2024 Citroen e-C3 Gains Internal Combustion Sibling With Optional Mild-Hybrid Assistance

More crossovery than its predecessor, the all-new C3 is equipped with a three-cylinder turbocharged gasser. There is no diesel to speak of, which is hardly surprising. PSA sister brand Peugeot, for example, axed turbo diesel options from its Australian passenger vehicle lineup after MY23.

Internally referred to as EB yet marketed as PureTech, said lump displaces 1.2 liters and produces 102 metric ponies. That's 100 horsepower in old money, and the only transmission available for the ICE-only PureTech is a six-speed manual.

Dubbed Hybrid 100 despite not being a true hybrid, the mild-hybrid version brings together a 48-volt battery and an electric motor. Said motor is located within the dual-clutch transmission. Although rated at 28 ps (28 hp), it provides up to 12 ps (12 hp) for acceleration. If those numbers seem familiar, that's because the 2024 Citroen C3 Hybrid 100 is joined at the hip to the hybridized 2024 Jeep Avenger.

The French supermini is capable of running in electric mode for up to 50 percent of journeys in the urban jungle, which is a rather bold claim. Citroen further promises nearly 10 percent reductions in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately, the French automaker hasn't provided any pricing information for the MHEV.

The non-electrified C3, on the other hand, starts at 14,990 euros or 16,275 dollars at current exchange rates. We already know how much the e-C3 costs back home in France, that starting price being €23,300 or about $25,300. Come 2025, a more affordable version will challenge the Dacia Spring with a recommended price of €19,990 ($21,700).

Quirky outside and minimalist inside, Citroen's fourth-gen C3 promises great quality for such a small car due to progressive hydraulic cushion suspension. Advanced Comfort Seats also need to be mentioned, along with a head-up display instead of an instrument cluster. The HUD projects information on a glossy black panel between the bottom of the windshield and the top of the dash.

Measuring a little over 4 meters in length, the fourth generation is 19 millimeters or 0.75 inches longer than its forerunner. Citroen has also improved the ground clearance from 135 to 197 millimeters (5.3 to 7.75 inches). Because it's larger than before, C3 sweetens the deal with more headroom, legroom, and room for your elbows. Cargo capacity has grown by 10 liters to 310 liters (10.5 cubic feet).

At launch, C3 will be offered in a choice of You and Max trim levels. The You has plenty of standard kit, including Rear Parking Assist, Speed Limiter, Active Safety Braking, automatic exterior lighting with LED headlights, manual air conditioning, and something called Smartphone Station. That is another way of saying phone holder with NFC tech, allowing the user to access navigation and media on their phone via the steering wheel controls.

Only the Max gets a touchscreen infotainment system. The 10.25-inch display is joined by 17-inch alloys with a diamond-cut finish, decorative roof bars, contrasting paint for the roof, protection plates fore and aft, wireless phone charging, a rearview camera, heated mirrors, intelligent beam headlights, automatic wipers, and electric rear windows.