Petrol vs Electric: Citroën C3’s Clear Winner
- With nearly 6 million units sold, it stands as Citroën's most accomplished model.
- Citroën has historically excelled at crafting city cars, demonstrating an ability to capture the right proportions and effectiveness while often pioneering novel solutions.
- One of the innovative features is the inclusion of special shock absorbers with hydraulic stops, designed to emulate the feel of the brand's renowned hydropneumatic suspension,...
Citroën C3 and ë-C3 Review: A Tale of Two Cities
Table of Contents
- Citroën C3 and ë-C3 Review: A Tale of Two Cities
- Citroën C3 adn ë-C3: Your Top Questions Answered
- What are the key differences between the Citroën C3 and the ë-C3?
- How does the interior space compare between the C3 and ë-C3?
- What is the driving range of the Citroën ë-C3?
- What is the performance like for the Citroën C3 and ë-C3?
- How do the C3 and ë-C3 handle road imperfections and corners?
- How does the Citroën ë-C3 charge?
- What are the specifications and prices of the C3 and ë-C3?
March 29, 2025
With nearly 6 million units sold, it stands as Citroën’s most accomplished model. Now in its fourth generation, the Citroën C3 offers both internal combustion engine and battery-powered versions. A recent test sought to determine which powertrain emerges as the more compelling option.
Citroën has historically excelled at crafting city cars, demonstrating an ability to capture the right proportions and effectiveness while often pioneering novel solutions. The new Citroën C3 continues this tradition. Assembled in Trnava,Slovakia,the C3 features a practical,slightly elevated body in the style of an SUV,providing a commanding view of the road.
One of the innovative features is the inclusion of special shock absorbers with hydraulic stops, designed to emulate the feel of the brand’s renowned hydropneumatic suspension, which was discontinued years ago. Additionally, a head-up display projects driving data onto a black bar at the top of the instrument panel. this solution offers a more direct line of sight compared to customary gauges, a practical consideration for a budget-conscious vehicle.
Though, cost-saving measures are evident in certain areas. The C3 includes only one ceiling handle, and the interior lighting is activated by a mechanical sensor in the door rather than when the key is removed from the ignition. This means the cabin remains dark until a door is opened at the end of a journey. The power windows lack an automatic function, and the base model features a phone holder instead of a 10-inch centre display.
The base C3 model may not include a radio module, perhaps appealing to companies seeking to avoid licensing fees. However, even these versions are equipped with an amplifier and speakers, allowing users to stream audio from their phones.
Standard features include manual air conditioning and power mirrors, with both gasoline and electric versions offering similar equipment levels. However, the practical experience differs substantially between the two.
While the trunk space is nearly identical, with the electric version measuring just 2 millimeters less, the rear passenger area offers a more comfortable experience in the gasoline-powered C3. There is ample space in all directions, including sufficient legroom to comfortably tuck feet under the front seats.
In the electric version,this is only possible if the driver raises their seat. Even then, passengers may find themselves in an awkward position with their knees pointing upwards. The elevated floor, necessitated by the traction battery, reduces legroom. The automaker’s decision to maintain the same headroom means that rear passengers sit lower, resulting in a less comfortable posture.
Despite some cost-cutting measures, Citroën has prioritized sound insulation, exceeding the typical standards for this class.The double door seals effectively minimize wind noise,contributing to a quieter ride.
The small Citroën delivers a pleasantly quiet ride, and both versions handle demanding road surfaces like cobblestones with ease. However, some may find the handling characteristics old-fashioned, as the car tends to lean noticeably in corners and the outer front wheel may lose traction. This sensation is slightly less pronounced in the electric version.
While the gasoline C3 excels in interior space, the ë-C3 is expected to deliver superior acceleration. However, the electric powertrain dose not provide a important performance advantage. Despite having a higher power output, the electric motor produces surprisingly less torque. The difference is also noticeable in the top speed,which is slightly limited in the electric model.
