Citroen ë-C3 Hatchback

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Citroën is comfortably into its second century now, having been originally founded back in 1919.

Of course, its modern cars bear no resemblance to those from more than 100 years ago, but looking back in time might have some relevance to the car we’re testing here.

When you first see the name of the car - the Citroën e-C3 - there's nothing particularly remarkable or significant about it, other than the inclusion of the 'e-' denoting that this is an all-electric version.

But this is a new model - and it’s a somewhat stripped-back version called the Urban Range, aimed at those wanting to do (as the name suggests) mostly short journeys in urban areas, with a focus on charging at home or at work.

It is still an e-C3; it's the same size, built on the same underpinnings (the Stellantis STLA Small platform, also used by the Fiat Grande Panda and Vauxhall Frontera). But the Urban Range is a new variant - a ‘slimline’ version of the same car on a budget.

Creating a simplified version enables the e-C3 to compete against the cheapest EVs on the market, such as the BYD Dolphin Surf - a relatively new entrant from China.

Some of this simplification has reintroduced old friends that are slowly dying out: a traditional key (no keyless entry or engine start buttons) and an old-fashioned pull-up handbrake (instead of a switch).

Does this remove the e-C3’s charm, or does this move an established brand into the bottom rung of the automotive ladder, alongside new Chinese challengers?