Citroen eC3: 5 Differences Between Newly Revealed Europe-Spec Model And India-spec Model

Citroen has revealed its affordable EV, the eC3 in Europe.Yes, the eC3 is offered in India, but apart from its name, there is barely anything in common between the Euro-spec and India-spec model. The model sold overseas is built on a brand-new electric platform and gets different powertrains and features. Let's take a look at how the European version differs from the one available in India.

Design

The European eC3 features a distinctive design when compared to its Indian counterpart. Up front, it boasts a new Citroen logo with more angular C-shaped headlights and a closed-off grille which seamlessly blends into the headlights. It also gets a larger air dam, a silver skid plate, and 3-element LED DRLs. In contrast, the India-spec model gets the older logo and features more rudimentary halogen headlights. 

The silhouette of both cars are largely similar, though the Euro-spec model features distinct fenders and door designs, pull-type door handles (instead of flap-style handles on the Indian variant), and larger 17-inch alloy wheels (compared to the India-spec's 15-inch alloys). 

Additionally, the European eC3 gets new tail lamps, a different boot design, and an updated rear bumper. Once again, you’d have to rely on halogen bulbs for the eC3 on our shores. Overall, the Euro-spec model with its upmarket design touches, definitely looks the more premium of the two. 

Interior

On the inside, the new European Citroen eC3’s dashboard definitely looks more upmarket and premium than the one sold here. It features a layered dashboard with a floating infotainment system and the sporty looking flat-bottom steering wheel with multi-function buttons. 

In contrast, the Indian-spec model's cabin design which is practical in sense, looks a bit old-fashioned, considering its basic features list and traditional rounded steering wheel

Features

The European eC3 gets a new digital instrument cluster, a heads-up display, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. It also packs additional features such as climate control, automatic wipers, power-folding and heated ORVMs, wireless phone charging, multiple airbags, and an advanced driver assistance system.

On the other hand, the Indian-spec eC3 is equipped with similarly sized 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, but apart from that, you get only the basics such as an old-school digital instrument cluster,manual AC, a 4-speaker sound system and remote locking. Even its safety list is basic with dual airbags, rear parking sensors and ABS with EBD.

Specifications

The European eC3 is powered by a 113PS electric motor which is paired to a 44kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and offers a WLTP-claimed range of 320km. While, the India-spec model packs a 29.2kWh battery pack paired with 57PS electric motor and delivers a ARAI-claimed range of 320km

In Europe, Citroen will also offer a lower-range variant which has a range of 200km. While both the versions support DC fast charging, it takes 57 minutes for the India-spec eC3 to go from 10 to 80 percent while the Euro-spec version takes 26 minutes to go from 20 to 80 percent with a 100kW DC charger.

Pricing and India Plans

The prices for the European-spec eC3 start at 19,900 Euros, which is roughly around Rs 17.55 lakh. In contrast, the prices for the Indian eC3 start from Rs 11.50 lakh (ex-showroom) and is offered in two trim options: Live and Feel. 

It's possible that the next India-specific Citroen eC3 could incorporate design elements from the European model when it undergoes a facelift in a few years.