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Citroen is playing the long game in India and instead of going for a model in the very competitive sub-4 B SUV segment, it has brought in a budget EV for the Indian market with the aim of being an early adopter. This EV is an electric version of their C3 hatchback and has been developed alongside the ICE version.
In terms of exterior design, this eC3 looks no different from the regular C3 and that’s because Citroen had developed both the cars side-by-side and has them underpinned by the same platform. It’s a very funky-looking car with a host of design elements to catch your attention. Up front, you get the same double-barrel Citroen logo with LED eyebrows and low-set headlamps.
In the profile, you can see the ‘e’ electric logo and heavy shoulder line while at the rear you get wrap-around tail lamps and ec3 badging as a part of the overall design. The charge port door has been fitted on the right front while the alloy wheels you see on our test car are actually accessories and in a stock form you only have wheel covers of a similar design.
Like the outside, the cabin of the eC3 is shared almost part-for-part with the ICE-powered C3. You get the same dual-tone dashboard, digital instrument cluster and fabric seats with a contrasting colour scheme. It looks and feels just like the regular C3 which should work in its favour in terms of normalising EVs and of course maintaining the brand identity that Citroen has developed with the C3.
Up front, the instrument cluster is still a basic black-and-white MID but has been slightly modified to include things like charge percentage and dual trip meters. In this top-spec Pure variant that we drove, you get a 10.2-inch display with an easy-to-use and colourful interface. The display itself is bright and clear with quick paths to all functions. It lacks any physical buttons and has a glossy finish but does come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
One place where the C3 and now even the eC3 score high is interior space. Having had to not build an EV into the ICE model, Citroen has packed the batteries in the wheelbase completely thus maintaining the full boot and complete engine bay. At 2540mm, it has the largest wheelbase in the segment. On the fronts of legroom, headroom and shoulder room it is very spacious, especially in the second row where three medium-sized adults can sit abreast without a struggle. However, having a battery pack underneath has resulted in a high floor for the second row and thus reduced under-thigh support. The second row is also bare bones with no armrest, a 60:40 split folding function but you do get two USB ports.
What it makes up for in space and looks, the eC3 loses out in terms of features. You get the digital cluster, touchscreen and even a very easy-to-use connected car app (My Citroen).
Still, on the flip side, the car is lacking feel-good features like projector headlamps, alloy wheels, ambient lighting, full-colour MID and climate control. You only get two airbags in both variants. At the time of doing this review, neither the C3 nor eC3 had been tested for a GNCAP safety rating.
The eC3 is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 56bhp/143Nm and mated to a single-speed transmission powering the front wheels. You get two driving modes-Standard and Eco and a regeneration function for sending charge back to the battery pack. Crucially, you get a 29.2kWh battery pack giving you a theoretical range of 320km (MIDC cycle) making it one of the largest in the segment.
Just one glance at the numbers tells you that Citroen’s entire focus is just on the range. It’s a got a massive battery pack for its expected segment, in fact almost as much as the Tata Nexon EV Prime but with an electric motor having a far smaller output. This limit of this smaller output is very evident in the way the car gets off the line. Citroen claims a 0-60kmph time of 6.8 seconds which it does very well and we have no doubt in our real-world acceleration test it will match this number. However, beyond that, as you inch closer to the 107kmph top-speed mark, the car feels out of breath and you will really need to egg it on to achieve the number. There are two drive modes eco and normal but there’s very little to discern them in terms of restricted output. What’s more even the regen function offers very little engine braking and you would, in the real world, need to do a lot to put a significant amount of chargeback in the batteries.
Where the eC3 is expected to do its best work is in city conditions. Yes, we are talking about narrow lanes and bumper-to-bumper traffic with an occasional sprinkling of enthusiastic jaunts on larger multi-lane city highways. The claimed range is 320km and we expect that in real-world conditions it will offer a mileage of 220km to 240km.
