India (Commonwealth) _ The Global NCAP’s crash test results for the Citroën eC3 are unsatisfactory. For adult safety, the EV received zero ratings, while for kid safety, it received one star. This is one of the final tests that the Global NCAP is doing as part of the #safercarsforIndia campaign before Bharat NCAP is fully operational starting this year.
Dual front airbags, a seat belt load limiter, and a seat belt reminder for the front occupants were standard features on the eC3. In terms of specifications, the automobile scored one star for adult safety (20.86 out of 34) and 10.55 out of 49 for kid safety. It provided decent head and neck protection for the front occupants, but the driver’s and passenger’s chest protection was inadequate.
Due to potentially harmful components under the fascia, the driver’s knee received only mediocre protection, whereas the passenger’s knee received acceptable protection. The footwell section was deemed unsafe as well.
Remarkably, the bodyshell was deemed sturdy and able to support additional weights. The side impact tests revealed mediocre overall protection, good for the abdomen and pelvis, and sufficient for the chest. One star was deducted from the results due to the discrepancy between the front and side impacts.
Since side airbags are absent, the side pole impact test was omitted. The seat belt reminder and the absence of ESC as standard equipment also failed to comply with GNCAP regulations.
In response to inquiries for comment, Stellantis stated that its cars adhere to all existing local market laws and that, starting in the second half of the year, six airbags and other safety equipment will be standard on all of its products in India.
The car&bike Viewer’s Choice Electric Car of the Year 2024 is the electric hatchback Citroen eC3. In the category, the eC3 received the most votes, beating out vehicles like the MG Comet, Mahindra XUV400, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Volvo C40 Recharge. The Citroen EV faces competition from vehicles such as the MG Comet EV, the Tata Tiago EV, and the newly released Tata Punch EV.
Based on the C3 hatchback, the Citroen eC3 was introduced to the Indian market in 2023. In January 2024, a new top-end variation was added to the model selection. According to the most recent crash test findings from Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), the company’s first electric hatchback in India has been given a zero-star rating (20.86 points out of 34) for adult occupant safety. On the other hand, it received a single star for kid occupant safety. In this area, the model received 10.55 points out of 49.
The vehicle under evaluation was an India-spec model with two frontal airbags, a belt load restriction, and a front-occupant seatbelt reminder. Side airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and seatbelt pretensions were absent.
The hatchback demonstrated ‘poor’ protection for the passenger’s chest, ‘weak’ protection for the driver’s chest, and ‘excellent’ protection for the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck during the frontal impact test, according to Global NCAP. It further mentioned that hazardous elements behind the dashboard may have an effect on the driver’s knees, which were only partially shielded.
In terms of side impact test performance, the eC3 provided ‘excellent’ protection for the pelvis and abdomen, but only minimal and acceptable protection for the head and chest. As per GNCAP, the car’s overall rating dropped one star due to the discrepancy between side and front impacts. The footwell region was classified as unstable as well. Nevertheless, the bodyshell was sturdy and able to support more weight.
With the implementation of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), the Citroen eC3 is one of the final few vehicles to be assessed under the ‘Safer Cars for India’ initiative. The Tata Safari and Harrier facelifts, which received a 5-star safety rating in the Global NCAP crash test on October 17, 2023, are two of the vehicles that were evaluated.
A front axle-mounted electric motor is powered by a 29.2kWh battery pack found under the Citroen eC3’s engine. With a peak torque of 143 Nm and 56 horsepower, the motor can reach a high speed of 107 km/h and a sprint time of 6.8 seconds from 0 to 60 km/h. The Citroen eC3 boasts two driving modes, Standard and Eco, and regenerative braking. The ARAI claims that its range is 320 km.
The electric hatchback is now available in two models, Feel and Shine, with prices ranging from Rs 12.70 lakh to Rs 13.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The latter is a new model that was added to the roster.
