CITROENe-C3 2023 - Present

　　The battle for the small-sized urban electric crossover was amplified in late 2023 when Citroen introduced the e-C3 in its lineup, challenging the best-selling nameplate in the segment, the Dacia Spring.

　　Big automakers reacted slowly to the new EV revolution, but after they established all their workflows and procedures, their reaction was powerful. One of these automakers was Citroen. Even though the French car manufacturer was already present on the market with a few electric and electrified versions, it didn’t cover one of the most active segments: small-sized crossovers. There, Renault enjoyed strong sales thanks to its sub-brand Dacia from Romania. That vehicle was built in China and sold in Europe with excellent results. Unlike its competitor, Citroen made the e-C3 in Europe to shorten the logistic chain. Furthermore, the ë-C3 was built on the Stellantis “Smart Car” platform, which could also get an internal combustion engine since the battery pack was underneath the rear seats.

　　The 2023 e-C3 was the first production model that sported the new old badge used by the French automaker between 1919 and 1932 and then again between 1935 and 1959. The “double chevron” was chromed on a black background, making it more visible. On the almost flat front fascia, the automaker placed the headlights on the upper side and featured multiple LED blocks that created a 3D effect despite their even layout. On the bumper, the automaker created several cuts and air intakes to conceal that element’s height and adorned it with a silver trim on its lower that mimicked an underbody shield. From its profile, the B-segment vehicle revealed a tall greenhouse with black B- and C-pillars and a tilted-forward D-pillar. At the back, the e-C3 had a set of taillights that replicated the design of the headlights, although with red LEDs. Finally, the rear bumper was mostly black but with a light-gray trim on its bottom.

　　Inside, the vehicle was very spacious for the front occupants, thanks to the tall greenhouse. The dashboard looked more like a shelf, with the instrument cluster placed far from the driver at the bottom of the windshield. In addition, the automaker offered a head-up display and a 10.25” touchscreen placed in the middle, in a free-floating position. The flat seats were designed mostly for comfort and had very little side bolstering. In the back, Citroen used the “sofa-design” concept when it made the bench seat and offered a split-folding (60/40) seatback only as an option.

　　But the most significant part of the car was the platform. It featured a system named Progressive Hydraulic Cushions that greatly enhanced comfort. Unlike all other cars on the market, the e-C3 had the dampers mounted on the bodywork via progressive hydraulic bump stops. As a result, there were fewer shocks felt by the car’s occupants. Under the hood, Citroen installed a 113 PS (111 hp) that offered the car an 11-second acceleration from 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph). The 44 kWh LFP (Lithium-Iron Phosphate) battery pack ensured the vehicle a 320 km (199 miles) range. Owners could replenish the energy from up to 100 kW charging stations.

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