One of the areas that impressed us was the steering response on the eC3. Generally, budget cars at this level have an overly assisted rack with very little feel and usually lack a self-centring mechanism. Right off the bat, the eC3’s rack had weight and response giving you a decent impression of what’s going on with the front wheels. It doesn’t weigh up too well as you up the speed but does the job as required. The presence of self-centring was another surprise and definitely improves the driving experience. In the many years now that ICE cars have existed, the engine noise has always been a cancelling factor in terms of drowning out tyre and AC noise but the lack of it has resulted in a host of sounds being present in the cabin. NVH insulation could have definitely gone up a notch for this EV version but it’s not a deal breaker when looking at the overall picture.
Given our limited time with the car and our test drive location, we will save our opinion about ride and handling when we get to put the eC3 through CarWale’s gamut of real-world tests. However, we can tell you that both will be different from the regular C3 due to the additional 280kgs that this car has over its ICE sibling.
Citroen says that the eC3 can be DC fast-charged every single time thus removing the need for a wall box charger and it will not provide one either for buyers. It gets CCS2 fast charging which will juice up the car in the range of 57-60 minutes. Home charging needs will be met via a 15amp unit giving the car a full battery in 10.30 hours. All of Citroen’s current showrooms and future ones would have DC fast charging facilities open not just to Citroen owners but other EV buyers.
Citroen’s focus on a huge range and massive interior space will be the selling points of the car. Given the present state of things, a car like eC3 will cater to those that need a second car with fixed running, someone looking for a cost-effective way to gain green credentials or someone who uses a car minimally and wants to stand out in the crowd. We expect Citroen to price the two variants of the eC3 in the range of Rs 10.50 lakh to Rs 13 lakh putting in competition with other EVs like the Tiago, Tigor and even the two-door MG EV that will launch later this year.
Photography: Kaustubh Gandhi
Engine & Transmission
Timely services will keep a motor efficient and in top shape.
All cars in India either run on petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG or electric power.
The time it takes for the electric motor equipped car to reach higher speeds from a standstill
Approximate maximum number of kilometers which can be traveled on a full tank of fuel or fully charged battery
Cars come with different drivetrain configurations depending on the segment.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is most common in mainstream cars while expensive cars or SUVs come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Type of transmission used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels
A manually operated transmission is the most popular type, thanks to its simplicity and low cost. Varied types of automatic transmissions are also available.
Keeping the battery terminals free of corrosion prevents starting trouble
Tests reveal that electric cars are substantially more efficient than internal combustion engines.
Dimensions & Weight
The length of the car decides its segment. In India, cars that are less than 4 metres in length enjoy reduced excise duties.
Longer length results in more cabin space. It also adds to straight line stability.
A car's width is defined as its widest point without its mirrors.
Although more width gives you more lateral space inside the cabin, it makes the car more difficult to park in narrow spots.
The height of the car denotes the highest point of the vehicle from the ground.
Taller the car, the more headroom there is on offer inside the cabin. However, a tall boy stance also affect the car’s centre of gravity which can cause more body roll.
The space between the center of the front and rear wheels.
The longer the wheelbase, the more space there is inside the cabin.
Capacity
The number of doors define the category of car. For example – four door means sedan, two-door means coupe while five-doors usually refer to a hatchback, MPV or an SUV.
The number of people that can be seated comfortably in the car, which has also been mandated by the car manufacturer.
Smaller cars usually have two rows which can seat five, but some SUVs and MPVs have three rows and can seat around 7-8 passengers.
Boot space defines how practical the car is with respect to how much luggage it can carry.
A boot with a large and wide opening is ideal for loading heavy items. Additionally, a lower loading height also makes it easy to put in luggage.
Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres
Almost all cars in India use an independent front suspension which is usually the MacPherson Strut type.
The rear suspension can either be non-independent or independent.
Most of the budget cars have non-independent suspension while the more expensive ones get independent rear suspension which offers better bump absorption.
Most of the vehicles sold in India get ventilated or non-ventilated disc brakes upfront.
- The ventilated discs are more popular thanks to them providing better stopping power and it also works well in hot conditions.
In affordable cars, drums brakes are fitted at the rear as they are cost effective.
Disc setup at the rear is now getting more popular as cars are getting faster in the real world.
The official kerb-to-kerb minimum radius a car takes to complete a 180-degree turn.
Shorter the turning radius, the lesser space you need to make a tight turn or to take a U-turn.
