Citroën has revealed its new-generation C3 supermini, which launches first in fully electric guise with up to 199 miles of WLTP range and priced at less than £23,000.

The ë-C3 will launch in the UK with up to 199 miles of WLTP range and priced at less than £23,000

Intended to make all-electric mobility accessible to all, the new ë-C3 will be joined in 2025 by an even more affordable variant that will bear a 124-mile range and a €19,990 (£17,358) price tag, but is yet to be confirmed for the UK.

Petrol-powered versions will also follow but for now the focus is on the ë-C3. It’s billed as the first all-electric B-segment car designed in Europe and set at this price level – while the Dacia Spring Electric is cheaper, it’s based on a Chinese-made model.

Conceived from the outset around the brand’s BEV-focused ‘Smart Car’ platform, the ë-C3 features a 113hp electric motor and fully automatic transmission accelerating the car from 0-62mph in around 11 seconds, and with a provisional top speed of 84mph (135km/h). The 44kWh LFP (lithium ferro phosphate) battery pack can be charged from 20% to 80% in around four hours, 10 minutes using 7kW power, or just under three hours using the optional 11kW onboard charger. It’s also capable of DC rapid charging at up to 100kW, giving a 20% to 80% boost in 26 minutes. Drivers can also plan journeys, as well as monitor their charging status and battery level in real-time, thanks to the new e-Routes app provided as part of the brand’s ‘Connect Plus’ connected services subscription. Using the MyCitroën app, ë-C3 drivers will be able to manage charging schedules, as well as pre-heat or pre-cool the vehicle, and check its battery level and location.

The ë-C3 also features the new Citroën design language and brand signature. Now bearing crossover styling, the new C3 is 100mm taller than its predecessor and with almost 30mm of extra ground clearance, but only 19mm longer and 6mm wider. Despite this, it’s roomier in almost every dimension and rear seat knee clearance is said to be best-in-class. Boot space is 310 litres and 60:40 split rear seats are standard on all bar the entry trim. The ë-C3 also marks the first time that Citroën’s supermini has been available with the brand’s Advanced Comfort Suspension with hydraulic stops and also get its latest-generation Advanced Comfort seats.

The UK line-up will span three grades – You, Plus and Max – and features a new C-Zen Lounge concept that splits the fascia into two distinct levels and debuts head-up display to replace instrument controls, accompanied by a compact new multi-function steering wheel that ensures an unobstructed view. A 10.25-inch colour infotainment screen is standard on Plus and Max versions and optional on the entry-level You grade, which comes with a dedicated app that enables drivers to access music, radio, make calls, and navigation via their own mobile device.

Lead-in You models come with features including LED headlights, the Advanced Comfort Suspension, active safety brake, head-up display, electric door mirrors, auto lighting, rear parking radar, rear spoiler, cruise control, manual air con, and six airbags.

Move up to the Plus and you get 17-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paint with contrasting roof, roof rails, front and rear skid plates, the 10.25-inch colour touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, the Advanced Comfort Seats, auto wipers, power-folding and heated door mirrors, leather-effect steering wheel, 60:40 folding second-row seat, and driver seat adjustment.

Top-of-the-range Max versions add LED rear lights, rear privacy glass, automatic air con, 3D navigation, wireless charging, rear camera, electrochrome rear-view mirror, and rear power windows.  

Latest Citroën driver assistance technologies include active safety brake, active lane departure warning system, driver attention alert and speed limit recognition while the ë-C3 also come with cruise control with speed limiter, hill start assist, intelligent beam headlights and rear parking sensors.