WHAT IS IT?
It is the electric version of Citroen’s e-C3 Aircross 5-seater compact SUV. It costs from €28,452. It is the first of its kind from Citroen to compete in the rapidly-expanding compact EV segment. There are hybrid and petrol powertrains too, starting from €27,790 (petrol manual 5-seater).
Powered by an 84kW/113 hp motor on the front-axle, it has a WLTP claimed range of 400km. The system can manage up to 100 kW DC (20per cent to 80 per cent charge in around 26–33 minutes). AC charging is standard with a 7.4 kW onboard charger (5 hours 10mins).
It shares several technical items with the larger C5 eAircross mid-sized SUV.
Nearly 4.39m long and 1,660mm tall, it has a 460-litre boot (1,600 litres with the rear seats down), a 2,672mm wheelbase and 200mm ground clearance.
The 53kWh battery capacity can get you a claimed 400kms between replenishing.
THE COMPETTION
Key rivals include the Opel Frontera Electric, Fiat Grande Panda electric, Renault 4 E-Tech: Hyundai Inster, MG ZS EV, Jeep Avenger electric, Dacia Jogger/Duster. Citroen will have to break new ground with its new compact SUV.
TRIM
There are two trims. Entry point PLUS models have 10.25ins touchscreen, cruise control, rear parking sensors with reversing camera, automatic air con, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, LED headlights, daytime running lights and 17ins diamond-cut alloys. Fair to say there’s a lot of spec.
Second level, MAX, adds front parking sensors, 3D LED rear lights, white or black tinted roof, 3D navigation, wireless smartphone charging, heated acoustic windscreen, heated driver/passenger seats.
OUTSIDE
Just as a by-the-way, it really doesn’t look capable of adequately catering for three rows of seats (third row for tots) but it is, at least visually. And sure if you can ‘see’ it you can do it. But I needn’t concern myself in this instance as the car I had on test is a five-seater.
This is more like it for a compact SUV. It’s chunky and a bit funky, with strong lines at play.
And it is highly colour sensitive; the vibrant red being a case in point.
There is decent useable space in the 460-litre boot.
INSIDE
There was plenty of room with the top trim (MAX) model I had on test. I mean you’ll get four adults into it with comfort. The middle rear ‘seat’ is not for an adult. Even for a small occupant it might be ‘squeaky bum time’ as Alex Fergusan said of the nervy run-in time among his rivals chasing Premier league victory. No, plan for four and let them enjoy leg room and head room.
In trying to soften the look and feel of the front of cabin, they have an off-white fabric across the dashboard. It makes a big difference, I’d say, otherwise we’d be staring at, and criticising, a large area of grey plastic out to the windscreen.
The infotainment screen blends well with the fashionable minimalism there. That’s okay but there is a blemish. It’s spoiled by the digital instrument display sticking up. It was made to take on the role of a head-up-display. Not a good idea. The range and speed data thereon are alright but, after that, it isn’t up to much.
Worthy of praise, however, is Peugeot’s tiny steering wheel making its debut in a Citroen. It means you can see data couched in the dash behind the flat-top wheel.
A shout out too for the tactile control switchgear and safety buttons for most task. The infotainment screen worked well. Delighted the controls are straightforward.
DRIVING
It has to be said that this e-C3 Aircross does the job of taking bumps and ruts fairly well in its stride. I can’t be more effusive than that, though I have to acknowledge the ‘Advanced Comfort Suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’ system does contribute to a smooth ride even if it is not an exhibition of corner taking.
Contributing to the road behaviour of the suspension are the hydraulic bump stops. These take away a lot of the tough tasks. The cumulative effect of all these bits and pieces makes it a sound, slightly sporty drive.
PROS
Lot of room. Well fitted cabin. Chunky looks. Decent pricing. Plenty of spec and tech.
400kms range is competitive.
CONS
That data screen on top. New to market, so lots of competition.
OVERALL
Well packaged and plenty of room for a young family.
