The Citroen eC3, an electric version of the C3 hatchback, was launch in India in 2022. With bookings opening on January 22, this quirky electric hatchback promises a range of 320 km on a single charge. While the eC3 offers a host of features and an eco-friendly appeal, the most crucial aspect for potential buyers is safety. Let’s Cover the crash test ratings and safety features of the Citroen eC3.
Contents
2023 Citroen eC3 Crash Test Ratings
As of now, the Citroen eC3 has not undergone testing by any official crash test agency like Global NCAP or Euro NCAP. However, it shares its platform and body with the C3 petrol version, which underwent Euro NCAP testing in 2017. The C3 scored four stars out of five, with impressive scores of 88% for adult occupant protection and 83% for child occupant protection². Additionally, it scored well for pedestrian protection (59%) and safety assist (58%).
The Euro NCAP report highlighted that the passenger compartment remained stable during the frontal offset test. Furthermore, the front and side airbags offered excellent protection for the driver and passenger’s head and chest².
A Word of Caution
While the Euro NCAP results provide insights into the C3 petrol version’s safety, it’s essential to note that these results may not be directly applicable to the Indian-spec eC3. Variations in structure, weight, equipment, and specifications between the two versions could impact safety performance.
Moreover, Euro NCAP tests are conduct at higher speeds and with more stringent criteria than Global NCAP tests, which are more relevant for the Indian market. As a result, it’s prudent to await the official crash test ratings of the Citroen eC3 from Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP before making definitive conclusions about its safety.
2023 Citroen eC3 Safety Features
The Citroen eC3 comes in two variants: Live and Feel. Both variants offer safety features similar to their petrol counterparts, with minor differences. Here are the common safety features found in both variants:
- Dual front airbags: These airbags provide additional protection to the driver and front passenger in the event of a collision.
- ABS and EBD: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) work together to enhance braking stability and prevent skidding during emergency braking situations.
- Reverse parking sensors: These sensors aid in safe parking by alerting the driver to obstacles behind the vehicle.
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP): ESP helps maintain control during abrupt maneuvers by reducing the risk of skidding or loss of control.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): TPMS ensures optimal tire pressure, reducing the chances of accidents due to under-inflated tires.
- Hill Hold Assist: This feature prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on steep inclines, providing the driver with additional control during uphill starts.
- Digitized instrument cluster with battery and range indicator: The digitized cluster keeps the driver informed about the battery’s charge level and the remaining range.
- My Citroen Connect with C-Buddy smartphone app: This app enables the driver to monitor and control certain vehicle functions through their smartphone.
Other
The Feel variant goes a step further and adds some more features, including:
- LED DRLs: Daytime Running Lights enhance visibility for other drivers, increasing safety during daylight hours.
- Remote-controlled keyless entry: Convenient keyless entry provides ease of access to the vehicle.
- Speed-sensitive auto door-lock: The auto door-lock feature activates when the vehicle reaches a certain speed, ensuring doors are securely locked while driving.
- Door ajar warning: This warning alerts the driver if any door is not properly close, preventing potential accidents due to open doors.
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Additionally, the eC3 offers an optional Vibe Pack, which includes funky exterior trim options and front fog lamps.
Conclusion
The Citroen eC3 presents an appealing option for environmentally-conscious buyers seeking an affordable and eco-friendly electric hatchback in India. However, potential buyers must consider the yet-to-be-verify safety performance of the eC3 by official crash test agencies. Based on the Euro NCAP ratings of the C3 petrol version, it is reasonable to anticipate decent protection for occupants and pedestrians, but not exceptional.
The presence of standard and optional safety features enhances the eC3’s safety quotient. Nevertheless, we recommend potential buyers to await the official crash test ratings of the eC3 from Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP before making their final decision.
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FAQs
The Citroen eC3 promises to offer a range of 320 km on a single charge.
The Live and Feel variants of the Citroen eC3 share common safety features, with the Feel variant offering some additional features like LED DRLs, remote-controlled keyless entry, speed-sensitive auto door-lock, and door ajar warning.
As of now, the Citroen eC3 has not been tested by any official crash test agency like Global NCAP or Euro NCAP. However, it is based on the same platform and body as the C3 petrol version, which was tested by Euro NCAP in 2017.
While the C3 petrol version’s safety ratings offer some insights, it’s essential to consider that variations between the two versions could impact safety performance. It’s better to await the official crash test ratings of the Citroen eC3 from relevant Indian agencies before drawing conclusions.