Test drive

Citroën C3, preview test of the €24,000 electric (anticipating the next Fiat Panda)

Behind the wheel of the fourth generation of an iconic model: now a small SUV, built in Serbia, with electric, hybrid or petrol-only engines. It is based on the Stellantis SmartCar platform for economy cars

by Mario Cianflone

21 May 2024

Nuova Citroën ë C3, la elettrica da meno di 24mila euro

6' min read

Key points

Citroën C3, dimensions
Citroën C3, Electric, Hybrid and Thermal Engines
Citroën C3, interior
Citroën C3, behind the wheel
Citroën C3, prices

6' min read

Citroën C3 changes radically: from an iconically rounded five-door saloon (for three generations), it is transformed in the fourth series into a squared-off city suv with electric, hybrid or thermal-only drive.

We tested the new Citroën in a media drive reserved for the Car Of The Year award jury, and it has to be said straight away that the car confirms the interesting elements already identified at the time of its static debut for a number of reasons: it represents the new stylistic direction of the French brand and. not surprisingly, it brings a new (and huge) double chevron logo. It is based on the SmartCar platform of the Stellantis group, a low-cost architecture derived from the well-known CMP and used to date in emerging countries. But that is not all: the C3, or rather the ë-C3 version, the battery version, has an important task: to democratise access to the electric car with a price list below 24,000 euro. And that's not all, the C3 is sister to the forthcoming Panda (whose debut is expected on 11 July) and shares with the future Fiat the platform but not the factory: the C3 is built Trnava in Slovakia, while the suv-format Panda in the Serbian plant of Kragujevac where the Fiat 500 L was assembled. Driving the new C3 is therefore also a taste of the next Fiat, which, jumping to a higher segment, will most likely have the same mechanics (both thermal and electric) and almost certainly much of the same sheet metal as the C3.

In a short test in Austria, not far from the factory, we drove both the electric and the thermal with manual transmission, but let's go in order and find out what it looks like.

Citroën C3, le foto del debutto sulle strade austriache
Photogallery15 foto

Firstly, the Citroën C3, as we have said, is an urban SUV. In fact, the SUV format has a height of 1.57 metres, a feature that offers front seat passengers 30 mm more headroom. It also benefits the driving position, higher as befits a crossover. It has to be said that the dashboard, which is horizontal, linear and dominated by a 12.5-inch screen, appears a little high and with an upper tray of dubious practicality. However, the styling is pleasant and the assembly neat. Obviously, the materials are simple and cheap: lots of hard plastic and a couple too many visible screws. The seats are real armchairs: comfortable and well padded (the 2024 C3 is in keeping with the qualities of the model and of the brand that has always made comfort one of its strong points from the days of the legendary 1955 DS to the recent SUVs).

Citroën C3, the dimensions.

Just over 4 metres long, 19 mm longer and 6 mm wider than its predecessor, the new C3 is more spacious in almost all dimensions. Rear passenger elbow room is 19 mm longer, while front passenger elbow room is 21 mm more than the market average. Not least, rear passenger knee room is best in class, at least 20 mm more than the average. Ground clearance is 197 mm, 30 mm more than the previous model.

The modularity of the rear seats (60-40, standard on the 'Max' version) and a width between the rear wheel arches of 1,015 mm allow larger objects to be transported when needed. The boot volume is 310 litres.

Citroën C3, Electric, Hybrid and Thermal Engines

The fourth generation of the C3 offers three motorisations: electric (ë-C3) with 113 hp, a 48-volt hybrid with 100 hp, and thermal only with a manual gearbox and again 100 hp from the 1.2 PureTech Turbo engine. It is worth noting that these units have been revamped: they now mount a timing chain instead of the oil bath belt that created many problems for many cars in the Stellantis group.

The new ë-C3 is equipped with a 44kWh LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate) battery. It offers a driving range of up to 320 km according to the WLTP cycle and a 100 kW DC fast-charging capacity, allowing 20% to 80% recharging in just 26 minutes.

