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Citroën C3, a success story

More than 5.6 million units of the first-generation Citroën C3 have been sold since its launch in 2002. The car is the brand’s most popular model, accounting for as much as 29 percent of Citroën’s European sales. In 2022, the C3 grabbed 11 percent of the European B-segment market as a whole. In short: the new C3 has big shoes to fill.

Now a crossover

One big difference from the previous C3: the new generation is still a hatchback, but a bit taller and clearly more SUV-like than the previous generation. Thiery Koskas, CEO of Citroën, said, “Customer expectations in the B-segment have changed. In particular, with the increasing popularity of SUVs and the growing desire to drive electric, it has become increasingly challenging for European carmakers to meet customer expectations.”

‘Smart Car’ platform

The Citroën ë-C3 is built on Stellantis’ “Smart Car” platform developed specifically for BEV models. This platform has allowed the brand to keep costs low. This is reflected in the model’s pricing. The electric variant is offered for 24,290 euros including taxes and roadworthiness costs (tax value 23,300 euros). Even more interesting: in 2025 Citroën will come out with an ë-C3 with a range of 200 km starting at just 20,980 euros, including taxes and running costs but excluding subsidies. Including nearly 3,000 euros of SEPP subsidy, you could therefore drive a battery-electric car with a decent range for as little as 18 grand. The tax value of this model comes to 19,990 euros.

The powertrain of the Citroën ë-C3

The specifications of the cheaper ë-C3 with 200-kilometer range are not yet known. At least for less than 25 grand, you get an 83 kW (113 hp) electric motor. With that, the car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in about 11 seconds. Top speed is tuned to 135 km/h. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP – Lithium Ferro Phosphate) battery pack has a capacity of 44 kWh, good for a WLTP range of 320 kilometers.

Fast charging can be done with 100 kW. This recharges the battery from 20 to 80 percent in 26 minutes. The ë-C3 comes standard with an 11 kW three-phase charger, ideal for charging at a public AC charging station or with a wallbox at home. Charging from 20% to 80% capacity takes 2 hours and 50 minutes with 11 kW and about 4 hours and 10 minutes with 7 kW AC charging.

Advanced Comfort

The big question: is the new ë-C3 a real Citroën? Yes indeed, because the brand has thought of several comfort features, such as Advanced Comfort suspension and Advanced Comfort seats. Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension works in conjunction with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions. For light (de)compression, the spring and shock absorber control vertical movements together, without the help of the hydraulic stops. At high impact, the spring and shock absorber work together with the hydraulic stops to gradually slow body motion and eliminate shock at the end of the suspension range. This provides extra comfort.

Oval chevron logo

In terms of design, this ë-C3 is also next level again. For example, the model is the first Citroën with an oval chevron logo and the brand’s new design language. Here and there we detect some elements of the Oli (all-ë). Compared to the previous generation C3, the model offers higher ground clearance and, above all, much more interior space. The interior is also full of convenient and clever storage options in the doors, the center console and under the center armrest, among others. In addition, there is an induction charger in the center console (standard on the Max trim) to wirelessly charge a smartphone. The rear seats fold down in a 60-40 ratio (standard on the Max trim). A width between the rear wheel arches of 1,015 mm allows larger objects to be transported in the ë-C3. The luggage space behind the rear seats is 310 liters.

You and Max

The 4.01-meter-long and 1.76-meter-wide Citroën ë-C3 is available in Europe in two versions, namely You and Max. What are the differences? The You version – the entry-level version of the ë-C3 – has standard features that include LED headlights, Citroën Advanced Comfort Suspension, Active Safety Brake (emergency braking system), a Head-Up Display system, “My Citroen Play with Smartphone Station” for infotainment, power door mirrors, automatic lighting, rear parking sensors, tailgate spoiler, cruise control, manual air conditioning and six airbags.

The Max, the top model

The top-of-the-line model is the Max trim with 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, Citroën’s two-tone paint with contrasting roof, decorative roof rails, front and rear skidplates, a 10.25-inch color display with touchscreen and smartphone mirroring, Citroën Advanced Comfort Seats, automatic windshield wipers, electrically folding and heated door mirrors a leather-look steering wheel, 60/40-ratio folding rear seats and adjustable driver’s seat, LED taillights, rear privacy glass, TEP/fabric seat upholstery, automatic air conditioning, 3D navigation, wireless charging, reversing camera, automatic dimming rear-view mirror and power windows in the rear.

Five colors

Five colors are available, namely Polar White, Montecarlo Blue, Elixir Red, Mercury Grey and Perla Nera Black. The contrasting roof color characteristic of the Citroën C3 is offered in black or white as standard equipment on the Max trim, with the separation on the C-pillar neatly following the sharp line in the sheet metal.

‘My Citroen Play with Smartphone Station’

To return to the “My Citroen Play with Smartphone Station” for a moment: what is it? Explain. Thanks to a built-in smartphone holder, it is possible to easily connect the cell phone to the car. Using NFC (Near Field Communication), a special new app automatically launches allowing owners to use their device to create shortcuts to phone, radio, navigation and music app services. The ë-C3’s steering controls allow the driver to keep his hands on the wheel. The “Home” button makes it easy to return to the app’s home page. Your smartphone acts as the infotainment system in this case.

Driving assistance systems Citroën ë-C3

Several driving assistance systems are also present in the new Citroën ë-C3. These include a collision prevention system, lane assist, fatigue recognition, traffic sign recognition, an electronic parking brake, smart headlights, parking sensors and a rearview camera.

Citroën ë-C3 built in Europe

The all-new ë-C3 is the first all-electric B-segment car designed, produced and offered by a European manufacturer in Europe in this price range. It was designed in Citroen’s design studio at the Stellantis Automotive Design Network facility in Velizy-Villacoublay, near Paris, and will be produced in Europe at the Stellantis plant in Trnava, Slovakia.

Citroën expects the new ë-C3 to set the tone in the car market for B-segment hatchbacks designed and built in Europe, especially when it comes to offering affordable electric-powered models. In that regard, the arrival in 2025 of the 200-mile range version is entirely good news for buyers who want to drive electric for an even lower price.

Thiery Koskas, CEO of Citroën said, “Our mission is to build Citroën’s market share in Europe to at least 5 percent. The addition of the affordable new all-electric ë-C3 to our portfolio is an important boost to achieve that goal. The all-new ë-C3 also plays an important role in further strengthening Citroën’s electrification program, complementing the arrival of our new extended ë-C4 and ë-C4X models, as well as the unique mobility solution that is the Citroën Ami.”

The all-new Citroën ë-C3 will be in showrooms in the second quarter of 2024.