Almost all steering systems in cars today have an assist to help park them better at low speeds - these can be hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or electric.
The wheels used on cars are either steel rims with plastic wheel cover hub or alloy wheels on higher spec models or expensive cars.
Razor cut, or diamond cut alloy wheel design are not getting more popular. Manufacturers usually offer these in top-end trim of their car models.
Important in a country with varying quality of roads, spare wheels ensure one doesn’t get stranded when one of the main tyres gets damaged.
Select premium car models feature space savers (smaller than the stock wheels) to save on boot space.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the front wheels.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the rear wheels.
Safety
Mandatory safety system for cars sold in India, a single beep is emitted after 80kmph and continuous ones after 120kmph
The brake lights flash in a quick intermittent fashion to indicate to the following vehicles to slow down quicker than usual
These enable users to repair a puncture effortlessly, saving the time/effort involved in replacing it with the spare wheel
Avoid driving on a flat/deflated wheel too long as it can cause expensive repairs
The official crash test safety rating given to a car by one of the many testing agencies around the world
Safer three-point seatbelts for passengers seated in the middle of the second row of seats.
Budget cars are usually fitted with more economical lap belts for the middle-occupant.
A digital gauge that provides the live status of the air pressure in every tyre of a car.
For accurate readings, ensure that the sensors on the rim are not tampered with during any wheel/tyre repairs
Anchor points or strap systems built into car seats to keep child seats in place, especially during a crash
ISOFIX is an international standard for child seat anchor points, but not all car manufacturers follow this standard
Mandatory fitment in cars sold in India, emits loud beeps when it detects that occupants are not wearing their seatbelts.
Seat belt warning is mandatory for front-seat occupants, but it is recommended that all occupants wear seat belts.
Braking & Traction
An electronic system that prevents the tyres from locking and skidding in emergency braking situations by pulsing the brakes (quickly releasing and reapplying the brakes)
ABS is a great accident prevention technology, allowing drivers to steer while braking hard
An electronic system that redirects braking forces among the four brakes to stop the car as quickly and stably as possible
A system that increases brake pressure to help the car stop quicker
Even when emergency braking, it is observed that drivers don’t apply maximum brake pressure through the pedal, the BA system provides additional pressure to help stop the car quicker
System designed to improve car stability and control, especially when the car is accelerating.
ESP or ESC cannot increase traction but rather improve control or help regain control in slippery conditions.
A feature that prevents the car from rolling backwards when stopped on a slope
This system cuts power to those wheels that are spinning without grip/traction
Given the option, keep traction control on all the time.
Locks & Security
A security device that prevents the engine from being started unless the key is present
This feature let's one unlock all the doors remotely or with a key
This feature automatically locks the car's doors when it reaches a preset speed
A convenient feature for those who can't remember to lock the doors
Such locks are built into the rear doors to prevent rear seat occupants from opening the doors
Comfort & Convenience
Used to improve the air quality within the cabin by removing contaminants
The different types of air-conditioning systems used to cool the cabin
Maintaining the lowest temperature and first blower speed offers the best results.
This feature allows warm air to pass through the air-con vents for heating the cabin
Compact mirrors fitted to the inside of the sunvisor
The option of being able to access the boot space while sitting inside the car
These mirrors negate the glare from headlight beams of cars behind you
Since a large chunk of people love driving around in their high beam, these mirrors come in handy
A feature that aids drivers park with ease and greater precision using sensors/cameras
It comes as a boon for drivers who are not used to parking in tight spots
Sensors that are usually located on the bumpers of a car to assist/alert the driver while parking
It takes the stress out of manoeuvring in confined spaces
A system that automatically controls the speed of the car
An alert that warns one from leaving the car with the headlight and ignition switched on
When fitted, this system allows the car to be switched on without removing the key from the driver’s pocket or vicinity.
Keyless entry and start/stop (KESS) systems in some cars also include operation via a smartphone.
A function where the steering wheel moves up/down, in/out as per the driver's requirement
When both rake and reach adjustments are incorporated, it makes for a tailormade driving position
This socket provides current to a cigarette lighter style 12 volt plug
It helps charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable batteries and other USB chargers. It also powers a compressor that inflates tyres and the humble cigarette lighter!
