The Electric Tale of Citroen's New Kid on the Block: e-C3
Alright folks, buckle up - or plug in, rather - because this ol' petrolhead is diving into the electrifying waters once again. Now, remember the iconic Citroen 2CV? That little guy you couldn’t tell was coming or going? Well, Citroen has tried to pull a fast one on us, borrowing from the vintage vibes of its ancestor to present the e-C3. It’s as if the 2CV and a smartphone had a baby. And like most babies, it promises to be both intriguing and occasionally, a little vexing.
The e-C3 rolls in with a modest price tag of $27,000 (€23,300 for my metric pals). So, if you've been eyeing one of those "affordable" Chinese EVs, step aside, because this French number is strutting its stuff on the runway. But what's this? By 2025, we're hearing whispers of an even cheaper sibling hitting the market at a nifty $23,000 (€19,990). Ah, the joys of sibling rivalry.
Now, I’ve been around the block enough times to know a gimmick when I see one. But the e-C3? It's here, and it means business. None of that "maybe it's a car, or maybe it's just an overgrown toy" nonsense. This bad boy is a genuine five-seater. So, for those of you (like me) who thought the Dacia Spring was the go-to, think again. The e-C3 just might give it a run for its money.
Underneath all that shiny metal, the e-C3 owes its competitive edge to the thrifty Smart Car platform. Interesting choice, considering it was primarily an India and Latin America thing. But hey, if it ain't broke, don’t fix it, right? And should we all suddenly get nostalgic for those gas-guzzling days, there's room for a combustion engine. Because, options.
For those obsessed with numbers and stats, the e-C3 comes loaded with a 44kWh battery, promising you about 200 miles (320 km) of unadulterated, guilt-free driving. The cheaper version? About 124 miles (200 km). But beware! These LFP batteries are like that relative who needs their room temperature just right. They're finicky with the cold.
Now, I get it. The range might sound modest, but Citroen swears it's plenty. After all, most of you aren’t running marathons daily. With the average Joe driving less than 50 miles (80 km) a day, the e-C3 should suffice.
Hop inside, and you're in for a treat. Think of it as a marshmallow – soft and comfy. The e-C3 has all the cushioning to make those pothole-ridden rides feel smooth. Performance-wise, it doesn’t exactly scream "racecar," but with 113 hp, it'll get you from 0 to 62 mph in about 11 seconds flat. And the max? A breezy 84 mph (135 km/h).
For the tech-savvy among us, Citroen didn’t skimp. A flashy head-up display, a swanky 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a dock to snugly fit your phone. As for looks, Citroen has classed things up while still letting its hair down with vibrant 'color clip' options. And boy, with the C3 accounting for almost half of Citroen’s sales, this EV version has some serious shoes to fill.
So, there you have it, the e-C3 in all its electrifying glory. It’s the future folks - whether we like it or not!
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
