Four speaker audio system
- Manual AC (no automatic climate control)
- USB charging ports
- No sunroof, no 360-degree camera, no wireless phone charging
What is the Ground Clearance of
170 mm
What is the Boot Space of
315 litres
What is the Dimensions of
- Length: 3,981 mm
- Width: 1,733 mm
- Height: 1,604 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,540 mm
Powertrain Options
The Citroen eC3 is a pure electric vehicle. It comes with a 29.2 kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor. This setup provides a peppy drive suitable for city commutes and occasional highway runs. The ARAI certified range of 320 km is decent for its segment.
Safety Features
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Seat belt reminder for driver and co-driver
- Speed-sensing auto door lock
- Impact-sensing auto door unlock
NCAP Rating Table
The petrol Citroen C3 (on which the eC3 is based) received a 1-star adult safety rating and 1-star child safety rating in the Global NCAP crash tests under their older protocol. It is important to note that Global NCAP’s testing protocols have since been updated, and this rating is from an older assessment. While the eC3 has not been specifically tested by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP yet, given its shared platform with the C3, it is expected to offer a similar level of safety performance.
For adult occupant protection, the C3 scored 26.08 out of 34 points.
For child occupant protection, it scored 6.68 out of 49 points.
Rivals of Citroen eC3
- Tata Tiago EV
- Tata Punch EV
- MG Comet EV
- Tata Nexon EV (often cross-shopped for budget, though a segment higher)
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Pros
- Affordable EV Option: One of the most budget-friendly electric cars available, making EV ownership accessible.
- Comfortable Ride Quality: Citroen cars are known for their comfort, and the eC3 is no exception. It handles bumps and bad roads very well.
- Good Ground Clearance: At 170 mm, it easily clears most speed breakers and potholes on Indian roads.
- Distinctive Design: Its unique, SUV-like styling makes it stand out from the crowd.
- Spacious Cabin: Offers good space for five passengers, especially headroom and legroom.
- Decent City Range: The 320 km ARAI range is practical for daily city commutes.
Cons
- Basic Safety Features: Lacks advanced safety features like more airbags, ESP, or a reverse camera in all variants.
- Missing Modern Features: No automatic climate control, no rear AC vents, no wireless charging, and no sunroof. These are common in competitors.
- Charging Infrastructure: While improving, finding DC fast chargers on long routes can still be a challenge.
- Limited Highway Performance: While it can do highway speeds, the smaller battery and motor are primarily tuned for city driving.
- No Regenerative Braking Adjustment: You cannot adjust the level of regenerative braking, which is a feature found in many EVs.
- No Auto Headlamps or Wipers: Basic conveniences are missing.
Conclusion
The Citroen eC3 enters the Indian EV market as a strong contender for those looking for an affordable and practical electric car. It brings Citroen's signature comfort and quirky styling to the EV space. While it might miss out on some modern bells and whistles and its safety rating could be a concern for some, its comfortable ride, decent range, and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice. If your priorities are a hassle-free, comfortable, and budget-friendly electric city commuter with a distinctive look, the eC3 is definitely worth a test drive. It might just be the electric revolution you are looking for.
