New Citroen e-C3 to take on Chinese electric cars in Europe | CarExpert
New information is starting to become available about the Citroen C3's fourth iteration for the European market.
According to Automotive News, Thierry Koskas, both Citroen's CEO and chief sales and marketing officer since March 2023, described the upcoming C3 as a compact hatchback with hints of SUV features. However, he didn't believe it fit into the category of a genuine crossover.
He stated that the e-C3 electric car will have a starting price below €25,000 ($40,000), but it is uncertain if that amount is inclusive of government incentives or not.
Just to give you an idea, the current C3 line for seven-year-olds has a starting price of €16,590 ($26,500) in France and makes up around 30% of the brand's European sales.
The unveiling of the new C3 lineup is scheduled for the third quarter of 2023, but it won't be available for purchase in Europe until 2024.
Similar to Australia, Chinese car manufacturers like MG and BYD are dominating the economical side of the electric vehicle market. Kaskas recognized that their products are very competitive and stated that Citroen's reaction will be to introduce the e-C3.
The Citroen e-C3 will be cheaper than all EVs currently available in Europe, even those with all the features included.
Insiders informed Reuters that the upcoming Euro e-C3 vehicle will come equipped with a battery package procured from China. The estimated distance it can cover on a full charge is expected to be approximately 300 kilometers.
At this point, it's not clear how similar the new C3 designed for Europe will be to the C3 models that are being sold in India and Latin America. The European version of the car is set to be released towards the end of 2021, and it is built on the CMP framework which was created by Groupe PSA prior to its merger with Stellantis.
The C3, which is an up-and-coming car model, now has an electric version called the e-C3. This electric car has a 43 kW/143 Nm motor that powers the front wheels. It also has a 29.2 kWh battery and can go for up to 320 km under the testing standards in India.
To make a comparison, the European Peugeot e-208, which is of similar size, comes with a more powerful 100kW motor and a bigger battery pack of 50kWh.
The starting price for the e-208 in France is €34,800 ($55,600), but customers might be able to get government rebates anywhere from €5000 to €7000.
You can purchase the bigger fully electric MG 4 hatch for a price of €29,990 ($48,000) prior to receiving any refunds from the government.
Assuming everything follows the plan, the Citroen e-C3 will likely be priced higher than less-equipped models like the Dacia Spring upon release.
The Spring, which is manufactured in China, has a starting price of €20,800 ($33,200). It comes with a basic electric motor that has a power output of 33kW and a torque of 125Nm. The car also has a 26.8kWh battery. These specifications are similar to those of the e-C3 that is available in India and Latin America. However, it is likely that the European version of the Spring will have different or upgraded specifications.
Find out all there is to know about the Citroen C3 in this comprehensive guide. We cover everything from the car's design and features to its performance and reliability. With its sleek look and advanced technology, the Citroen C3 is a popular choice for those looking for a stylish and reliable car. Whether you're interested in the latest models or want to learn more about the history of this iconic brand, we have all the information you need. So don't wait – explore our site today and discover why the Citroen C3 is the perfect car for you!
