Citroën e-C3

Even without driving a metre, it is clear how the e-C3 Urban Range stands out from the competition. Other cars with a similar price tag are all a touch smaller. They are so-called "A-segment" cars, while the C3 is in the larger "B-segment". That difference in length is up to 30 cm! And that translates into considerably more interior space. Each C3 offers space for four adults, whereas in other electric cars with this price tag, rear seat space is nil. On top of that, the C3 also offers luggage space with a capacity of 310 litres and that too is a lot bigger than in its A-segment competitors.

Equipment

A next step is to cut back on equipment. That is why the "e-C3 Urban Range" is only available in combination with the "You" and "Plus" equipment levels. The test car is even the absolute base version ("You") with 16-inch rims and no roof rails. Fortunately, a vibrant colour could still come off, which is why the demo still looks quite nice.

The Citroën C3 is designed to be an economical car. Thus, the interior is straightforward with minimal decoration. The look comes from the materials used. The dashboard has no clocks, just a slim black and white display behind the steering wheel in a dark band on the dashboard. This shows essential information for the driver in a sober manner. The number of buttons and levers is also minimal, as there is simply little to operate. Even the climate control system seems to have been economised on, as with an outside temperature of 22 degrees, the system was already struggling to cool the cabin.

In place of an infotainment system, the You version has a clip that can hold a smartphone. A USB-C socket can also be found, which is the only USB connection in the entire interior. Although a smartphone offers the functionality of an infotainment system, the small screen was really experienced as a limitation during the test drive. In a moving car, it is less easy to read and, for example, the display of a navigation app is less clear due to the limited screen area.

Electric car

The battery accounts for about a third of the price of an electric car. That is why that is precisely what has been cut for this basic version. And because a battery with a limited capacity also limits the range, the name "Urban Range" was chosen. After all, that sounds a lot more optimistic than "version with less range"! With the arrival of the "Urban Range", the standard variant will henceforth go by the name "Standard Range".

To put it all in numbers, the standard e-C3 has a 44 kWh battery capacity and can travel 310 km on it. The Urban Range has a 30 kWh (LFP) battery and with that the range is 205 km (fast charging with up to 30 kW). Quick arithmetic shows that this makes the C3 consume a lot more than its smaller rivals, making the Citroën cost the same to buy but more expensive to run. Officially, the e-C3 Urban Range consumes 16.5 kWh per 100 km. During the test drive under favourable weather conditions on a simple route, it was more economical: 14.4 kWh per 100 km.

The Urban Range has the same engine power as the Comfort Range: 113 hp / 125 Nm and so performance is fine. Unfortunately, the options for engine braking, and thus energy recovery, are extremely limited. Another point that has clearly been economised on: this electric car is started with a key, just like the petrol-powered C3. The automatic gearbox has no "park". Instead, neutral must be selected and then the parking brake applied. This is not insurmountable, but it is cumbersome.

Driving characteristics

Sound insulation has also been noticeably economised on. As a result, the e-C3 is the noisiest electric car the test editor has ever been on the road with. Sounds from the wind and tyres are average. The electric motor and air conditioning, on the other hand, make themselves heard quite loudly! As soon as the e-C3 starts moving, a whooshing sound is heard that is hardly inferior to a petrol engine. Driving longer distances is therefore relatively tiring despite the electric drive.

Because the C3 was designed as an electric car, and only later became available as an internal combustion engine car, the chassis is tuned for electric driving. The smaller battery is logically lighter than the larger one, giving the Urban Range a slightly livelier character.

Conclusion

With the e-C3 Urban Range, Citroen offers a compact electric car at the price of a small electric car. While most cheap electric cars have five seats, in practice the space in the back is unusable. The e-C3 Urban Range, on the other hand, offers space for four adults and then also has a decent amount of boot space to spare.

However, the Urban Range's added value is limited to space. In the "You" trim, equipment is sparse and it is clear at every moment of every drive that this is an inexpensive car. Other cheap electric cars, while less spacious, have richer trim, more complete equipment, greater range, lower fuel consumption and better sound insulation. And that doesn't just concern the Chinese! In short: if space is of overriding importance, the e-C3 Urban Range is a smart budget option. Otherwise, it might still be wiser to save up for a more luxurious e-C3.