Citroen eC3 makes European debut, underpinned by a different platform and gets design changes

Citroen's eC3 has made its European debut and is quite different from its Indian counterpart in both design and technology. The European eC3 introduces a fresh design, featuring C-shaped headlights, LED DRLs, and a more vertical front fascia adorned with the new oval Citroen logo. The car is based on a completely different platform and will offer two different powertrains. Let's delve into how it differs from the India-spec model.

Design

The European eC3 showcases Citroen's new design language, significantly departing from the Indian-spec version, which shares its design with the India-specific C3 hatchback. The European eC3 features a modern and bold design with a more vertical front face with the new oval logo, C-shaped headlights and LED DRLs. The lower bumper area includes a smaller air intake and a silver skid plate. In contrast, the Indian eC3 adopts a rounded and conventional design, aligning more with the established styling of other Citroen models in India. Moving to the sides, differences can be seen in the fender designs and doors. This eC3 also features pull-type door handles instead of the traditional flap units seen in the Indian version. At the rear of the vehicle, it boasts new tail lamps and a revised rear bumper. It also rides on larger 17-inch alloy wheels, whereas the Indian-spec eC3 comes with 15-inch alloy wheels. The European spec also gets two-tone exterior paint options similar to what we get in India.

Interior and features

This design differentiation extends to the interior, with the European eC3 offering a more feature-laden cabin featuring a two-layer dashboard with fabric inserts and a flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls. A new digital instrument cluster has been integrated into the top of the dashboard acting like a head-up display instead of the conventional analogue one. For infotainment, there are two options. The first is available in the lower variants where you have to dock your phone and through NFC technology, you can use maps, music and other functions. The second, available on the higher variants is the 10.25-inch colour display. The screen is angled more towards the driver. Connectivity features include smartphone mirroring, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The rear seats feature a 60:40 split. Additional features in the European eC3 include a wireless charger, automatic wipers, power-folding and heated side mirrors, automatic climate control and more. 

The European eC3 also includes a range of driver assistance features such as autonomous braking, lane departure warning, driver attention alert, and speed limit recognition. Other features include an electric parking brake, hill start assist, rear parking sensors and a camera.

Platform

Unlike the eC3 in India, the European eC3 is based on Stellantis’s ‘Smart Car’ platform. This BEV-native platform was designed from the outset to underpin EVs, unlike the Indian CC21 platform which is also the foundation of the ICE C3 in India. Citroen has also added the ‘Citroen Advanced Comfort’ suspension which is said to give a more comfortable ride.

Powertrain

As for the powertrains, the European spec will come in two versions. The higher one gets a 44kWh battery pack and is powered by a 111bhp e-motor with a claimed WLTP driving range of 320km. Claimed 0-100kmph time is 11 seconds and it can reach a top speed of 135kmph. Fast charging is supported on the new eC3 as well, allowing the battery to be charged from 20 to 80 per cent capacity in 26 minutes using a 100kW DC fast charger. Standard AC recharging time is around 4 hours 10 minutes with 7kW power. There’s also a 200km range model which is said to come in 2025 but further details haven’t been revealed yet.

For comparison, the Indian spec has a 29.2 kWh battery pack and an e-motor with 56bhp and 143Nm, which can go from 0 to 100kmph in 17 seconds. The claimed ARAI-certified range is 320km on a full charge.

Price and India launch

The lineup includes two versions, 'You' and 'Max,' starting with a price of €23,300 (₹20.48 lakh) for the 320km range model. Citroen also revealed the prices of the smaller 200km range model which will be priced from €19,990 (₹17.57 lakh) once launched. 

Since this eC3 is based on an all-new platform with different electric tech, it is unlikely we will see this eC3 come to India.