Mobile App Features
An app based feature that allows one to find where their car is located/parked
The requisite app will provide information regarding various functions such as speed and fuel alerts
A service that triggers actions like notifications and security alerts when a car enters/leaves a set location
A call that's made automatically by the car to the local emergency services in the event of a crash
Similar to how smartphones receive updates, a vehicle too (if equipped with connected car features) receives updates over the air via a cellular or WiFi connection
Timely installation of updates keeps the system up-to-date
The smartphone app turns on the car's AC to attain the required cabin temperature even before one boards it
More so comes in handy when cabin temperatures are extreme before you board the vehicle
The smartphone app allows one to remotely lock/unlock the car's doors from just about anywhere
This function is helpful when the key fob isn't working properly
The smartphone app sounds the horn and flashes the headlights of your car so that you can locate it
Alexa is a virtual assistant technology that allows voice interaction to perform various tasks
An invaluable function that allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road
Seats & Upholstery
Rear seat adjustments make for an enlarged luggage space when there's lots of baggage to haul.
When it's time to replace, use a fabric that grips and are inherently cool to the touch
Leather not only grips your palms well, but it also offers a premium feel
The armrest located between the front passengers which helps comfort the driver's arm while driving
Depicts if the cabin comes with a single or dual-tone colour scheme
The various color shades used within the cabin
Some rear seats have the option to be be folded to offer more practicality
Sections of the rear seat are capable of being folded down separately
This function bumps up practicality as the boot space increases when required.
The pockets behind the front seats which help rear seat occupants store their stuff
The portion extending from or fixed to the seat that supports the head
Storage
The storage space within the armrest that's located between the front passengers
A feature where cool air from the air-conditioner is diverted to the glovebox
Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
Mirrors that are placed on the car's exterior, around the door, to aid the driver see behind the vehicle
Placing/sticking wide-angle mirrors on the ORVMs can enhance the rear view tremendously.
This is fitted where the door meets the frame to protect it from scratches and dust
Not using scuff plates may result in the door sill giving away prematurely.
When the car's windows can be raised/lowered by pressing a button/switch
In emergencies where the power window electronics have jammed, exit the vehicle by kicking out the windscreen
This feature allows a user to roll down the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
This feature allows a user to roll up the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
Different ways of adjusting the door mirror to suit the driver's requirement
Tremendously aids driving judgement in a variety of tight situations.
Turn indicators are fitted to the door mirrors for improved visibility
A feature that removes condensed water droplets from the rear windscreen to improve visibility
Turning air recirculation off helps gain faster results.
Although a seemingly minuscule feature, it negates the hatchback's/SUV's inherent ability to retain dirt/water on the rear windscreen.
When the system detects water droplets on the windshield, it activates the wipers to improve driver visibility
This feature can be intrusive especially while you are negotiating a tricky bend at a higher speed
The various methods of opening the boot lid
Exterior
Ensure the sunroof is closed before exiting the vehicle to prevent dirt/rain from entering the cabin
The compactness of the roof-mounted antenna prevents its damage in certain situations
Having parking sensors will save your bumper paint if it brushes by obstacles
Functional or purely aesthetic parts added to the car's body such as side skirts and roof/bonnet scoops
A strip of rubber fitted to the sides of the car's doors or bumpers to prevent dents and dings
Opt for quality strips because the cheaper ones tend to come off too soon/look shabby.
Lighting
Such headlights automatically switch on and off when they sense bright or dark driving conditions
Keeping them switched on at all times gives the user the best results
The headlamps remain lit for sometime when the car is locked/unlocked to aid user visibility in dark surroundings
These lights turn left and right based on steering inputs to illuminate the sides of the car
Inspect tail lamp bulbs at periodic intervals for optimum safety.
Lights that automatically switch on during the day for increased visibility
A type of lamp that improves driver visibility while driving through fog
The yellow/amber fog lights are preferable as they are warm to the eyes and do not reflect from the fog.
Additional lighting apart from the roof-mounted courtesy/map lamps. These are added for a sense of style and luxury rather than utility.
