ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS ON THE CITROEN e-C3

The year after the end of the First World War Automobiles Citroën was founded and from the start these French cars had very much a character all of their own and that has largely remained to today.. In the mid-1930s the company established its reputation for innovative technology producing the worlds first front wheel drive car to be mass-produced and also front-and four-wheel independent suspension. The year 1954 saw the world’s first hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension, which gave the car a floating on air feeling, which was not to everyone’s taste. A year later disc brakes on the DS and in 1967 came swivelling headlights; these are just some of the items which have made this French car marque stand out from the crowd.

I can be numbered amongst the owners, I had two BXs; they was produced between 1982 and 1994 and 2.3 million were sold. It was a lightweight car using few body parts, many made of plastic. It served its purpose and eventually gave way to the Xantia.

I should add that down the years the one thing above all others, comfort was always a priority from this French car manufacturer and that is very much the case with one of their latest offerings the new e-C3, an EV which boasts to be the best in class for comfort with such items as advanced comfort seats, advanced comfort suspension, that is no surprise when you consider the cars that have gone before. For the first time in this area of the market further comfort courtesy of zero engine noise and vibration. Looking at range, which is one of the priorities when buying an all-electric car, perhaps just a little bit disappointing at 320km (199m).. However on charging much better news, with 100kW DC rapid charging twenty to eighty percent in as little as 26 minutes. The design of this compact EV is based around its BEV focused Smart Car platform, the e-C3 debuts a new design language and brand signature. It is taller and more space efficient with a similar footprint to the previous generation C3 and it offers a much higher driving position, which many will welcome, this helps make access easier; and ground clearance is higher.

Moving to the interior, it is spacious crafted around simple and refined surfaces, to provide occupants with an ambience similar to that of their home living room or lounge. That comfortable feeling continues thanks to the all-new vehicle design, which at 1.57m high, which provides front seat occupants with 30mm more headroom than before, there is a higher, more commanding driving position with an enhanced feeling of control and safety. In fact the new e-C3 is roomier inside in almost every dimension than its predecessor, despite being only 19mm longer and 6mm wider. To the practical side of this newcomer carrying items and luggage is easy, the 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 suit most needs. Overall the new e-C3 delivers well, is affordable and has lots of character.

Finally I could not leave without mentioning my all-time favourite from this French carmaker, the 2CV, produced between 1948 and 1990 it delivered very low costs of ownership; it had a modest air cooled engine giving wallet pleasing economy and it has become something of a cult car.

Ian Lynas