The electric vehicle (EV) market is evolving rapidly, with manufacturers racing to offer sustainable alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel cars. However, high costs have often deterred potential buyers. The Citroen e-C3, manufactured in Slovakia, breaks this barrier by delivering an affordable, family-friendly EV that doesn’t skimp on quality or performance. Priced from £21,995, it undercuts 99% of other EVs, making it a game-changer for British drivers. This review, brought to you by CommaFast, explores why the e-C3 is perfectly suited for UK roads, from its competitive pricing to its practical design.
Unbeatable Value for Money
The Citroen e-C3’s most striking feature is its affordability. Starting at £21,995 for the Plus trim and rising to £23,690 for the Max trim, it offers exceptional value in a market where EVs often carry premium price tags. This pricing strategy makes electric driving accessible to a broader audience, particularly families looking to transition to sustainable transport without financial strain.
For those considering financing, the e-C3 is available on a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) plan with monthly payments starting at £349. By increasing the initial deposit, buyers can reduce this to below £300, enhancing affordability. A future version with a smaller battery and a starting price under £18,000 is also in the pipeline, promising even greater accessibility with an estimated 125-mile range.
Designed for British Roads
The e-C3’s design prioritizes comfort and practicality, tailored to the UK’s diverse driving conditions. During testing in South Buckinghamshire, the e-C3 navigated motorways, urban streets, and winding A- and B-roads with ease. Its compact size makes it ideal for tight parking spaces and narrow lanes, while its well-tuned suspension absorbs bumps and potholes, ensuring a smooth ride.
The car’s electric motor delivers instant torque, providing responsive acceleration for city driving and confident overtaking on motorways. The regenerative braking system enhances efficiency by recouping energy during deceleration, particularly useful in stop-start traffic. The quiet cabin and minimal wind noise further elevate the driving experience, making long journeys comfortable for families.
Performance and Efficiency
The Citroen e-C3 is powered by a 45kWh battery, offering a maximum claimed range of 199 miles—sufficient for most daily commutes and weekend getaways. It achieves an efficiency of 3.6 miles per kWh, competitive for its class. Performance is adequate, with a 0-62mph time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 84mph, prioritizing efficiency over sportiness.
Charging is a strong suit, with support for 100kW DC fast charging, allowing a 20-80% charge in just 26 minutes at a public fast charger. For home charging, a 7kW charger can fully replenish the battery in just over 4 hours. However, the absence of a heat pump and limited availability of 11kW three-phase chargers in the UK slightly restrict its charging versatility.
Specifications Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | £22,095 to £23,690 |
| Starting Price | £21,995 |
| Battery Size | 45kWh |
| Maximum Claimed Range | 199 miles |
| Miles per kWh | 3.6 |
| Maximum Charging Rate | 100kW DC |
| Charging Time (20-80%) | 26 minutes (DC fast charger) |
| Charging Time (Empty, 7kW) | Just over 4 hours |
| 0-62mph Time | 11 seconds |
| Top Speed | 84mph |
| Boot Space | 310 litres |
| Warranty | 3 years/60,000 miles (car); 8 years/100,000 miles (battery, 70% capacity) |
| Trim Levels | Plus, Max |
| PCP Monthly Cost | From £349 |
Spacious and Practical Interior
The Citroen e-C3’s interior is a highlight, offering a spacious cabin that comfortably seats five passengers. With 310 litres of boot space, it rivals larger vehicles, making it ideal for family outings, shopping trips, or weekend adventures. The layout is practical, with ample storage and easy-to-use controls.
However, the cabin plastics are a noted drawback, feeling less premium compared to pricier EVs. While this doesn’t detract from functionality, it’s a minor compromise for the price. The Citroen e-C3 compensates with a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and driver assistance features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control (available on the Max trim).
Technology and Features
The e-C3 comes in two trims: Plus and Max. The Plus trim, starting at £21,990 on the road, includes essentials like a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and basic safety features. The Max trim, £1,700 more, adds upgrades like a larger screen, enhanced driver aids, and premium styling elements. While not cutting-edge, the technology suite meets the needs of most drivers, balancing functionality with affordability.
Ownership and Reliability
Citroen backs the e-C3 with a robust warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles for the vehicle and 8 years or 100,000 miles for the battery, guaranteeing 70% capacity. This provides peace of mind for long-term ownership, addressing concerns about battery degradation. The car’s European manufacturing further enhances confidence in its build quality and reliability.
Competing in the Market
The Citroen e-C3 faces competition from other affordable EVs like the Dacia Spring and the upcoming Renault 5. However, its combination of range, space, and price gives it an edge. The anticipated smaller-battery version will further strengthen its position, catering to urban drivers with shorter commutes. The e-C3’s focus on family-friendly features and UK-specific design makes it a versatile choice.
Why It’s Perfect for the UK
The UK’s road network, with its mix of motorways, city streets, and rural lanes, demands a versatile vehicle. The Citroen e-C3 excels here, offering nimble handling for urban environments and a comfortable ride for longer journeys. Its 199-mile range covers most daily needs, and the growing UK charging infrastructure ensures convenience. For families, the e-C3’s spacious interior and practical boot space make it a reliable companion for school runs, holidays, and everything in between.
Conclusion
The Citroen e-C3 is a standout in the affordable EV market, offering a compelling mix of price, performance, and practicality. While the cabin plastics may not match premium rivals, its spacious interior, impressive range, and fast-charging capabilities make it a top choice for British families. With a 9/10 rating from CommaFast, the Citroen e-C3 proves that electric driving can be accessible, reliable, and perfectly suited to UK roads.