Incorporated into the bottom section of a car's door mirrors, they light up the ground underneath the front door when the door is unlocked
A lamp that's located around the vanity mirror behind the sun visor
Allows adjustment to the height of the headlight beams via a switch on the dashboard
Instrumentation
It indicates how much fuel is being used that very instant your car is moving
A screen situated mostly behind the steering wheel displaying information and warning lights regarding the car's various vitals
The amount of fuel consumed by the engine (kmpl) is displayed on the instrument cluster in real time
A glance will help you maintain better fuel efficiency and save money
The total distance traveled divided by the time taken to cover that distance
The higher the average speed, the quicker you were on that journey/trip
The approximate distance a car will run with the amount of fuel remaining in the tank
This alert should be taken as a final warning to head straight to the fuel pump
A warning light that pops up on the instrument cluster when the doors are not shut properly
The brightness of the instrument cluster can be adjusted via controls
It comes in handy to improve instrumentation visibility between day and night by toggling brightness.
It notifies the driver about which gear the car is being driven in and can also suggest down- or upshifting to improve efficiency
Notifies the driver about the optimum instances to shift gears
It comes in handy to derive the best fuel efficiency and engine component longevity
This function allows specific data like 'speed' to reflect/project on the windscreen in the driver's line-of-sight
An instrument that measures engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (rpm)
Ideally, the tachometer helps a driver know when to shift gears in a manual gearbox.
Entertainment, Information & Communication
An Android feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the phone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
An Apple (iOS) feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the iPhone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
This function bumps up the safety quotient since the use of a smartphone while driving can be hazardous
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
The music player that comes factory fitted
Number of speaker units as part of a car’s surround-sound system
The widely-used controls are placed on the steering wheel to ease driver usage
When the car's system responds to the occupant's voice to perform certain features
A system that uses satellite signals to help the driver with directions to reach a destination
Allows devices with bluetooth functionality connect wirelessly to the car's infotainment system
Using Bluetooth functionality offers a cable-free experience
The car's music player can play tracks off a portable device via an aux cable
Bluetooth can make AUX cables look ancient, but unlike the former, there's hardly any loss in sound quality
Is the music system's capability of playing broadcasted radio channels
If radio signals are weak, one can stream music
When tracks can be played from a USB/pen drive
These pads can charge equipped smartphones without using a cable
Given the option, opt for fast wireless charging.
The size of the music system fitted to a car. Traditionally 1-DIN or 2-DIN, are being replaced by touchscreen units of varying sizes.
The capability of the infotainment system to play DVDs
Manufacturer Warranty
The number of years the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the years, the better
The number of kilometres the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the kilometres, the better
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
Variants | Price | Specifications | |
---|---|---|---|
Rs. 12.91 Lakh | 29.2 kWh, 320 km, Electric, Automatic | Get Offers from Dealers | |
Rs. 13.06 Lakh | 29.2 kWh, 320 km, Electric, Automatic | Get Offers from Dealers | |
Rs. 13.26 Lakh | 29.2 kWh, 320 km, Electric, Automatic | Get Offers from Dealers | |
Rs. 13.41 Lakh | 29.2 kWh, 320 km, Electric, Automatic | Get Offers from Dealers | |
Rs. 13.41 Lakh | 29.2 kWh, 320 km, Electric, Automatic | Get Offers from Dealers | |
Rs. 13.56 Lakh | 29.2 kWh, 320 km, Electric, Automatic | Get Offers from Dealers | |
Rs. 12.76 Lakh | 5 Person, FWD, 315 litres, 1 Gears, No, 320 km, No, Front & Rear, 107 kmph, 29.2 kWh, 0 Star (Global NCAP), 3981 mm, 1733 mm, 1586 mm, 2540 mm, Keyless, Yes (Manual), Front & Rear, 0, No, Wireless, Wireless, No, No, No, 2 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger), Yes, 0, Not Applicable, 5 Doors, Electric, Automatic | Get Offers from Dealers |
4.3/5
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase New | Driven forFew hundred kilometers |
Offer Valid Till : 31 Dec, 2024
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