Looking for a new car in India? It's a big decision, right? You want something that fits your budget, keeps your family safe, doesn't burn a hole in your pocket for monthly maintenance, packs the latest features, and comes from a reliable company with good service. Navigating these choices can be tricky. Well, today we are taking a close look at an exciting new electric car that promises to tick many of these boxes – the new Citroen eC3 Feel. This electric hatchback has been turning heads in the affordable EV segment, and we are here to tell you everything you need to know before making your choice for your next electric car in India.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Citroen eC3 Feel is an all-electric vehicle, so instead of a traditional engine, it comes with a capable electric motor. This motor is designed for efficiency and a smooth drive, especially in city conditions.

• Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
• Maximum Power: 57 PS (approximately 42 kW)
• Peak Torque: 143 Nm
• Acceleration: 0-60 km/h in 6.8 seconds (claimed)

Design Overview

Exterior

The Citroen eC3 Feel carries forward the distinctive and quirky design language of its petrol counterpart, the C3. It has a rugged, compact SUV-like stance with a high ground clearance, which is perfect for Indian roads. The signature split headlamp design, chunky cladding around the wheel arches, and dual-tone paint options give it a vibrant and youthful appeal. It looks bold and stands out in a crowd, offering a refreshing change from typical hatchback designs.

Interior

Step inside the eC3 Feel and you will find a cabin designed for practicality and comfort. The dashboard is simple and uncluttered, dominated by a large floating infotainment screen. The seats are comfortable, offering decent support for city commutes and shorter highway runs. While it might not be plush, the cabin feels spacious for its size, and the focus is on ease of use and a cheerful ambiance.

Key Features

The Citroen eC3 Feel offers a good set of features to enhance your driving experience and connectivity.

• 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• MyCitroen Connect connected car technology
• Four-speaker audio system
• Digital instrument cluster
• USB fast charging ports (Type A and Type C)
• Manual air conditioning
• Height-adjustable driver seat
• Steering mounted controls

What is the Ground Clearance of the Citroen eC3 Feel?

One of the most practical aspects for Indian road conditions, the Citroen eC3 Feel boasts an impressive 170 mm of ground clearance. This helps it tackle speed breakers, potholes, and uneven terrain with confidence.

What is the Boot Space of the Citroen eC3 Feel?

The eC3 Feel offers a generous 315 litres of boot space. This is quite respectable for a car in its segment and should be adequate for daily shopping, weekend luggage, or even a couple of medium-sized suitcases.

What are the Dimensions of the Citroen eC3 Feel?

Understanding a car's size is crucial for parking and maneuvering in busy city traffic. Here are the key dimensions of the Citroen eC3 Feel:

• Length: 3981 mm
• Width: 1733 mm
• Height: 1604 mm
• Wheelbase: 2540 mm

Powertrain Options

As an electric vehicle, the Citroen eC3 Feel comes with a single, well-integrated electric powertrain.

• Battery Pack: 29.2 kWh lithium-ion battery
• ARAI Certified Range: 320 km
• Real-World Range: Expect around 200-250 km depending on driving style, traffic, and use of AC.
• Charging Time (15A Home Charger): Approximately 10 hours 30 minutes (10-100%)
• DC Fast Charging (10-80%): Approximately 57 minutes

Safety Features

Safety is a priority for every car buyer, and the Citroen eC3 Feel includes essential safety features to protect its occupants.

• Dual front airbags
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Reverse parking sensors
• Speed-sensing door locks
• Child lock for rear doors
• Engine immobilizer

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings from independent bodies like NCAP provide valuable insights into a car's crashworthiness. It is important to note that the Citroen eC3 Feel, being a relatively new electric car, has not yet undergone independent Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP crash testing specifically for its electric variant. However, its internal combustion engine sibling, the Citroen C3, was tested by Global NCAP.

Note: These ratings are specifically for the ICE C3 model. While the eC3 shares the same platform, an independent safety assessment for the electric model is still awaited. Prospective buyers should consider this information in their decision-making process.

Rivals of Citroen eC3 Feel

The electric vehicle market in India is expanding rapidly, and the Citroen eC3 Feel faces competition from several other popular EVs in the affordable segment. Its main rivals include:

• Tata Tiago EV
• MG Comet EV
• Tata Punch EV (an upcoming strong contender)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here's a balanced perspective on what makes the Citroen eC3 Feel a good choice, and where it could improve.

Pros (Advantages)

• Distinctive Design: Unique and eye-catching styling that stands out on the road.
• Comfortable Ride: Excellent ride quality, especially over broken patches and rough roads, typical of Citroen.
• High Ground Clearance: 170 mm ensures easy tackling of bad roads and speed breakers.
• Usable Range: The real-world range is practical for most city commutes and occasional highway trips.
• Affordable EV Entry: One of the more accessible options to enter the electric car segment.
• Spacious Cabin: Surprisingly roomy interior for both front and rear passengers.
• Fast Charging: DC fast charging capability is a big plus for convenience.
• Advanced Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a large screen is a great feature.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Safety Rating Concern: The 0-star Global NCAP rating for its ICE sibling might raise concerns about structural integrity.
• Limited Safety Features: Only dual airbags and no ESC (Electronic Stability Control) or side airbags are offered.
• Basic Interior Amenities: Lacks some common features like automatic climate control, rear wiper and washer, push-button start.
• Developing Service Network: Citroen's service and sales network is still expanding across India.
• Not a Dedicated EV Platform: Shares its platform with the petrol C3, which sometimes leads to compromises in packaging.
• Rear Power Window Switches: Positioned awkwardly on the central console, which can be inconvenient for rear passengers.

Conclusion

The Citroen eC3 Feel truly presents itself as an interesting and compelling option for those looking to buy an electric car in India. It offers a unique design, a remarkably comfortable ride, and an adequate real-world range for daily city driving, all at an accessible price point in the rapidly growing EV segment. While it might lack some of the premium features found in higher-priced cars and its safety rating (based on its ICE counterpart) could be a point of consideration for some buyers, its overall practicality and distinct character make it a strong contender for the title of best electric hatchback for many.

If you are someone who prioritizes comfort, a distinctive look, and an affordable entry into electric mobility, and can live with a slightly more basic feature list, the Citroen eC3 Feel is definitely worth a test drive. As always, we recommend considering your daily commute needs, the availability of charging infrastructure around you, and your personal preferences for features and styling before making your final decision on this appealing electric vehicle. The eC3 Feel brings a fresh perspective to the Indian EV landscape.