VM Drive Report Citroën ëC3 & C3: As an Electric Car, the People's Car is in Top Form

There is indeed movement when it comes to affordable electric cars from domestic lands. Stellantis subsidiary Citroën has now demonstrated with a completely new multi-powertrain platform called "Smart Car" that it's possible. Clearly, the C3 makes up almost a third of sales at the people-oriented and small-car-friendly double-chevron brand. And after the first test drives, we can say: The budget electric car is in no way a compromise. Unlike the Dacia Spring, nothing about the ëC3 and its petrol counterpart, which is being launched simultaneously, feels "cheap." The body and material quality are at the accustomed Stellantis level, the doors close with a satisfying click, and the workmanship is free from creaks and rattles. The car may not be luxurious, but it is practical and well-made. And certainly attractive and characteristically exuberant in the Max version at 27,800 euros.

The prices for the 44-kWh variant start at 23,300 euros, with a smaller version with a 200 km range expected to follow at 19,900 euros. A 48-volt hybrid with electric driving capability, thanks to a 21-kW electric motor (55 Nm), a small lithium-ion battery, and a DSG transmission, is also expected to follow, priced between the petrol and electric versions, likely less than 2,000 euros more. A strong statement overall, not just for "made in Europe". And above all: the gap to the petrol model, which starts at 14,990 euros, has been closed to within 8,000 euros. When compared with the Dacia Spring, Citroen representatives wince as if they have bitten into a lemon: the eC3 is in a different league in terms of quality and ambition - though this also applies to its price, as the Spring starts at around 16,900 euros and goes up to 24,500 euros. In terms of range (max. 230 km), space, and quality, the "French Chinese" clearly can't compete with the compatriot with double chevrons, as becomes clear after the first drive. While the Dacia is more of a city car, the eC3 meets the expectations of a full-value vehicle.

Good space in a small area

This is paired with a generous amount of space for its length of 4.01 meters: when a 1.80-meter person is seated in the front, an equally tall adult has ample legroom in the back - certainly for their head. This is thanks to the substantial height of 1.57 meters, an increase of ten centimeters, and particularly a broader width from 1.75 to 1.81 meters. Still, it's hard to believe that the new C3 is only 19 millimeters longer than its predecessor, thus occupying scarcely more road space. But it is. The advantage of turning the small car into an SUV, accompanied by the drawback that the former charming delicacy is lost, replaced by trendy angularity.

High construction advantage: The battery finds space under the floor

If the high construction allows the battery to be placed under the floor, it is acceptable. Especially since it comes with a respectable and usable 310-liter trunk, which elevates the small car to a small transporter if needed, despite a significant step remaining after folding down the seats. There are also plenty of easily usable storage compartments and adult-sized, albeit somewhat soft and sweat-inducing, seats. Whether this meets the marketing term "C-Zen Lounge" is up to each individual to decide. A practical and space-efficient package, indeed.

Hardly Anyone Gets the Small Battery Down

Even more importantly, it is also an energy-efficient package: The first, economically driven test round of just under 100 kilometers in the city, countryside, and highway mix resulted in an onboard computer value of 11.8 kWh/100 km, while officially it would calculate to around 13.7 kWh/100 km. The LFP battery, which initially starts at 97 percent showing a range of 312 kilometers, is almost impossible to "drain" and still shows 64 percent remaining range, meaning there are still about 200 kilometers left in the reserves. Therefore, the 300 kilometers should indeed be achievable. With the 100 kW-DC charger on a small battery, even medium-distance trips come within reach: Charging from 20 to 80 percent takes 26 minutes, with AC at 7 kW it takes four hours, at 11 kW then only 2:50 minutes. A benefit of the downsizing concept.

Combustion Engine: 5.5 l/100 km is Acceptable

And of course, the combustion engine cannot keep up in terms of efficiency: With 5.5 l/100 km over a first test run of 66 kilometers, the 100-hp three-cylinder is sufficiently economical, thanks to 205 Nm torque quite elastic, and also well controlled by a crisp six-speed gearbox. Great values for a nearly 1.5-ton small electric car. It also doesn't handle overly agile, but still quite fast and accurately enough over a "bobby car-like" steering wheel. The 84 kW synchronous motor under the hood is controlled by the somewhat indifferent accelerator pedal and buzzes briskly with a typical Stellantis E-sound and light vibrato when flooring the pedal, although it offers "only" 125 Nm. For the statisticians: It formally takes 11 seconds to reach 100 km/h, once GTI values. At 135 km/h, it's reasonably capped.

Fit Suspension, Good Comfort

Even though the suspension could handle more: The eC3, like the petrol C3, has a good road presence but focuses clearly on comfort rather than agility, as is typical of the brand. The gentle steering follows suit, encouraging a relaxed driving style while still being fast. The good sound insulation also deserves praise: The wind has a hard time even at highway speeds, and the rolling noise is well filtered even on cobblestones. Furthermore, the body is rigid and contributes to the serious driving feel. Here too, the car does not feel "cheap" at all.