By Otsile Kadiege

The popularity of electric vehicles is ever-growing and one of the latest automakers to hop onto the EV bandwagon is Citroën. The French automaker recently revealed a budget EV called e-C3. The newcomer is, of course, based on the brand’s fourth-generation B-segment C3 hatchback and boasts a unique exterior/interior design and styling as well as technologies, and a comprehensive collection of the latest Citroën driver assistance technologies.

Electric drivetrain

First in Stellantis, the cost-efficient, BEV-native platform uses a 44kWh LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate) battery pack to deliver up to 320km WLTP driving range. Citroën claims 100kW DC fast charging allows recharging from 20 to 80 percent capacity in 26 minutes. Standard AC recharging, from 20 to 80%, takes around 4h10 using 7kW power, or 2h50 if 11kW is available.

Accessing both home and public AC charging facilities is easy using the standard supplied Mode 3 cable which is ideal for regular recharging at home using a wall box, as well as out and about at public charging stations. The cable can charge with either a single-phase 7.4kW or three-phase 11kW wall box. With its 83kW motor and fully automatic transmission, Citroen claims the e-C3 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in around 11 seconds, and is provisionally limited to a top speed of 135km/h.

Exterior design

Outside, the new e-C3 hatchback is undeniably French thanks to its bold and unorthodox exterior design. Highlights include a completely redesigned front fascia with distinctive S-shaped LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, lower bumper air inlets with integrated LED turn signals, the brand’s new logo flanked by a chevron-like pattern, contrasting mirror caps and door handles, a set of 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels for the range topping derivative (i6-inch wheels are standard), roof rails, darkened LED taillights, and a tailgate design that mirrors the front-end.

Interior design and technologies

Inside, the Citroën e-C3 sports a futuristic and minimalist design. Main features include a flat top and bottom multifunctional steering wheel, a new Citroën Head Up Display that reflects vehicle information onto a glossy black section between the top of the dash panel and the bottom of the windscreen, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system that features smartphone mirroring and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other noteworthy features include Citroën’s Advanced Comfort Seats, 60:40 split rear seats and a luggage capacity of 310 litres.

Safety and driver assistance systems

The new e-C3 features a generous amount of safety and driver assistance systems. These include 6 airbags, Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Attention Alert, Speed Limit Recognition, Electric Parking Brake, Intelligent Beam Headlights, Cruise Control and Rear Parking Sensors.

Availability

Citroën South Africa hasn’t confirmed local availability yet. That said, should it be viable to sell the e-C3 in South Africa then Citroën’s newcomer should be one the cheapest EVs in Mzansi.