Unveiled in January, the latest Citroën ëC3, the first electric C3 in history, has been available for reservation since the beginning of February. Today, Citroën unveils the prices of this new ëC3 which aims to offer an electric motorization and accessible on this important market that is India.
With a maximum price of €8,600, the Citroën C3 petrol engine is one of the most accessible cars in India, thanks in particular to the fact that the local integration rate, i.e. all suppliers, is more than 90%, which makes it possible to reduce the price. However, the situation is different for the electric version, as there are no Indian suppliers capable of supplying electric motors and batteries, forcing Citroën to look elsewhere, such as the Chinese company Svolt for the battery.
This therefore results in an additional cost for this electric version of the C3, but Citroën has managed to offer a version which remains one of the most accessible on the market, all with services which, it seems, have convinced journalists during the tests organised by the brand.
The new C3, like its thermal sisters, will be available in two versions (Live and Feel) and with all the possibilities of personalisation, possibilities that have been extended thanks to the appearance of new colours. The ëC3 therefore starts at 1,150,000 rupees or 13,100 euros (Live) and ends at 1,243,000 rupees or 14,100 euros (Feel roof biton pack Vibe), i.e. prices that are on average 525,000 rupees or 6,000 euros higher than the thermal versions, which amounts to a price that is almost double for the C3 in its lowest Live finish.
With its 29.2 kWh battery, the new Citroën C3 has a range of 320 km (on the ARAI cycle, which differs from the European WLTP cycle), which it combines with an engine developing 57 hp and 143 Nm of torque. The big advantages of the C3 are its 10.2-inch multimedia screen and its comfort and spaciousness, but the ëC3 is much more expensive than its main rival, the Tata Tiago EV (available from €8,600 to €13,100), so its spec sheet looks better. We will have to wait and see how sales develop in the coming months, even if electrification in India is not as widespread as in Europe and the electric versions are not likely to be sold in large numbers immediately.