Test of the Citroën C3 electric: what performance for this affordable city car from the chevrons?

It is high time to question the reality behind the enticing promise of the Citroën C3 electric. At €23,300, it claims to offer an attractive alternative to traditional city cars while being in the race for electric vehicles. But does this seductress with chevrons manage to create an illusion, or is it merely a mirage in the vast expanse of the automotive market?

Citroën C3 electric: a seductive style that hides flaws

For the C3, the stylistic transformation is impressive. Citroën's designers have performed notable magic, camouflaging previous shortcomings with the help of 17-inch wheels and a refined hood. This car is anything but a graceful ballerina, but it manages an acceptable level of satisfaction. Nevertheless, despite a sweet nod to the 2CV with the Bleu Monte Carlo, will it be enough to charm urban dwellers in search of something more than just a simple way to get around?

An interior that doesn't leave much room for dreams

Inside, the C3 electric gives an impression of generosity with its size. However, rear passengers will quickly find themselves sitting a bit too low, with their legs in an almost acrobatic position. Admittedly, the 310-liter trunk boasts a good carrying capacity, but this shiny detail fails to mask the strangeness of this seating position, the clown shoe of automotive design.

Performance that depends on the road

In urban environments, this city car knows how to show its strengths. The 113 hp electric motor promises smooth and fluid accelerations, a delight on the small roads of the city. But as the boundaries between neighborhoods fade and the asphalt stretches, joy gives way to a certain apprehension. On the road, the roll is enough to make the latest opera dancer turn pale. It freezes, terrified, as if waiting for a taxi to flee the turns.

An expressway, the C3? Not really

On the highway, the situation becomes tricky. Instead of price zeppelins, this electric C3 barely achieves 150 km of range at maximum speed. Considering the irritating rolling noises, it's worth noting that trying to combine long-distance travel with this city car could be akin to an outing with an elephant in a mini-car. At this point, it’s essential to feign a nonchalant attitude and optimize every charging stop. Luckily, quick charging offers a bit of respite, but one must be well-prepared: a Paris-Rennes trip could stretch indefinitely.

A minimalist equipment with a pragmatic soul

Say goodbye to frills today, as the C3 electric refuses to bow to the whims of modern gadgets. Its infotainment system hovers around a sleepy marmoset, while the touchscreen, although quite large, remains extremely limited in terms of functionality. One wonders if the GPS connection really exists or if it's more of an urban legend.

A price that plays in its favor

Despite its flaws, the C3 electric has a major asset: its price. Compared to the Dacia Spring or the Leapmotor T03, it exhibits a certain pricing agility. Admittedly, some features seem abominably basic, but who said you always have to break the bank to travel in comfort? At the end of the day, the C3 electric could well prove to be the best option in the realm of affordable electric city cars, and even perfectly competitive against models that often require a higher budget.

A final examination of the C3 electric

It remains to be seen whether a car can settle for mediocrity disguised as charm. The Citroën C3 electric takes the stage with a certain class, but overshadowing its real imperfections with an attractive price and a promise of practicality. It remains to be seen whether drivers will learn to cope with its shortcomings, or if they too will prefer, like so many others, to flee towards the promising horizons of the competition. A challenge to be met, without a doubt!

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