The new Citroen e-C3 is a landmark new small electric car that aims to transform the affordable EV sector – and for those not ready to go electric, there is also a petrol-powered new Citroen C3.
New Citroen e-C3 prices start from under £22,000, which will be many thousands less than the most affordable small electric car on sale today. Despite this, the new Citroen e-C3 is a full five-seater supermini small car, with a roomy interior and generous EV range. The petrol-powered Citroen C3 is cheaper still, with prices from under £18,000.
The new Citroen e-C3, and the identical Citroen C3, also sport the French firm’s latest design cues, first seen on the influential Citroen Oli concept car. There is a bold new oval Citroen logo, plus a tall and bold profile with technical-look styling cues and innovative LED lights.
The new Citroen e-C3 is the first genuinely affordable small electric car in the UK. It will take on the long-running Renault Zoe, plus electric versions of poplar superminis such as the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Peugeot e-208. The Fiat 500 Electric is an affordable choice, while the new Dacia Spring is set for a UK launch in 2024.
The new Citroen e-C3 also provides an affordable long-distance alternative to the city-focused Citroen Ami.
Meanwhile the more affordable Citroen C3 will take on petrol supermini rivals such as the Dacia Sandero Stepway, MG3, Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Clio.
New 2024 Citroen C3 and e-C3 price and release date
New Citroen e-C3 prices start from just £21,990. This makes it one of the most affordable electric cars in the UK – while the Dacia Spring still undercuts it, the Citroen e-C3 is both bigger and has a longer range.
The new Citroen e-C3 will be released for ordering in July 2024. Deliveries will begin later in the year.
The new Citroen C3, wtih a 1.2-litre petrol engine, is even cheaper. Prices start from £17,790. Ordering opens in September 2024.
New 2024 Citroen C3 and e-C3: exterior and interior
The new Citroen e-C3 has a fresh, distinctive new design that brings styling cues from the firm’s recent concept cars to the road. Unlike the existing Citroen C3, it has a crossover SUV profile, rather than a conventional hatch. This taller design gives more space inside and a higher seating position.
At the front, the new Citroen e-C3 features a modern oval Citroen logo proudly in the centre of the grille. It has a rugged, upright front end, with a horizontal look that’s set off by distinctive LED headlights. Those inside will have a commanding view across the broad, flat bonnet.
The new Citroen e-C3 has bold wheelarches finished in textured plastic, which clothe large wheels. At the rear, the new oval Citroen logo again features, as do eye-catching rear lamps that continue the concept car design themes. On top-spec models, the rear lights are vivid LED units.
Overall, the new Citroen e-C3 is a compact-sized 4.01 metres long, which is similar in length to the current Citroen C3. It is 1.76 metres wide, and a notable 100mm taller than today’s Citroen C3, which liberates more interior space. It has a higher ground clearance too, giving a more assertive appearance and making it easier to handle over town centre bumps.
The new Citroen e-C3 is futuristic inside, too. The design is called C-Zen Lounge, a homelike layout designed around a new ultra-compact steering wheel and freestanding 10.25-inch touchscreen in the centre. Instead of a regular instrument cluster, a headup-style digital display reflects information onto a gloss black section on top of the dashboard. The new Citroen e-C3 also has physical controls in the centre console for heating and other functions.
The high-tech upper section of the new Citroen e-C3’s dashboard contrasts with a fabric-wrapped ‘sofa design’ lower half. This gives it a comfortable, welcoming feel, which is enhanced by plush Citroen Advanced Comfort seats. These use additional foam to give a softer, comfier feel.
The new Citroen e-C3 has plenty of headroom, and the taller body makes it easier to step in and out of. In the rear, it has best-in-class kneeroom, and an ample 310-litre boot. It has more than a metre of space between the wheelarches, so is extra-practical.
The new Citroen e-C3 will be offered in three versions – You, Plus and Max. All have LED headlights, rear parking sensors, manual air conditioning and cruise control. A clever smartphone station connects with mobile devices.
The new Citroen e-C3 Plus brings 17-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paint with a contrast roof colour, decorative roof rails plus front and rear skid plates. Inside, it has power-fold door mirrors, leather-effect steering wheel and the 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new Citroen e-C3 Max has rear privacy class, climate control, wireless smartphone charging, rear parking camera and electric windows in the rear.
The new Citroen e-C3 is available in five different colours – Polar White, Montecarlo Blue, Elixir Red, Mercury Grey and Perla Nera Black. The contrast roof comes in black or white.
New 2024 Citroen C3 and e-C3: battery, range and performance
The new Citroen e-C3 has a powerful 113hp electric motor. This gives 0-62mph performance in around 11.0 seconds, and an ample top speed of 84mph. As it is an EV, an automatic transmission is standard, with the gear selector in the centre console.
The new Citroen e-C3 has a 44kWh LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate) battery. It has an official range of up to 199 miles. Speedy 100kW DC rapid charging compatibility is standard, with suitable public chargers topping it up from 20% to 80% in as little as 26 minutes.
The new Citroen e-C3 will also offer a clever Citroen e-Routes app, which provides EV-specific route planning, easy battery monitoring and live charging network data.
An even more affordable new Citroen e-C3 could arrive by 2025. This would use a smaller battery for a range of around 125 miles – for a potential price tag of under £17,500.
For those who prefer petrol power, the new Citroen C3 has a 1.2-litre PureTech 100 engine that's paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Expect it to easily average over 50mpg.
In terms of suspension comfort, the new Citroen C3 and Citroen e-C3 feature Citroen’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions for the first time. These ingenious hydraulic bump stops give a super-cushioned ride, even over sharp bumps. It will be “the most comfortable car in the B-hatch segment,” promise bosses.
Can’t wait for a new Citroen e-C3? Time to consider a Renault Zoe…
The Renault Zoe is a popular small electric car that's helped make EV motoring affordable for many. The current second-generation model is a roomy five-door supermini, which these days comes with a healthy electric range of nearly 250 miles. There is a good selection of used Renault Zoe for sale, and it's worth looking out for the latest 50kWh battery to get the best range. Early Renault Zoe used a battery leasing deal to make them more affordable, but this was canned for later models.
If you're ready to buy we've got 1000s of Used Cars for Sale, while if you're looking to save money, check out our guide to the Best Car Deals.
Looking for more new car news?
The new Skoda Kodiaq arrives in 2024 for those seeking a more practical seven-seat large family SUV. Another new Skoda we’re looking forward to here at heycar is the 2024 Skoda Superb. It's set to offer even more space than the acclaimed current car, plus a plug-in hybrid model alongside core petrol and diesel versions. The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is a nice contrast to the practical Skodas. It's a svelte two-door, four-seat coupe, that again will be available in long-range plug-in hybrid guise. For all the latest news, check out our guide to all the best new cars of 2023.
The new Citroen e-C3 has a range of up to 199 miles from its efficient new 44kWh battery. It can use speedy 100kW DC rapid chargers.
The new Citroen e-C3 has a roomier interior than regular supermini-style small cars, thanks to its taller body. It has a useful 310-litre boot, too.
Unlike cheaper electric cars such as the Citroen Ami, the new Citroen e-C3 can be used out of town. It has a motorway-friendly top speed of 84mph.
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