New Citroen e-C3 Urban Range review: suited to the city in more ways than one

The infotainment is a rather basic affair, but it's sensibly laid out with shortcuts always visible - the volume control on the far side of the touchscreen is a pain to use, though. There's no built-in sat-nav, but you won't mourn its loss, as long as you can connect a smartphone for Google Maps or Apple Maps. Inside the e-C3, space is tight in the rear, where tall passengers especially won't enjoy the lack of under-thigh support created by the high floor.

However, there is a fantastic amount of kneeroom back there considering the e-C3's size. The tall roofline means there's loads of headroom, but it's all too easy to snag yourself on the tight rear door openings as you get in or out. There's no getting away from the fact that it's a car built to a price, although given that the Urban Range is so cheap, you can possibly forgive the scratchy plastics, flimsy piano-black plastic on the centre console, manual handbrake (possibly a positive for some), wind-up rear windows and lack of any grab handles.

What isn't as easy to forgive is the lack of rapid charging as standard. Although the e-C3 Urban Range does support rapid charging at speeds of up to 30kW - allowing a 36-minute 20 to 80 per cent recharge - you'll have to pay ?440 to option it. Without this, you're confined to a maximum 7.4kW rate and a two hour 50 minute wait.

In comparison, the Dacia Spring can charge at 30kW and the BYD Dolphin Surf [1] can manage 65kW.

There's an argument that most Urban Range drivers will use their cars in, well, urban scenarios and charging is likely to take place at home via the standard-fit 7.4kW single-phase charger.

However, it still feels like a stingy move from Citroen.

Model:Citroen e-C3 Urban Range PlusPrice:?18,495Powertrain:1x e-motor, 30kWh batteryPower/torque:113bhp/125NmTransmission:Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive0-62mph:10.4 secondsTop speed:78mphRange:130 milesCharging:7.4kW (20-80% in 2hr 50 minutes)Size (L/W/H):4,015/1,813/1,577mmOn sale:Now

References

^ BYD Dolphin Surf (www.autoexpress.co.uk)