Review: Citroen e-C3 Aircross

Citroen’s e-C3 Aircross is proof of how seriously the French carmaker is taking the battle of the budget EVs.

Although the fully electric e-C3 Aircross forgoes the seven-seat option served up by its petrol and hybrid-powered C3 Aircross stablemates, its identical 4,395mm length liberates space for an impressive 460-litre boot and plenty of rear legroom.

That ample load space trumps rivals like the Renault 4 and BYD’s Atto 2, if not the newly launched Jaecoo 5.

And Citroen is going aggressive on price. Prices start at £23,095 for the e-C3 Aircross Plus, with the e-C3 Aircross Max version tested here coming in at £25,095. Furthermore, both cars are eligible for the UK government’s £1,500 EV car grant.

A 44kWh battery is standard, delivering a 188-mile range, with a 54kWh option serving up 248 miles for an extra £1,900.

A quick look at the finance and lease options currently available for the e-C3 Aircross makes for compelling reading. Citroen’s offers PCPs with monthly payments of less than £120 per month and there are lease deals that are cheaper still.

But does the e-C3 Aircross feel like a cheap runaround? Yes, and no.

Sure, the interior plastics are largely of the hard, scratchy type. However, a fabric trimmed shelf that runs the width of the tiered dashboard adds tactility and quirky labels near the door pulls urging occupants to “Be Cool” or “Have Fun!” lift the general ambience.

A gloss black centre console also adds a touch of shine, housing a toggle-style gear selector that is familiar to models found elsewhere in Stellantis’ brand portfolio.

Being based on Citroen C3 architecture, the cabin’s width is comparable to a B-segment hatchback but, as previously stated, its length and height make it plenty spacious. Our Max test car came with an impressive specification for the price.

Standard on all e-C3 Aircross are 17-in alloys, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, reversing camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The Max adds a contrasting roof colour, LED front and rear lights, heated front seats and steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger among its perks. The main concession to its budget price is the lack of a heat pump, meaning it is slow to warm through on a cold day.

Citroen has made smart specification choices to keep costs down. It is a sensible little EV. And that is also how it delivers its performance.

A power output of 115bhp and 125Nm should get you to 62mph in 11.7 seconds, while the handling is predictable rather than inspiring.

However, this is one very practically proportioned EV that is pitched at a price that allows it to compete with petrol-powered rivals. In my book, that makes it rather special. Citroen e-C3 Aircross Max Price £23,595 (inc. EV grant) Engine: 44kWh battery 188 miles (combined) Power 115bhp Torque: 125Nm Transmission: single-speed electric Top speed: 89mph 0-62mph: 11.7 seconds Range: 188 miles CO2 emissions: 0g/km