Citroën unveils the electric variant of its C3 crossover sold in India. Will it also be offered in Europe? Response elements.
In July 2022, Citroën marketed a new C3, very different from “our” European C3. This model, closer to a C3 Aircross with its SUV look, is currently reserved for India and Latin America. At the start of 2023, the chevron manufacturer is lifting the veil on the ë-C3 electric variant, currently reserved for emerging markets.
The Citroën ë-C3 is designed in India on a scaled-down version of the Stellantis CMP base. It takes up the codes established by the Indian C3 presented last year with body protections in raw plastic, double-deck headlights, acid colors completed by contrasting inserts and raised ground clearance. Only the charging hatch on the right front wing and the removal of the exhaust at the rear make it possible to distinguish the two versions, in addition to the badges.
Wasn’t that an electrifying start to the New ë-C3 All Electric media drive? Stay tuned for more exciting and energising stuff that’s coming your way!#ExpressYourËStyle pic.twitter.com/apI20EA4dG
— Citroen India (@CitroenIndia) January 17, 2023
On the technical side, the Indian ë-C3 is powered by a single 57 hp electric block, placed at the front. It develops just 143 Nm of torque, and its maximum speed is set at just 107 km/h. This modest engine is associated with a 29.2 kWh battery supplied by the Chinese Svolt, thus offering 320 km of autonomy according to the Indian ARAI cycle.
And for Europe?
Does this new C3 have a future with us? Yes and no. If on the style side, the future European C3 will be inspired by its Indian counterpart (while standing out with a front end and a redesigned Oli-style stern), the technical part will be different. The CMP base will be reworked, while the engine will develop 82 or 109 hp according to the first rumors. The battery should also be offered in two capacity levels, with 40 or 50 kWh depending on the version. Enough to ensure better performance, and hold the comparison against the Dacia Spring, which has just acquired a more powerful variant of 65 hp.
This new generation promises a low cost positioning, with a 100% electric variant at launch.
Illustration © Julien JODRY
The future European Citroën C3 will retain an entry-level combustion engine (potentially with the 1.2 PureTech already in the catalog) and will therefore be enriched with this new ë-C3 variant. The thermal model dedicated to the Old Continent will be produced in the Slovak plant in Trnava, while the electric should be produced in Serbia alongside the future Fiat Panda. The presentation of the European C3 should take place at the end of 2023, before marketing in early 2024.
Photos : DR., illustration J.Jodry.
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