Citroen eC3X Expert Review

Exterior:

The Citroen eC3x offers exterior design cues reminiscent of crossover styling, with enhanced ground clearance and muscular cladding – these attributes offer a strong road presence. The fascia boasts multiple design treatments to complement its strong design language throughout; the portion gets LED ‘Vision’ projector headlights, featuring arrow-shaped DRL elements. The laterally accented chrome element is another neat touch, integrating an emblem providing premium appeal. However, the smaller R15 tyres seem disproportionate to the taller stance. While the styling of the wheels is good, the smaller rim diameter does not go with the vehicle’s appeal.

Nonetheless, adding a continuum to such premium appeal is the chunky bumper section incorporating a largely proportionate black grille section, contrasted by a silver skid plate towards the lower section. Apart from these, a prominent integration is the fog lamps towards the lower bumper section with black housing; these attributes enhance the crossover appeal that the Citroen eC3x tries to present.

Towards the side profile, the Citroen eC3x has integrated rugged matte-black wheel arch cladding that continues as a single unit below the door section in the skirt area, blending into the bumpers. The side section also features a slightly sloping roofline to give a sleeker appearance. This well-contoured side section is also enhanced with sharp creases that provide a strong character. But we do feel the use of dated flap-type door handles could have been upgraded.

Coming to the rear section, the Citroen eC3x carries forward a crossover stance with a major portion of the bumper having black cladding and the placement of reflector elements. The 3D-LED tail light integration blending with the tailgate section provides a more contemporary styling aesthetic; the silver skid plate placed lower to the rear bumper adds to this design attribution.

Overall, looking at the Citroen eC3x exterior, the vehicle lends a particularly attractive appeal of a crossover, ensuring strong road presence with the design attributes just discussed above. Additionally, the Citroen eC3x is a practical solution too; to provide a practical hatchback appeal, the Citroen eC3x gets the following cabin design, use of trims, and dashboard layout:

Interior:

The cabin of the newer Citroen eC3x comes with an upgraded layout – better than its previous iteration – to enhance the premium crossover appeal it tries to achieve; this section features a dual-tone colour palette – an electrifying blue dash layout with satin-finished accents and panels. The upper layout of the dashboard is also finished with anti-glare material for better visibility; this is achieved by using fine micro-grained plastics. The signature aerodynamic air vents are also neat. That said, the interior section uses mainly hard plastics; soft-touch materials are minimal.

Nevertheless, the seating arrangement is the next best cabin attribute that enhances the overall premiuness established by the dashboard layout. The seats feature a continuum of the blue and satin-finished colour scheme to complement the new-age cabin architecture. With high-density foam usage and a dual-coloured design, the seating layout is practical and appealing.

Additionally, for its contemporary styling nature, the Citroen eC3x is equipped with metal-finished e-toggle switch gear, placed centrally within high-gloss black surrounds. The lower section of the central control on the dash also gets a non-slip rubberised tray section; this functions as a wireless smartphone charging pad. Tying up the interior is the neatly placed floating infotainment system. However, a physical volume control knob could have been provided.

Build Quality:

The fit and finish of the trim and upholstery are done well, with a well-engineered dashboard texture. However, the interior section does rely on heavy plastic panelling, which can be a bummer. That said, the use of dual-tone elements means the in-cabin experience is elevated. The soft-touch material of the leatherised steering wheel and leatherette seats enhances the in-cabin feel. Nevertheless, offering more soft-touch materials can further enhance the in-cabin user experience.