Clearly, Citroën really intends to establish itself as the most accessible brand for electric cars. After an ë-C3 which flies in the feathers of Dacia and its Spring, the manufacturer with rafters doubles the bet with an Aircross version, still under 30,000 euros. This former competitor to the Duster, which landed on the market in 2017, now offers a 100% electric version which immediately becomes the cheapest electric SUV on the market.
If we try to summarize the ë-C3 Aircross as an XXL version of the city car just released, we are probably on the wrong track. Certainly, the size of the new SUV distances it from the city car segment, since it is almost a compact in terms of dimensions (4.39 m long). Certain elements of the ë-C3 are obviously taken over, such as the high and flat hood, the overall shape of the shield and of course the three-part optical signature. But if you look closely, the ë-C3 Aircross above all pays homage to the Oli concept, with its very angular appearance. The production version is obviously less radical from an aesthetic point of view, but it is amusing to note the many similarities.
Read: Citroën ë-C3 test, the new benchmark for “cheap” electric cars
The similarities with the ë-C3, however, are more obvious as soon as you open the door. The dashboard is a simple copy and paste of the city car, which, given the dimensions of the SUV, results in maximum habitability. So much so that on the thermal version and only this one, the manufacturer even offers a seven-seater version of its SUV.
A small city car engine
So far, the picture for the ë-C3 Aircross is rather flattering. But to arrive at this price level on an electric SUV, Citroën had to make a few compromises and when we analyze the technical sheet, these are obvious.
Under the hood and under the floor, the Aircross is strictly identical to the ë-C3. In other words, the electric SUV beats with the heart of a city car. This results in the presence of a 113 hp engine which is associated with a 44 kWh battery (the same as the ë-C3 therefore). On the other hand, given the dimensions and weight of the SUV, the autonomy is limited to 300 km (in the WLTP cycle).
In terms of charging, it is also very light with fast charging capped at 100 kW. Fortunately, Citroën specifies that this first ë-C3 Aircross model will soon be followed by a new version with a larger battery and better autonomy. Announced objective: 400 km.
In the end, even if the design does not betray it, the ë-C3 Aircross is indeed a large format version of the ë-C3. Its habitability will undoubtedly be an argument in its favor for certain customers, but its limited autonomy could slow down many others. In view of this contrasting summary, its price of 27,400 euros (excluding ecological bonus) nevertheless remains good news. At this price level, competition is simply non-existent. To find a roughly equivalent model, you have to look to MG and the ZS EV which starts at 33,990 euros, but which is deprived of bonuses. Certainly better equipped than the Citroën SUV, it does barely better in autonomy with an estimated range of 320 km.
Like its city car alter ego, the ë-C3 Aircross therefore benefits from numerous advantages to convince, especially if you are not planning long road trips at the wheel.
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