Citroen has unveiled the initial details and specifications for the European version of the eC3 electric hatchback, which distinguishes itself from the Indian model in terms of design, platform, and powertrain.
The European C3 is exclusively available as an electric vehicle (EV) and is built on a significantly modified CC21 platform. It offers more power, greater range, and enhanced features compared to the Indian variant.
In terms of design, the European Citroen eC3 appears to draw inspiration from the Citroen Oli concept, featuring a prominent new logo at the front, angular headlamps on each side, a split grille with two horizontal slats, and a robust bumper with distinctive cuts and a sizable air dam with a faux skid plate.
While the European model shares similarities with the Indian eC3 on the sides, closer inspection reveals differences in fenders, doors, and the type of door handles, which are pull-type in Europe. The rear of the vehicle also showcases unique styling for the tailgate, tail-lamps, and rear bumper.
The interior of the European eC3 boasts distinct features not found in the Indian version, with a two-layer dashboard, a flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls, a new digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system in higher trims, along with additional features like a heads-up display. It also offers color-coded accents based on the variant, 17-inch alloy wheels, two-tone exterior paint options, auto wipers, power-folding and heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, and wireless phone charging.
The European eC3 is developed to be a budget-friendly EV and employs the CC21 platform, similar to the one used in the Indian eC3, although it will be exclusively sold as an EV in Europe. The platform can accommodate combustion engines as well, which could potentially allow Citroen to introduce a petrol-powered C3 in Europe if required.
The CC21 platform for the European version has been reinforced for better crash protection and refinement. Additionally, the battery compartment beneath the rear seat has been redesigned, increasing its capacity compared to the Indian model.
The European eC3 will feature a 44kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack and a 111hp electric motor, providing a range of 320km. In contrast, the Indian eC3 is equipped with a 29.2kWh battery pack, delivering 57hp and 143Nm of torque for a claimed 320km range. An entry-level variant of the European eC3 is also expected with a range of approximately 200km.
The European eC3 is set to be launched in the upcoming months and is positioned as an affordable entry-level EV hatchback in the European market.
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