Citroen eC3

Citroen eC3 electric is not designed to accelerate fast or to drive at high speed, but to drive smoothly and predictably in the city.

Electric Motor & Battery Setup

The car has a 29.2 kWh battery pack coupled with a single electric motor with a power output of 56 bhp and a torque of 143 Nm. You get a Single Speed Automatic transmission, like most EVs, in this vehicle too. At low speeds, the delivery of torque is immediate, which makes the car feel responsive in traffic. In actual driving, the eC3 is at home between 20-60 km/h, where most city driving occurs. It is easy to accelerate within this range, and thus, it can easily manoeuvre in traffic.

Performance Behaviour & Driving Modes

The eC3 has Normal and Eco modes, which primarily change throttle response. Eco mode assists in extending the range by cutting down the power delivery, whereas the Normal mode offers a little more responsiveness. The car is, however, not built to be fast. Above 60 km/h, the acceleration decreases dramatically, and the maximum speed is limited to about 107-108 km/h, which limits its use on highways.

The eC3 is designed to provide a comfortable and easy driving experience, particularly in urban settings.

City Driving

The eC3’s light steering, small size, and instant torque make it easy to manoeuvre through the traffic. One of its highlights is the suspension setup, which absorbs potholes and uneven roads quite well, making the daily commutes less exhausting. This renders it especially appropriate for cities where the quality of roads is inconsistent.

Highway Driving

The eC3 is stable at moderate speeds on highways, but it is not intended to be used in long-distance or high-speed driving. It tapers off rapidly beyond 60-70 km/h, and overtaking must be planned. The low top speed and casual performance package make it more appropriate for short highway trips than long-distance travel.

The eC3 variant family is straightforward, with the distinction between them being primarily in features, not in mechanical alterations.

Feel

It is the entry-level model, which provides the basics such as manual AC, power windows, and basic safety features. It is practical, but it feels very minimal for the cost.

Shine

The mid-spec model includes several important usability features such as a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, and a height-adjustable driver seat. This edition is a more balanced package for most buyers.

Shine DT

The top variant adds a cosmetic upgrade such as dual-tone styling and alloy wheels, as well as a rear camera. It enhances the general attractiveness but does not substantially alter the essence of the eC3.

The Citroen eC3 EV range is ample to cover your day-to-day city duties. Under normal usage, the range is adequate to cover 4-6 days of typical urban driving, depending on usage. Further factors such as driving style, use of AC, and traffic conditions may influence efficiency, particularly during peak urban traffic.

eC3 follows a simple, functional design with light SUV-inspired elements instead of a bold or futuristic EV appearance.

Front Profile

The front receives the split lighting system of Citroen, with LED DRLs fitted into the logo and halogen headlamps fitted lower on the bumper. Its appearance is a little more rugged, due to the chunky bumper and cladding, but it still looks more like a hatchback than an SUV.

Side Profile

From the side, the eC3 is designed flat and upright with few creases, which maximises the interior space. It is mounted on 15-inch wheels (steel or alloys, depending on variant) and receives black cladding around the wheel arches. The charging port is located on the front right fender, which is convenient in situations when parking is tight. The high stance improves ingress and visibility, particularly for first-time drivers.

Rear Profile

The back is simple, with huge wraparound tail lamps and a flat boot design. It is more practical than stylish, and its opening is wide, which facilitates the loading of luggage.

The cabin is all about space and usability in the eC3, but the quality of materials is evidently cost-effective.

Front Row

The sitting position is a little higher than that of a normal hatchback, which enhances visibility in traffic. The seats are comfortable to use on a daily basis; however, under-thigh support and width could have been better, particularly when it comes to larger occupants. Lower models lack more fundamental options such as tilt steering and height adjustment, which can make it more difficult to find the perfect driving position.

Second Row

The rear seat provides usable space for two adults, with sufficient headroom and legroom for average-height occupants. The cabin is airy due to the large windows, but the lack of adjustable headrests and a centre armrest is evident.

Storage & Practicality

The eC3 scores high on practicality. It has large door pockets capable of holding 1-litre bottles, cupholders, and various small storage spaces. Boot space is 315 litres (capable of holding 3-4 cabin suitcases).

The eC3 is aimed at basic usability, rather than feature-laden appeal, which is evident at this price point. The highlight is the 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, but not very fast.

Other than that, the feature list is simple. You have manual AC, a semi-digital instrument cluster, keyless entry, and power windows, but features such as automatic climate control, rear AC vents, wireless charging, and cruise control are missing, which competitors such as Tata and MG offer.

One of the weaker points of the eC3, particularly in comparison to more recent EV competitors, is safety.

Active Safety

It has ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and basic driver alerts, which are standard in this segment and help with daily usability, but that is about it. 

Passive Safety

The car also has dual airbags and seatbelt reminders, but it scored a 0-star Global NCAP rating, which is a major highlight for safety-conscious buyers. It also does not have any advanced safety features such as ESC or ADAS, which are becoming increasingly common even in this price range.

The eC3 is positioned between entry-level EVs and more feature-rich compact EVs, providing space and comfort at the expense of features and performance.

Tata Tiago EV

The Tiago EV is cheaper and more powerful, with a higher top speed and more features, making it a better all-around package. The eC3, however, has more cabin space and a larger boot, which enhances practicality.

Tata Punch EV

The Punch EV is more modern and loaded with features, is safer, more technologically advanced, and positioned as an SUV. The eC3 counters with a more user-friendly interface and a more comfortable riding experience.

MG Comet EV

The Comet is smaller, cheaper and is made solely to be used in the city. The eC3 has a superior space, range, and faster charging capability, which makes it more versatile in general.

Here is a glance at the areas where the eC3 is doing well and where it falls behind:

The Citroen eC3 electric is most suitable for buyers who are interested in a simple, practical EV to use in their daily commuting in the city, without paying too much attention to features or performance. It is suitable for office commuting, short family journeys, and foreseeable urban use. It is also a reasonable choice for those who consider ride comfort, cabin space, and ease of driving to be the main factors of everyday comfort.

Nevertheless, it might not be appealing to customers who want an EV with the latest features, high-performance on the highway, or increased safety. The eC3 does its job, but not so well as to satisfy those who are more demanding of their EV. If you are looking for an overall balanced offering, then there are other alternatives in the market, such as MG Windsor EV and Tata Punch EV.