ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS ON AN AWARD WINNING NEW CITROËN

No surprise that French carmaker Citroën has comfort as a priority with their new award winning ë-C3 which features the latest-generation Advanced Comfort seats and the much praised Citroën Advanced Comfort Suspension. I can put my name amongst the list of owners of a Citroën in the past and when I look back, I recall the comfort levels of a BX, it simply glided along and while it was an affordable comfy form of transport; it also had something of a motorsport character, having witnessed one in rallycross.

As it name suggests, this is yet another EV and can claim to be one of the most affordable of its type available throughout Europe. With a 44kWh battery pack, the manufacturer claims a range of up to 320km (199m) with 100kW DC rapid charging providing 20% to 80% of capacity in as little as 26 minutes. Charging time is critical to most and thankfully as more and more EVs come on the market there is a very welcome improvement in this respect. All too often in recent months I have had to find the nearest coffee shop while my test car is plugged in ready for the next adventure. Still on the subject of range and value for money we can expect to see next year a ë-C3 with a range of around 200km (164m) at a budget price. This would be an ideal city car and just which European countries get this model has yet to be announced.

Performance is acceptable with its 83kW (113hp) electric motor and fully automatic transmission, 100kph (62mph) is reached in around 11 seconds, and top speed is 135kph (84mph). I suspect those who choose this car will be more than happy with the performance, clearly it will be comfort and versatility the priority .There will be the ability to plan journeys, as well as monitor charging status and battery level in real-time, and a complete navigation experience, thanks to the new e-ROUTES app. This app is specifically for Citroën electric EVs as part of the brand’s ‘Connect Plus’ connected services subscription. Using the MyCitroën app, ë-C3 drivers will be able to manage charging schedules, as well as pre-heat or pre-cool the vehicle, and check its battery level and location.

Apart from providing comfy transport the newcomer comes with a comprehensive portfolio of equipment, as well as smart solutions including all-new C-ZEN LOUNGE, an innovative approach reinventing the dashboard. The interior is spacious has been crafted around simple and refined surfaces and the comfy feeling continues thanks to the all-new vehicle design, which at 1.57m high, provides front seat occupants with 30mm more headroom than before, for a higher, more commanding driving position with an enhanced feeling of control and safety. Everyone benefits from excellent visibility and the new model is roomier inside in almost every dimension than its predecessor, despite being only 19mm longer and 6mm wider. Rear passenger elbowroom is superior by 19mm, and by 21mm in the front, compared to the market average, while rear seat knee clearance is best-in-class, at least 20mm greater than the average. The taller interior is filled with useful and smart stowage areas; on the door panels, the centre console, and under the central armrest while a wireless charging mat is available for the centre console The generous 310 litres of luggage volume behind the rear seats should be ample for most. SUV-style ground clearance makes access easier to provide a more assured ride and ground clearance is an impressive 163mm compared to a ground clearance of 135mm in the previous C3 model.

Full marks to Citroën in the styling department, somehow down the years there has always been that French touch, distinctive, designs that stand apart from the competition. A major element is the distinctive new design of the front and rear lights, which was first seen on the Oli concept vehicle, and which features a unique three-level lighting signature with one vertical and two horizontal lenses that look like blades. A choice of 16 or 17 in wheels are offered which are pushed out to the corners of the car.

The key to success could very well rest with the keen pricing. Many motorists that I have spoken to on the subject of the EV have not only been put off my range and charge anxiety but by the high purchase price.

Ian Lynas