Citroen eC3 Scores A Disappointing Zero Stars In The Global NCAP Crash Safety Test

The Citroen eC3 has been crash tested by Global NCAP and the electric hatch has secured a disappointing zero stars in the crash safety test. This is the first Citroen model to be tested by Global NCAP and sadly, the result is dismal. 

The all-electric hatchback has scored zero stars (20.86 out of 34) in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and one star (10.55 out of 49) in Child Occupant Protection (COP) categories. It comes with just the basic amount of safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors. 

Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)

In the front impact test, the eC3 offered good protection to both the front occupant’s head and neck. That said, protection offered to the driver’s and co-driver’s chest was rated weak and poor, respectively. The driver’s knee had marginal protection as it could come in contact with dangerous structures behind the dashboard. However, the same for the co-driver offered good protection. 

In the side impact test, the head had marginal shielding, while the chest had adequate protection. The abdomen and pelvis received good shielding, though. A point to note here is that the side pole impact test wasn’t conducted as the eC3 doesn’t have any side head protection. 

The eC3’s footwell was rated as unstable, but not all is disappointing as the body shell was rated stable and capable of taking further load. 

Child Occupant Protection (COP)

In the front impact test, the child seat for the three-year old dummy was placed in a forward facing position using the seatbelt. It wasn’t capable of controlling the movement and the head came in contact with the interior. 

That said, the 18-month old dummy was placed in a rearward facing child while using the seatbelt. And while it was able to protect the child’s head in the front impact test, in the side impact category, its head was exposed and points were deducted. 

Lack Of Safety Features Brings Down The Score

The eC3’s lack of safety features were also a reason why the model received such a disappointing score. It doesn’t get essential safety kit such as ISOFIX child-seat mounts, electronic stability and three-point seatbelt for the middle occupant. 

That said, Citroen will soon update the model with six airbags and ISOFIX child-seat mounts down the road. And if re-tested, the model could get a better score.

Commenting on the same, a spokesperson from Stellantis India, said, “Stellantis confirms its vehicles comply with all current local market regulations and its commitment to safety with six airbags and additional safety features as standard across products in India during the second half of the year.”

Citroen eC3 Price And Rivals 

The all-electric Citroen eC3 is priced from Rs 12.69 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it in contention with models such as the Tata Tiago EV, Tata Tigor EV and Tata Punch EV.