Citroën e-C3 Aircross 44 kWh

Overview

Citroën is shaking up the affordable EV scene with the new e-C3 44 kWh, a compact SUV that’s big on value and practicality. Positioned as a no-nonsense electric family wagon, this Slovakian-built EV aims to make electric motoring more accessible. Key highlights include its comfortable ride, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, and a very keen starting price. In Europe, you can snag this version from around €26,490 new, making it a proper bargain in the current market. It’s all about democratising electric mobility with a cheeky French flair!

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Citroën e-C3 44 kWh bursts onto the scene as an all-new model, spearheading the brand’s push for affordable electric vehicles in the popular compact SUV segment. This specific 44 kWh version represents a core offering, balancing decent range with a budget-friendly price tag. It's built on Stellantis' 'Smart Car' platform, designed for global markets but with a keen eye on European needs. Expect Citroën’s latest design language, a focus on 'Advanced Comfort', and a straightforward tech package that’s refreshingly easy to use. It’s a back-to-basics EV, but in a good way!

Design & Exterior

The e-C3 44 kWh rocks Citroën's bold new design language, looking every bit the modern compact SUV. It’s got a distinctive, upright stance with chunky styling cues, including the new oval Citroën logo and signature three-segment LED lights front and rear. Measuring 4395 mm in length, 1795 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1660 mm in height, it has a confident presence. While wheel options will vary, expect stylish alloys designed to eke out extra range. It’s a cheerful-looking thing, promising robust practicality for urban adventures and beyond.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the e-C3 44 kWh keeps things simple yet smart, with a focus on Citroën’s 'Advanced Comfort' philosophy. Expect durable materials and a pleasantly airy cabin, offering good space for five occupants, with some versions potentially offering a 5+2 seating layout for occasional use. There’s no frunk, but boot space is a generous 460 litres, expanding to a massive 1600 litres with the rear seats tumbled. Tech-wise, base models might feature a smartphone cradle system, while higher trims get a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a compact new head-up display.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect blistering pace from the e-C3 44 kWh, but its 83 kW (113 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivers a respectable 125 Nm of torque for zippy city driving. It’s a front-wheel-drive setup, and 0-100 km/h takes a leisurely 12.9 seconds, with a top speed of 145 km/h. The driving experience majors on comfort, soaking up bumps with Citroën’s famed suppleness, rather than sporty handling. Regenerative braking helps claw back some energy, and it’s an easy, fuss-free EV to pilot around town or on the motorway.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering this e-C3 is a 44 kWh usable LFP battery pack (45 kWh nominal), built on a 400V architecture. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of around 260 km, with an official efficiency of 5.91 km/kWh, making it quite frugal. For charging, you get a CCS Type 2 port. AC charging is handled by a standard 7.4 kW on-board unit, meaning a full top-up overnight. Hit a DC fast charger, and it’ll slurp juice at up to 100 kW, taking it from 20-80% in around 26-30 minutes. No fancy V2L here, just straightforward charging.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the 2025 Citroën e-C3 44 kWh is yet to be crash-tested by Euro NCAP, it’s built on a modern platform designed with safety in mind. Standard kit across the EU should include essentials like multiple airbags, ABS, and ESP. Expect a suite of driver-assistance systems too, likely featuring Active Safety Brake (emergency braking), lane departure warning, speed limit recognition, and driver attention alert. Higher trims or option packs will probably add goodies like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors to ease the daily grind.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Citroën typically offers a reassuring warranty package in Europe. Expect a standard 2-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, with the crucial high-voltage battery covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. The electric powertrain components should also benefit from similar extended coverage. Maintenance on EVs is generally lower than petrol cars, with fewer moving parts. Given the use of proven Stellantis EV tech and LFP battery chemistry known for longevity, reliability for this budget-friendly e-C3 should be decent, keeping running costs pleasingly low.