Citroën ë-C3 Urban Range Test: 212 km, is that enough?

Since the reveal of the fourth-generation C3, Citroën has offered an electric version with a range exceeding 320 kilometers. However, to further lower the price of its versatile hatchback, the brand now offers a version called Urban Range (Autonomie Urbaine), featuring a smaller battery capacity and a reduced range of 212 km. So, does this version, priced under €20,000, still hold all its appeal?

Modern, no-nonsense style

Externally, nothing distinguishes an ë-C3 Urban Range from an ë-C3 Comfort Range—or any other version for that matter. The C3 retains its unique segment-breaking look, borrowing SUV codes to pass for a small urban explorer. With an unusual height for this segment, the C3 stands out from its competitors while offering a modern and effective design... at least on the Plus trim of this test, priced at €23,300 excluding government incentives. On the You trim, sold at €19,990 (also excluding incentives), the design suffers from the absence of Color Clips, matte black elements, and 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps. Nonetheless, it keeps that unique silhouette that makes it incomparable to typical hatchbacks.

Inside, the Plus trim makes a good impression with nice blue inserts on the dashboard and front doors, adding "pep" to the cabin. The dashboard strip and seats feature grey fabric that slightly brightens the interior for a pleasant atmosphere. At the back, things get a bit more complicated as the blue inserts are missing, and most notably, the windows are manual—the return of the crank handles... a bit of a step back in time.

In conclusion, in the Plus trim, this ë-C3 Urban Range retains all the charm that makes the C3 a success, especially in this Bright Blue tint paired with the contrasting black roof and yellow Color Clips. In this configuration, the cheapest electric hatchback on the market shows real dynamism and modernity with a unique look, true to what we expect from a Citroën. The interior is equally impressive with a rewarding design. A strong point for this ë-C3 Urban Range, but let's see how it performs on the road.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6SPg7Lqwm8

Versatile but limited

By offering a smaller battery, the ë-C3 Urban Range naturally sacrifices the versatility of the Comfort Range for a lower price. But with a claimed range of over 200 km, is the ë-C3 the perfect second car for the household?

The most powerful C3 in the range

While the Urban Range version of the ë-C3 reduces its battery size, the electric motor remains the same as the Comfort Range at 113 horsepower. This actually makes it the most powerful C3 in the entire range, just ahead of the hybrid version. Thanks to the instant torque, this Urban Range version surprises with a welcome dynamism. While it's no sports car, it delivers honorable performance that allows it to merge into urban and suburban traffic with zero difficulty. The days of affordable cars lacking power are long gone. Of course, talking about power might seem at odds with the goal of this ë-C3, but it is very useful for weaving through daily traffic, providing enough power for all needs, whether the car is loaded or not. This is a clear advantage over Renault's Twingo, which only offers 82 hp despite the C3 being slightly heavier.

An LFP battery reduced to the essentials

While the ë-C3 Comfort Range features a 44 kWh battery for a 328 km range, our test version makes do with a 30 kWh battery (28 usable). Consequently, the range drops by a third. However, it retains the advantage of an LFP battery, allowing it to be charged to 100% far more frequently than NMC batteries (usually limited to 80% to prolong their lifespan).

 A reduced but sufficient range

With a smaller battery, the range drops to only 212 kilometers on a full charge. Thanks to the LFP chemistry, you truly always have over 200 km of range available. While this might seem low, it is actually quite sufficient considering the 34 km daily average driven by the French. Naturally, the playground for this ë-C3 "200" is limited to cities and suburban areas; it is not suited for long motorway trips. Taking this into account, the range is sufficient, especially if this ë-C3 is used as a second car for daily errands.

I couldn't verify the consumption during this test as my version was not equipped with the average consumption display (it is now included on customer versions). Therefore, I can't give precise feedback on the average consumption, but over the hundred kilometers driven, it seemed reasonable, and the range didn't melt away like "snow in the sun." I should note that this test took place in early January, with temperatures that weren't optimal for an EV, especially since this C3 lacks a heat pump. Finally, by driving optimally, you can even see the range increase, which encourages you to anticipate and maximize energy recovery.

A more dynamic behavior

The ë-C3 in the Plus trim features Advanced Comfort suspensions, unlike the You trim. Similarly, the seats are also Advanced Comfort, allowing this C3 to stand out with a good comfort level. As you know, I wasn't a fan of the C3's comfort initially, finding it too firm, but a recent test of the Turbo 100 version changed my mind. Here, on this electric version, I found that firmer comfort again, which seems specific to these battery versions. However, this relative firmness isn't uncomfortable; it's just my personal taste. That said, this firmness benefits the dynamism on the road, allowing for some moderate fun—though the range will quickly remind you to be sensible.

What I liked most:

• The look of the C3 maintained in this Plus trim

• The interior space making it a versatile car

• The dynamic behavior

• High-level performance in traffic

What I liked least:

• The comfort, which is a bit too firm

• A slightly dark interior cabin

Conclusion: A versatile version with a limited audience

In conclusion, testing this Urban Range version showed me that beyond the range, the C3 keeps all its assets. It is spacious, has a unique personality, and the range is sufficient for a second car, especially since the LFP battery can be charged to 100% every time.

However, at €23,300 in the Plus trim, this version is only €2,200 cheaper than the Comfort Range in the same trim. This gap narrows even more in financing: the ë-C3 Urban Range Plus is €172/month, while the ë-C3 Comfort Range Plus is €180/month. An €8/month difference is almost insignificant when deciding whether to opt for the version with superior range and more versatility. Ultimately, it is in the You trim, priced under €20,000, that this Urban Range finds its real value, though you will have to accept a significantly more stripped-down car.