European Citroen eC3 Vs Indian eC3: What’s New

The Citroen eC3, a new all-electric hatchback from French automaker Citroen, was just released in two markets: Europe and India. However, these two cars are very different from each other. And by different, I mean a difference of day and night in the visual appeal of the car. In this article, we will contrast the Citroen eC3 models from Europe and India in terms of their designs, features, performance, costs, and availability.

Design

The design is the most obvious distinction between the Indian Citroen eC3 and the European Citroen eC3. The European version is based on the Oli concept car, which was unveiled last year, while the Indian version is based on the C5 Aircross SUV, which was introduced in India earlier this year. With split headlamps, LED DRLs, blacked-out ORVMs, and 15-inch steel wheels with covers, the Indian eC3 looks more rugged and SUV-like. The 17-inch alloy wheels, closed-off grille, glossy black roof rails, and angular C-shaped LED headlamps give the European eC3 a more crossover-like and futuristic appearance. While the European eC3 features the new Citroen logo, the Indian eC3 also uses the previous version of the Citroen logo.

The two versions also differ in terms of size. The dimensions of the Indian eC3 are 3995 mm in length, 1740 mm in width, 1530 mm in height, and 2540 mm in wheelbase. The dimensions of the European eC3 are 4030 mm in length, 1770 mm in width, 1560 mm in height, and 2560 mm in wheelbase. The European eC3 has a longer wheelbase than the Indian eC3 and is a little bit longer, wider, and taller. For the passengers, this translates into more interior room and comfort. The European eC3 has a 310-litre boot, compared to the 300-litre boot of the Indian model.

The two versions have different colour schemes as well. There are four monochromatic and nine dual-tone variants of the Indian eC3. Meanwhile, the European eC3 offers six monotone and seven dual-tone variants.

Features

Depending on the market, both the European and Indian Citroen eC3 variants have different feature lists. There are two versions of the Indian eC3: Live and Feel. The base model, the Live variant, includes features like a manual air conditioner, a front-row 12V outlet, flat-folding rear seats, manually adjustable ORVMs, front power windows, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, a seat-belt reminder system, and a speed alert system. The Feel variant is the top model and adds features like a front panel finished in chrome, body-coloured door handles, high gloss black ORVMs, wheel arch cladding, LED DRLs, glossy black roof rails, anodized grey/orange finish for the instrument panel, and satin chrome accents all over. The top variant also includes features like:

• Steering wheel mounted controls
• Four speakers
• All four power windows
• Remote keyless entry
• Height-Adjustable driver seat
• Tilt-Adjustable steering wheel
• Parcel tray
• Speed Sensing door auto lock function
• (Optional) vibe pack availability
• A dual-tone roof (optional)

The European eC3 is offered in three variants: Live Pack, Feel Pack and Shine Pack.

Similar to the Indian Live variant, the Live Pack variant also includes features like:

• Automatic headlights
• Electrically adjustable ORVMs with heating functions
• Speed limiter with Cruise control
• Lane keep assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Emergency brake assistance

Similar to the Indian Feel variant, the Feel Pack variant also includes features like:

• Automatic climate control
• Rear power windows
• Rear parking camera
• Electric parking brake
• Keyless entry and start function
• Wireless phone charging
• Heads-up display
• Blind spot monitoring system
• Driver Attention Alert

The top model, the Shine Pack variant, includes features like:

• LED headlights with a cornering function
• Front fog lights with cornering function
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Ambient lighting
• Leather steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Active safety brake

Performance: Citroen eC3 Vs Citroen eC3

Due to the various battery packs and motors used in them, the performance of the Citroen eC3 European variant and the Indian variant differs as well. The Indian eC3 is powered by a single electric motor that generates 56 bhp and 143 Nm of torque and is powered by a 29.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The European eC3 has a single electric motor that generates 111 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque, and it is powered by a 44 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. Compared to the European eC3, the Indian eC3 has a lower power output but a higher torque output.

Both versions have different ranges and charging times. The 320 km ARAI-certified range of the Indian eC3 on a single full charge. The WLTP-certified range of the European eC3 is 320 km on a single full charge. The Indian eC3 can be charged from zero to eighty percent using a regular AC charger or from zero to one hundred percent using a DC fast charger in about an hour. The European eC3 can be charged from empty to 80% using a standard AC charger in about six hours or a DC fast charger in about 26 minutes.

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Citroen eC3 Prices

The European and Indian Citroen eC3 models have different prices and availability, depending on the market. With an initial price of Rs. 11.5 lakh for the Live variant, Rs. 12.13 lakh for the Feel variant, Rs. 12.28 lakh for the Feel vibe pack variant, and Rs. 12.43 lakh for the Feel dual tone vibe pack variant (all prices are ex-showroom), the Indian eC3 was released in February 2023. The European eC3 was introduced in October 2023 with a starting price of €23,300 (roughly Rs. 20 lakh) for the Live Pack variant, €25,300 (roughly Rs. 22 lakh) for the Feel Pack variant, and €27,300 (roughly Rs. 24 lakh) for the Shine Pack variant (all are Ex-showroom prices). By 2025, Citroen also intends to launch a less expensive eC3 model in Europe with a starting price of €19,990 (roughly Rs. 17.5 lakh) and a 200-kilometer range.

Currently, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Kochi, and Coimbatore are among the cities where the Indian eC3 is accessible. Europe will be able to purchase the European eC3 starting in the second quarter of 2024.

Conclusion

The Citroen eC3 is an adaptable and useful electric hatchback that can satisfy the needs of various markets with various demands. The Indian eC3 has a more robust and SUV-like appearance, a respectable range and charging time, and a reasonable price. The European eC3 has a more crossover-like, cutting-edge appearance, more power and range, and more sophisticated features and safety systems. Both versions strive to give customers a relaxing and environmentally friendly driving experience.

The European eC3 may seem a lot more futuristic than the Indian one. We can’t ignore the fact that it is significantly more inexpensive than the European version of the same vehicle. And yes, I agree that the company should’ve bought the redesigned vehicle in India. We can expect to witness a facelift of the vehicle in the near future.