Euro-Spec Citroen eC3 Revealed; Here’s How It Differs From The India-spec Electric Hatchback

Let us take a look at the differences between the eC3 in India and Europe

The covers have come off the new Citroen eC3 for Europe as an affordable EV from the French carmaker. The car is based on an all-new electric platform and comes with a host of updated features, powertrain and more. Let us take a look at the differences between the new Euro-spec car and the one available in India. 

Design:

In terms of looks, we can notice that the European eC3 is vastly different from the one in India as it debuts the brand’s new design language in this space. Towards the front, there is the new Citroen logo with sharper C-shaped headlights, 3-element LED DRLs, and a dual-slat grille. The closed-off grille merges into the headlights seamlessly. The lower portion of the bumper houses a larger air dam, and there is a silver skid plate at the bottom.

In contrast, the Indian eC3 is based on the petrol version of the India-specific C3 hatchback with no clear visual distinction. It sports a more rounded styling like most other Citroen models. 

Coming to the sides, there is resemblance between the Euro-spec and Indian version. However we can see that both the fender designs as well as the doors are different, while it does not get any door-side cladding either. The European eC3 gets pull-type door handles instead of the traditional flap units on the Indian car. Also, it gets 17-inch alloy wheels, while the India-spec eC3 that runs on 15-inch alloy wheels.

The rear is also quite different. The new eC3 gets new tail lamps, boot and bumper as well. Like the front, the European EV looks more stylish and upmarket by comparison.

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Interiors:

On the insides, the new European Citroen eC3 comes loaded with features and sleek styling for the minimalist cabin layout. There is a new dashboard as well as a flat-bottom steering with multi-function buttons. 

The driver gets a new digital instrument cluster integrated into the dashboard, similar to a heads-up display instead of a traditional gauge cluster. Citroen has also equipped the Euro-spec eC3 with a new touchscreen infotainment unit, but the screen size remains the same, at 10.25 inches.

Like the car sold in India, the European eC3 too will get different colours on the inside based on the variant or exterior paint shade. 

Some extra features on the new eC3 include auto wipers, folding and heated ORVMs, wireless charging, ADAS, and more. 

Platform, Powertrain and battery:

While both the Euro-spec and Indian eC3 are derived from the same CC21 platform, the former gets a heavily reworked version called the ‘Smart Car’ platform. This Citroen eC3 will be sold only as an EV in Europe, while in India the car has both electric and petrol engine options. 

The new eC3 gets an updated crash structure, more reinforcements, amodified battery compartment and a new rear seat bench. All these have ensured a larger battery and other improvements. 

The European eC3 comes with a 44kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. It has a 113PS electric motor and offers 320km of claimed range. In comparison, the Indian Citroen eC3 gets a 29.2 kWh battery with a 57PS motor and a 320km (ARAI-claimed) range. The European customers can also choose a 200km range variant as well.

Both the eC3 electric hatchbacks support DC fast charging. The Indian unit claims a 10-80 percent top-up in 57 minutes while the international version supports 100kW DC charging with a 20-80 percent charging in just 26 minutes. 

While we do not have the exact dimensions of the new Euro-spec Citroen eC3, we do know that it is longer (4.01 metres) and wider (1.76 metres). Understandably, the India-spec eC3 is a sub-4m offering with an extra 7mm of ground clearance at 170mm.

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Pricing and India plans:

The all-new European Citroen eC3 will carry a starting price of over Rs 20 lakh (converted from EUR 23,300) while the Indian eC3 is priced from Rs 11.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Of course, the European version of the electric hatchback is much better equipped too, for the premium.

Thus, this Euro-spec eC3 is not going to make it to our shores, but we can expect the next India-spec Citroen eC3 to take styling cues from it when it is time for it to be facelifted in a few years. In the meanwhile, do let us know if you would like to go for the Euro-spec eC3 or the one that is currently available in India.

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