Auto Express chooses small EV for CoTY 2024

Citroen’s e-C3 small electric city car is the Auto Express Car of the Year for 2024.

It saw off competition from the Dacia Duster, the MG3 hybrid and the Skoda Octavia, all described as “truly fantastic cars and each has a huge amount to offer in its own right”. However, the Citroen e-C3 outshone them all, affordability being key. It is the first time a Citroen has won the top award since it started in 1988. 

The new e-C3 is not just a great car in its own right, according to Auto Express, but also “for how significant it is moving forward”. Last year the Hyundai Kona Electric was the top of their hit list. But the e-C3 they describe as a capable electric car that starts from just over half that figure. And evidently there’s an even cheaper electric variant on the way. Naturally, there are cheaper petrol C3 models available as well.

Auto Express said that several standout qualities thrust it to the forefront. Firstly, the e-C3 is spacious, with rear legroom to rival significantly larger cars from the class above. And it has a strong focus on driving comfort which makes sense for a car designed primarily designed for urban driving. However, they contend that the e-C3 rides superbly over bumpy roads. Moreover, it’s easy to drive, the tech works well and there’s plenty of storage space. 

Finally, they opin, “this is exactly what the world needs”. That is, the antithesis to heavy electric SUVs. Compact, simple and efficient EVs make the most sense for most buyers. And that, primarily, “is why the e-C3 is a hugely worthy winner”.

The e-C3 has a 44kWh battery and range of 320km. It can be DC fast charged from 20-80 per cent in 29min. Its motor makes 83kW and apparently the e-C3 can hit 100 in 10sec. Boot capacity is 315L and it has generous seating for four. At just under £22,000 it is also the winner of the Affordable EV of the Year, ahead of Dolphin and MG4. Others like Volkswagen, Skoda and Seat are all working on entry-level EVs to rival the e-C3. Citroen’s baby electric car isn’t available here, but we have asked the Citroen importer and distributor if and when it is coming to New Zealand.