• Simple, user-friendly layout
• Equipment levels are acceptable for a budget car
• More conventional interior than many rivals

How is the quality and layout?

Next to the out-there looks of the Hyundai Inster and MINI Cooper Electric, the Citroen e-C3’s interior looks very conservative in comparison, but that means it’s all very logically laid out. There’s physical switchgear for the air-conditioning system, audio controls on the small steering wheel, a silver rotary gear selector and that’s about it. It’s nice to use and easy to learn where everything is.

There are some stylistic choices to help liven things up, with plastic sections etched in wavy and straight lines, little red labels with peppy messages – ‘Have fun!’ and ‘Be cool!’ – are stitched into the armrests, and the door bins have white inserts to help you spot things. It’s closer to the utilitarian end of the design spectrum, and probably the most austere of the electric small car offerings.

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It won’t take you long to find cheap-feeling plastic, it’s everywhere from the door cards to the dashboard. This is forgivable when considering the low price and generous size of the interior. What’s less forgiving is the gloss black plastic centre console – it’s a magnet for fingerprint marks and small scratches and its location meant it was immediately smeared – a small but irritating note.

Infotainment and tech

The Citroen e-C3 makes use of a 10.0-inch touchscreen which is fine. It’s not as pin sharp as rivals, nor is it the quickest to respond to inputs. It is, however, straightforward to use, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included as standard.

The driver display is pushed right back to the base of the windscreen right in the driver’s line of sight. Citroen call it a head-up display. Not strictly true, but we see the similarities – it’s a nice touch and easy to glance at while driving. Again, the graphics aren’t the sharpest, but it features a digital speedo, battery charge level, selected gear and can toggle through trip info and total mileage.

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Elsewhere it’s a peculiar list of features on offer, but there’s just enough tech to keep it competitive. There’s a wireless phone charging pad and heated windscreen on Max models, but no option at all for keyless start, powered seats or drive modes.

Comfort

• This is where the Citroen leads the class
• Squidgy seats work wonders for comfort levels
• Heated seats and steering wheel on Max trim

Citroen typically majors in on comfort and the e-C3 scores exceptionally well here. The ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats are wonderfully squidgy, with lots of padding to sink into. They’re not overly supportive but they’re comfortable like a good sofa. There’s a good amount of adjustment for the front seats and the lumbar support is solid. Heated front seats are fitted to Max models, as is a heated steering wheel.

It’s not the quietest of EVs, though. Wind noise starts kicking in past the 50mph mark, and you’ll get added tyre grumble and some motor whine at motorway speeds. Drowning it out with the stereo is possible, if not very zen.