Standard AC charging from 20 per cent to 80 per cent takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes with 7kW power, or 2 hours and 50 minutes if 11kW power is used. With an 83kW (113 hp) engine and a fully automatic transmission, the new ë-C3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 11 seconds and reaches a top speed of 135 km/h.

The new C3 called 'Hybrid 100' is also offered with a 48V Hybrid engine, which according to the manufacturer allows up to 50 per cent of city journeys to be made in electric mode. It consists of a 48V lithium ion battery that recharges during certain driving phases, a new-generation 100 hp (75 kW) 3-cylinder petrol engine designed specifically to adapt to this new hybrid system and coupled to the new ë-DCS6 electrified dual-clutch gearbox, which integrates a 21 kW electric motor produced in France. The Hybrid 100 offers a torque of 205 Nm (55 Nm for the electric motor). In the WLTP mixed cycle, this version is homologated at 117g CO2/km.

There is also a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine version with an output of 100 hp, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. In the WLTP mixed cycle, this variant boasts 126g CO2/km (type approval pending).

Citroën C3, interior

Also making its debut with the new Citroen C3 is the C-Zen Lounge, an environment that aims to offer a feeling of roominess and space in an economical, compact car. It offers the driver and front passenger a clean and uncluttered view thanks to the large windscreen and horizontal fascia that graphically extends across the width of the vehicle, flanked by Citroën's vertical air intakes. The fascia is divided into two distinct levels: the technical elements are positioned above, while the lower section is wrapped in fabric and designed in the Sofa Design style inspired by home furnishings and reminiscent of the famous hammock on the first generation Panda).

The new compact multi-function steering wheel is smaller and adjustable in height and depth, ensuring that the small instrument cluster inserted into the upper portion of the dashboard as if it were (but is not) a Citroën Head Up Display is always clearly visible during use.

In the centre of the fascia is a 10.25-inch colour infotainment screen, slightly tilted towards the driver. Thanks to the presence of Wi-Fi connection, smartphone mirroring is possible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A wireless charging pad is available for the centre console (standard on the 'Max' version). However, graphics and usability are not convincing, nor is the tactile feedback (it remains to be seen whether these shortcomings will be rectified). Instead, the presence of the TomTom navigator, typical of Stellantis models, is to be rejected outright. It should be emphasised that the basic versions do not have a display but only a slot (Smartphone Station) for one's own device: a good idea, but the best thing is still the large screen and mirroring combo with Google maps.

Citroën C3, behind the wheel

The new C3, as mentioned above, is convincing in terms of comfort and truly impeccable roominess: the electric is very smooth, obviously lightning fast in the sprint from zero to 60 km/h, but the top speed of 135 km/h is questionable. The petrol thermal is decidedly peppy, the gearbox, manual though anachronistic, offers excellent manoeuvrability. Pothole-proof suspension and steering appropriate to the type of car complete the picture.

Citroën C3 , the versions

The new Citroen C3 is coming to European markets in two versions: 'You' and 'Max'. The entry-level You variant offers LED headlamps, Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension, the Active Safety Brake emergency braking system, and Citroën's new Head Up display. It also includes the 'My Citroen Play with Smartphone Station', electric wing mirrors, automatic light switch-on, rear parking radar, rear spoiler, cruise control, manual air conditioning and six airbags, ensuring safety and comfort on every journey. The price starts at 23,300 euros.

The 'Max' boasts additional features. These include 17-inch diamond alloy wheels, two-tone Citroen paint with contrasting roof and decorative roof bars. It also comes with front and rear skidplates, 10.25-inch colour touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, Citroën Advanced Comfort seats, automatic windscreen wipers, heated and electrically folding door mirrors. There is also a synthetic leather steering wheel, 60/40 folding rear seat with driver's seat adjustment and LED rear lights.

Citroën C3, prices

The Citroën ë-C3 with a range of 320 km costs just under 24 thousand euros and will be joined in 2025 by a version with a range of 200 km, making it more affordable, given its price of 20 thousand euros.

The C3 in the 1.2 100-horsepower petrol engine with manual transmission is available from 15,000 euros. The first deliveries are expected to arrive in summer 2024. The Hybrid 100 version will be available by the end of the year.