Let’s talk about the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross Extended Range, a car that feels like it was built for people who think an electric SUV should be both practical and a bit cheeky. This isn’t some dreary hatchback your gran would drive; it’s a compact, tough little number that shakes up the B-segment with a range that won’t make you yawn. With a battery that gets you up to 400 kilometres, a price that doesn’t obliterate your savings, and a comfort level that makes you feel like you’re cruising on a cloud, this car gives the competition a proper kick up the backside.
Let’s start with the looks. The ë-C3 Aircross isn’t some bland design spat out by a committee after three cups of weak coffee. No, this is a French SUV with guts: a high, rugged snout, wheel arches that look ready to tackle mud, and a new Citroën logo that screams, “I’m modern, deal with it!” At 4.39 metres long, it’s compact enough to zip through city streets but roomy enough to carry five people comfortably – and their luggage, because with 460 litres of boot space (expandable to 1,600 litres), you can haul half your household with you.
The real party starts under the bonnet – or rather, where the bonnet would be if this weren’t an electric car. The ë-C3 Aircross Extended Range boasts a 54 kWh battery, a big step up from the standard 44 kWh version that manages only 306 kilometres. With that 54 kWh, you get 400 kilometres per the WLTP cycle, which means in the real world, you’ll likely still cover a respectable 350 kilometres before you start panicking about finding a charger. The electric motor pumps out 113 hp (83 kW), which won’t blow your hair back but is plenty to glide smoothly through traffic. And with a top speed of 145 km/h, you won’t be collecting speeding fines, but that’s not what this car is about. It’s a family-friendly SUV, not a racecar.
Charging? Citroën’s kept it nice and straightforward. With a 100 kW DC fast charger, you can juice the battery from 20% to 80% in just 26 minutes – quicker than it takes to order a decent cappuccino at a trendy café. Charging at home? A 11 kW wallbox will have you sorted in a few hours, and the MyCitroën app lets you manage everything remotely, from scheduling charge sessions to checking your remaining range. Handy, because no one wants to faff about with a cable in the rain next to a charging station.
Inside, it’s like Citroën hired an interior designer fresh from a weekend at a luxury spa. The C-Zen Lounge concept sounds like something you’d need a yoga subscription for, but it’s actually a fresh, modern dashboard with a head-up display that keeps your eyes on the road. The seats? The kind you could live in, thanks to Citroën’s Advanced Comfort tech with extra foam and suspension that swallows potholes like they don’t exist. The rear bench offers more knee and elbow room than you’d expect in this class, so your teenagers won’t moan on the way to gran’s. And with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a steering wheel that looks like it belongs in a spaceship, the cockpit feels like home from the moment you sit down.
Let’s talk money, because this is where the ë-C3 Aircross really shines. The base version (You) starts at €29,800, the Plus costs €31,900, and the plush Max trim hits €34,000. That’s a steal compared to other electric SUVs, especially when you consider you’re getting standard kit like cruise control, parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and active lane-keeping assist. The Max throws in 17-inch alloys, a two-tone roof, and ambient lighting that makes you feel like you’re driving through a chic lounge bar. And let’s not forget: this thing is built in Europe, in Slovakia to be precise, so no worries about some far-flung import.
But there’s more. Citroën slaps an 8-year or 160,000-kilometre warranty on the motor, transmission, and drivetrain, as long as you get your servicing done at an official dealer. That’s the kind of peace of mind you usually only get from building a bunker for the apocalypse. And with the e-ROUTES app from Free2move Charge, giving you access to over 800,000 charging points across Europe, you’ll never be left sweating over a dead battery in an empty car park.
Anything to moan about? Well, maybe the 113 hp doesn’t exactly get your pulse racing, and the seven-seat option is only available for the petrol and hybrid versions – a missed opportunity for the electric model. Also, the onboard computer can be a bit vague about consumption, which might annoy you if you’re the type who tracks every kilowatt-hour. But honestly? For a car this affordable, spacious, and comfortable, these are minor quibbles.
The Citroën ë-C3 Aircross Extended Range is like a good French wine: not overly complicated, surprisingly tasty, and you don’t need a second mortgage to afford it. It’s a car that proves electric driving isn’t just for tech millionaires but for anyone who wants a practical, comfy, and budget-friendly SUV. So, if you’re after an electric car that doesn’t break the bank and keeps your family happy, this is your shot.
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