The electric version’s range is also underwhelming. Despite a relatively large 44 kWh battery, the motor’s energy consumption is high. A measured 20.5 kWh/100 km translates to a practical range of just over 200 kilometers.
| citroën C3 (gasoline) | Citroën ë-C3 (electric) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Three-cylinder,1199 cm3,turbo | Synchronous |
| performance | 74 kW (101 hp) at 5500 rpm | 83 kW / 113 hp |
| Torque | 205 Nm at 1750 rpm | 120 Nm |
| Tank volume / battery capacity | 44 l | 44 kWh (usable) |
| top speed | 160 km/h | 132 km/h |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 1-speed automatic |
| Range | 760 km | 214 km |
| Measured consumption | 5.8 l /100 km | 20.5 kWh /100 km |
| Consumption (WLTP) reported | 5.6 l /100 km | 17.4 kWh /100 km |
| Luggage compartment | 310 l | 310 l |
| Standby / useful load capacity | 1151 kg / 471 kg | 1416 kg / 494 kg |
| Braked / non-braked trailer | 600 kg / 600 kg | 550 kg / 550 kg |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.6 s | 11.0 s |
| Price from | 390,000 CZK | 589,900 CZK |
While the ë-C3 charges relatively quickly using DC current (31 minutes to go from 20% to 80% capacity), it is indeed not ideally suited for long journeys. The gasoline C3, with a fuel consumption of 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers, offers a range of approximately 760 kilometers on a single tank.
The most significant drawback of the battery-powered version is its price. The gasoline C3 is priced at 390,000 CZK, while the ë-C3 requires an additional investment of 200,000 CZK. Given the limited advantages of the electric powertrain, justifying this premium is challenging.
Citroën C3 adn ë-C3: Your Top Questions Answered
What are the key differences between the Citroën C3 and the ë-C3?
The Citroën C3 comes in both gasoline-powered and electric (ë-C3) versions, each with distinct characteristics. The primary differences lie in their powertrains, performance, and practicality, including interior space and range. While the gasoline C3 excels in areas like interior comfort and range, the ë-C3 provides the benefits of electric driving.
Related questions:
Citroën C3 vs ë-C3: Which is better?
Gasoline vs. electric Citroën C3
Is the Citroën ë-C3 worth it?
How does the interior space compare between the C3 and ë-C3?
The gasoline C3 offers a more pleasant rear passenger experience due to it’s design. It provides ample legroom, allowing passengers to comfortably tuck their feet under the front seats. In the electric ë-C3, this is only possible if the driver raises their seat. The elevated floor, necessitated by the traction battery, reduces legroom, forcing passengers to sit lower with their knees pointed upwards.
Related questions:
Citroën C3 passenger space
ë-C3 back seat comfort
Legroom comparison: C3 vs ë-C3
What is the driving range of the Citroën ë-C3?
The ë-C3 has a practical range of just over 200 kilometers. This is due to the high energy consumption of the motor,despite the relatively large 44 kWh battery.
Related questions:
ë-C3 range
How far can the citroën ë-C3 go on a single charge?
ë-C3 battery life
What is the performance like for the Citroën C3 and ë-C3?
The gasoline C3, with a three-cylinder turbo engine, offers 74 kW (101 hp) and 205 Nm of torque. The ë-C3 boasts a higher power output of 83 kW (113 hp), but generates less torque at 120 Nm. Top speed is slightly limited in the electric model at 132 km/h compared to the gasoline version’s 160 km/h.
Related questions:
C3 acceleration
ë-C3 top speed
ë-C3 performance review
How do the C3 and ë-C3 handle road imperfections and corners?
Both versions handle demanding road surfaces, such as cobblestones, with ease. however, the handling could be improved, as both vehicles tend to lean in corners and the outer front wheel may lose traction. This sensation is slightly less pronounced in the electric version.
Related questions:
C3 ride quality
ë-C3 handling
citroën C3 suspension review
How does the Citroën ë-C3 charge?
The ë-C3 can charge relatively quickly using DC current, going from 20% to 80% capacity in 31 minutes.
Related questions:
ë-C3 charging time
How long does it take to charge a Citroën ë-C3?
ë-C3 charging speed
What are the specifications and prices of the C3 and ë-C3?
| | Citroën C3 (Gasoline) | Citroën ë-C3 (Electric) |
| :—– | :———————- | :———————- |
| Motor | Three-cylinder, turbo | Synchronous |
| Performance | 74 kW (101 hp) | 83 kW (113 hp) |
| Torque | 205 nm | 120 Nm |
| Tank volume / battery capacity | 44 l | 44 kWh (usable) |
| Top speed | 160 km/h | 132 km/h |
| transmission | 6-speed manual | 1-speed automatic |
| range | 760 km | 214 km |
| Measured consumption | 5.8 l /100 km | 20.5 kWh /100 km |
| Consumption (WLTP) reported | 5.6 l /100 km | 17.4 kWh /100 km |
| Luggage compartment | 310 l | 310 l |
| Standby / useful load capacity | 1151 kg / 471 kg | 1416 kg / 494 kg |
| Braked / non-braked trailer | 600 kg / 600 kg | 550 kg / 550 kg |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.6 s | 11.0 s |
| Price from | 390,000 CZK | 589,900 CZK |