Citroen eC3

The 2025 Citroen eC3 is powered by a single electric motor driving the front wheels. This motor produces 57 PS (42 kW) of power and 143 Nm of torque. Powering the motor is a 29.2 kWh battery pack. The official ARAI-certified range is 320 km on a single charge.

In real-world driving, the eC3 offers peppy performance suitable for city commutes. The instant torque from the electric motor makes it quick off the line, making it easy to dart through traffic. It feels comfortable cruising at speeds up to 80-90 km/h, but performance tapers off at higher speeds. The real-world range is expected to be lower than the ARAI figure, typically ranging between 200-250 km depending on driving style, traffic conditions, and AC usage. Charging options include a 3.3 kW AC charger (taking around 10.5 hours for a full charge) and DC fast charging (10-80% in approximately 57 minutes).

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Citroen eC3 excels in ride comfort, which is one of its key strengths. The suspension setup is tuned softly, doing an excellent job of absorbing bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces commonly found on Indian roads. This results in a comfortable and plush ride for occupants, making it well-suited for daily city commutes and navigating broken tarmac.

Handling is comfortable and predictable, leaning towards comfort rather than sporty dynamics. The steering is light at low speeds, making it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces and while parking. At higher speeds, the steering gains some weight but lacks precise feedback. Body roll is noticeable around corners due to the soft suspension tuning. Emergency braking performance is adequate, but the car can feel slightly unsettled under hard braking. Overall, the eC3 prioritizes a relaxed and comfortable driving experience over sharp handling.

The interior of the 2025 Citroen eC3 is functional and spacious, designed with practicality in mind. The dashboard features a layered design with a prominent horizontal AC vent strip. While the overall layout is simple, higher variants include a large 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Material quality is decent for the price segment, primarily using hard plastics, but the fit and finish are generally acceptable.

Seating comfort is a strong point, especially in the front. Rear-seat space is adequate for two adults, with decent knee room and headroom, though three adults might find it a squeeze on longer journeys. The boot space is a practical 315 litres, sufficient for weekly grocery runs or a couple of medium-sized suitcases. Storage spaces within the cabin include door pockets, a glovebox, and a small tray in the centre console. Unlike some rivals, it lacks rear AC vents and a front centre armrest, which impacts rear passenger comfort on hot days.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Citroen eC3 varies by trim level. Lower variants come with a basic digital instrument cluster and no central infotainment screen, relying solely on smartphone integration for media and navigation. Higher variants feature a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

This 10.2-inch unit is responsive and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a significant plus. The interface is relatively simple and easy to navigate. The digital instrument cluster provides essential driving information like speed, battery level, and range. Higher trims also get connected car technology via the MyCitroen Connect app, offering features like vehicle tracking, driving behaviour analysis, and emergency services. While the touchscreen is good, the lack of physical controls for basic functions might require a slight learning curve.

The exterior design of the 2025 Citroen eC3 is expected to remain identical to the 2024 model, maintaining its distinctive, somewhat quirky crossover-like stance. It features a high bonnet line, split headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) on top and main headlamp units below, and Citroen's signature double-slat grille design. The robust cladding around the wheel arches and lower body gives it a rugged appearance.

Key dimensions include a length of 3981 mm, a width of 1733 mm, and a height of 1586 mm. The wheelbase measures 2540 mm, contributing to decent interior space. A notable feature for Indian roads is its ground clearance of 170 mm, which is adequate for tackling uneven surfaces and speed breakers. Colour options are expected to be carried over from the 2024 model, offering a range of single-tone and dual-tone choices. Physical exterior differences between trims are minimal, primarily limited to wheel cover designs or alloy wheels on top variants.

Safety information for the 2025 Citroen eC3 needs careful consideration. As of early 2025, the electric eC3 has not been independently crash-tested by bodies like BNCAP or Global NCAP. However, the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Citroen C3, on which the eC3 is based, received a 0-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 1-star rating for child occupant protection from Global NCAP in 2022.

It is important to note that the eC3's structure and battery integration might differ, but without a specific test, the ICE C3's rating raises concerns about the platform's inherent safety. Standard safety features on the eC3 include dual front airbags and ABS with EBD. Higher variants might offer additional features like a rearview camera and parking sensors. The car's performance in adverse weather or emergency braking conditions is generally predictable for its segment, but the lack of advanced safety aids is a drawback.

The 2025 Citroen eC3 competes in the growing affordable electric vehicle segment in India. Its main rivals include the Tata Tiago EV, Tata Punch EV, and the MG Comet EV.

Compared to the Tata Tiago EV and Punch EV, the eC3 offers a slightly longer ARAI range (320 km vs 315 km for Tiago LR/Punch MR, 350 km for Punch LR) and a more comfortable ride over bad roads. However, the Tata EVs often offer more features, including automatic climate control and better-integrated connected tech on higher variants, and benefit from Tata's larger charging network. The MG Comet EV is a much smaller, two-door urban EV with a shorter range (230 km) but is more affordable and easier to park in tight spaces, appealing to a different niche. The eC3's value proposition lies in its comfortable ride, practical space, and competitive pricing, especially against the Tiago EV. For overall balance of range, features, and network, the Tata EVs present strong competition.

The 2025 Citroen eC3 remains a compelling option for Indian buyers looking for an affordable and practical electric car, particularly for city use. It successfully delivers on its promise of a comfortable ride and a usable real-world range for daily commutes. The spacious interior and decent boot space add to its practicality for small families. The availability of wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on higher variants is a welcome modern touch.

However, potential buyers must weigh its strengths against its limitations, particularly the concerns raised by the ICE C3's safety rating (as the eC3 is untested) and the relatively basic feature list on lower trims. For buyers prioritizing ride comfort and basic electric mobility at a competitive price, the eC3 is worth considering. Among the variants, the higher trims (like the Feel or Shine equivalent, if carried over for 2025) offer better value by including essential features like the touchscreen infotainment, making them the recommended pick for a more complete experience, provided the budget allows.