Pros: SUV-inspired styling, space, comfort.
Cons: Modest range, basic digital displays and infotainment.
Citroen E-C3 Design
The 2025 Citroen E-C3 is based on the newly-launched C3. This generation of the small French hatchback is taller and boxier than the car it replaces, with SUV-inspired design touches like chunky roof rails, skid plates and cladding that help it stand out against rivals like the Hyundai Inster and BYD Dolphin Surf. It’s full of character with a range of bright colours to choose from, smart 17-inch alloy wheels, contrasting roof colour and new colour clips for even more customisation. It also sits a bit higher off the ground than the average small hatchback, which gives it more presence. At the front, Citroen’s signature three-point LED lighting and new logo give it a more modern face. Overall, it’s a small car with a lot of personality.
Citroen E-C3 Interior
Inside the E-C3 keeps things simple but pleasant. You’ll find cheerful details like the happy phrases on each door handle and Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort Seats’ with thicker foam. Plush fabric finishes are mixed with scratchier plastics, but the black and grey colour scheme does lighten things. There’s a new compact steering wheel, basic digital display and 10-inch touchscreen that’s more functional than flashy but does come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also separate buttons for the climate control underneath, which are easy to use.
Standard features on Plus versions include rear parking sensors and manual air conditioning. Upgrading to Max brings features like heated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging and a reversing camera.
The E-C3 offers good passenger space for a small car thanks to its boxy shape. Unlike some small electric city cars, it does offer three seats across the rear though realistically two will be most comfortable. Rear legroom is decent for a small car and there are USB-C ports and Isofix mounts fitted to the outer rear seats. Boot space stands at 310 litres, which is good for this class but there’s no useful underfloor storage for charging cables.
Citroen E-C3 Performance & Drive
With 113hp and 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds, the E-C3 isn’t quick on paper, but it feels zippy around town thanks to the instant torque of its electric motor and enough power to join motorways promptly too. Built on a new platform, it gets more comfortable suspension, which does a great job of providing a smooth, compliant ride on Irish roads. While it does lean a little in corners, that’s hardly a deal breaker for the kind of driving it’s designed for. It’s quiet, refined and easy to drive, whether in town or on the motorway.
The 44kWh battery offers up to 320 kilometre range (WLTP), making it best suited to city and suburban use. Motorway efficiency is weaker, and without tech like a heat pump or battery preheating, longer trips are less pleasant and require more planning.
Fast charging at 100kW gets you 20–80% in around 26 minutes, while home charging via a 7.4kW wallbox takes about seven hours.
Citroen E-C3 Price Ireland
The Citroen C3 is available as petrol or electric, both starting from €23,400 in Plus trim. The E-C3 tested here in the Max trim comes in at €25,650.
Carzone Verdict
The new Citroen E-C3 is one of the most colourful small electric cars you can buy right now. It’s not the most high-tech, nor the longest-range EV, but it’s cheerful, affordable, practical and very comfortable. If your driving is mostly short trips with home charging available, it’s a brilliant little option. However, for frequent motorway journeys, the petrol C3 will be a safer bet.