A few weeks ago, a group of French journalists had the opportunity to meet in person with the new fourth-generation Citroën C3, whose official presentation will take place on October 17. The renewed utility, which will be manufactured at the Stellantis group plant in Trnava (Slovakia), will share a platform with the next FIAT Panda.
Like its Italian cousin, the Citroën will have an electric variant, which will be called ë-C3. According to Thierry Koskas, CEO of the French firm, this version will cost less than 25,000 euros; more specifically, “it could go down to 22,000-23,000 euros”. Therefore, it will be only slightly more expensive than the Dacia Spring even though it will be a higher-category model.
And it is that, while the Dacia is a 3.73-meter-long urban framed in segment A, the Citroën will be around 4 meters and will be located in segment B. Like its rival, the ë-C3 will be a hatchback with SUV features, with plastic protections on the bottom, roof bars, and a slightly raised suspension.
According to the media that have already been able to see it, its design will mark distances with that of the Indian ë-C3, with which it will only share a platform and glazing. The aesthetics of the European version is described as “squarer”. In the only preview shared by the company so far, it can be seen that its lines will be directly inspired by those of the 2022 Oli [all-ë] prototype.
The Citroën ë-C3 will go on sale in early 2024
The new C3, which will go on sale at the beginning of 2024, will be the first Citroën to benefit from a new corporate commercial policy, as a result of which the brand will simplify its offer to a maximum of three trim levels per model compared to the current four or five, with few or no options. In addition, prices will be reduced; in return, no discount will be made.
Koskas made it clear in a recent interview that the car will have “a unique approach” because although it is manufactured in Europe, it will be one of the most affordable electric cars on the scene. “Today, there is no equivalent on the market. “
Its technical specifications are still unknown, although we are almost certain that its propulsion train will be more advanced than that of the Indian ë-C3, which combines a 58 hp (42 kW) and 143 Nm motor with 29 LFP batteries, 2 kWh supplied by SVOLT and air cooled. Its range stands at 320 km ARAI and can go from 10 to 80% charge in 57 minutes.
