The penetration of electric vehicles has quickly reached the budget segment with cars like the Tata Tiago EV and the Citroen eC3 being the most affordable EVs one can look to buy today. The Tiago EV is a fully homegrown electric vehicle whereas the Citroen eC3 has shades of French quirkiness in it, and while their origins might differ, their purpose is the same – a no-frills electric car that can take care of the daily grind just as well as internal combustion engine cars. Right off the bat, Tata Motors has a slight advantage keeping in mind that it has been selling a couple of EVs for more than a couple of years now and is technically the largest EV-seller in the four-wheeler category. Citroen on the other hand have just come around to dipping their feet in the EV pond and are far behind when it comes to a dealership network. So, with all that in mind, we bring you a comparison of these two electric cars, Tata Tiago EV vs Citroen eC3 to find what should you be looking at? Let’s find out:
Tata Tiago EV vs Citroen eC3: Dimensions
Tata Tiago EV | Citroen eC3 | |
Length | 3,769 mm | 3,981 mm |
Width | 1,677 mm | 1,733 mm |
Height | 1,536 mm | 1,586 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,540 mm |
Boot Space | 240 litres | 315 litres |
Ground Clearance | 166 mm | 170 mm |
While Tata may have been around longer, it’s Citroen that immediately makes its mark by being bigger, quite literally. It is longer, wider, taller, offers more space between the wheels, has a larger boot and sits higher off the ground than the Tiago. It, then, squarely beats the Tiago in all the important parameters. That’s not to say that the 166 mm ground clearance of the Tata Tiago isn’t any good as it can easily dispatch most of what Indian roads can throw at it. As far as space goes, the Citroen is the clear winner as all that extra size translates to more space inside the cabin and better boot space as well. So, if you are going to be travelling with more than two passengers more often than not along with their luggage, the Citroen will prove to be the more accommodating and relaxing choice. The Tiago’s smaller footprint has one advantage, which is that its smaller footprint makes it easier to park in smaller spaces.
Tata Tiago EV vs Citroen eC3: Engine & Transmission
Tata Tiago EV | Citroen eC3 | |
Electric Motor | Single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor | Single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Transmission | Single-speed auto | Single-speed auto |
Power | 75 PS | 57 PS |
Torque | 114 Nm | 143 Nm |
Range (MIDC) | 315 kms | 320 kms |
While the Tata Tiago EV might have lagged behind when it comes to dimensions, it surely takes on the Citroen eC3 blow-for-blow when it comes to the drivetrain. Both cars here get a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or a PMSM, and it drives the front wheels in both of them. Both being electric, the transmission too is a single-speed automatic unit. The difference lies in the outputs of the two cars. The Tata Tiago EV’s electric motor can dish out 75 PS, a respectable number for a hatchback. The Citroen eC3 on the other hand can only manage 57 PS out of its electric motor, and being the bigger car here, this motor ends up feeling a bit sluggish. Where the Citroen regains ground is its higher torque rating, but then being the bigger, heavier car, the difference in actual real-world performance isn’t all that much. The Tiago also offers a similar range as the Citroen eC3 as well, and while the victory isn’t all that clear, it is the Tata Tiago EV which has a better overall electric drivetrain.
Tata Tiago EV vs Citroen eC3: Features & Comfort
Tata Tiago EV | Citroen eC3 | |
Infotainment system | 7-inch Harman touchscreen | 10-25-inch touchscreen |
Music system | 4 speakers and 4 tweeters | 4 speakers |
Climate control | Automatic | |
Ventilated seats | No | No |
Adjustable steering | Tilt adjustable | Tilt adjustable |
Drive modes | Yes | Yes |
Instrument cluster | Digital | Semi-digital |
Sunroof | No | No |
Adjustable seats (manual or electric) | Manually height adjustable seat for driver | Manually height adjustable seat for driver |
Rear A/C vents | No | No |
60:40 rear seat split | No | No |
Cruise control | Yes | No |
When it comes to features, the Tata Tiago EV proves to be the better equipped car. The audio experience is better with more tweeters than the eC3, and the automatic climate control adds a bit of premiumness along with an enhanced user experience. The instrument cluster of the Tiago EV is also a fully digital unit compared to the semi-digital unit of the eC3, and it even gets cruise control on the higher variants. The one advantage that the eC3 has is that it has a bigger touchscreen that’s well-integrated into the dashboard, and the touch experience is quite exceptional as well. But, apart from that, the Citroen eC3 is a poorly equipped car as it misses out on some basic features such as auto adjustable door mirrors or a push button start system. Once again, it is the Tiago EV that offers more value due to its enhanced features list.
Tata Tiago EV vs Citroen eC3: Safety Features
Tata Tiago EV | Citroen eC3 | |
GNCAP safety rating | Not Available | Not Available |
Airbags | Two | Two |
ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
ESC | No | No |
Traction control | No | No |
Automatic headlamps | Yes | No |
Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | No |
Hill hold assist | No | No |
Hill descent control | No | No |
Rear sensors | Yes | Yes |
Rear parking camera | Yes | No |
ISOFIX child seat anchor points | No | No |
ADAS | No | No |
When it comes to safety, both the Tata Tiago EV and the Citroen eC3 are yet to be tested by Global NCAP, the independent watchdog that conducts crash tests of cars sold in India. On the features front, it is the Tiago EV that is offering more as it gets auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and a rear parking camera over the Citroen eC3. Apart from this difference, both cars are similarly equipped. The Tiago EV therefore comes out on top when it comes to safety.
Tata Tiago EV vs Citroen eC3: Price Comparison
Tata Tiago EV | Citroen eC3 | |
Base variant | Rs 8.49 lakh | TBA |
Middle variant(s) | Rs 9.09 lakh to Rs 9.99 lakh | TBA |
Upper Middle variant(s) | Rs 10.79 lakh to Rs 11.29 lakh | TBA |
Top variant | Rs 11.79 lakh | TBA |
Pricing of budget cars is often the most crucial factor, and will be in this case as well. However, Citroen is yet to announce the price of the Citroen eC3, which will be announced in February, 2023. Therefore, it’s not possible to pick a clear winner when it comes to the price of the two cars. As far as the Tata Tiago EV is concerned, it is currently the most affordable EV that is on sale in India, and that means it becomes a de-facto choice for those who are looking for an EV on a very strict budget.
Summary
The Citroen is the bigger car, but it is the Tata Tiago that edges ahead marginally when it comes to the powertrain. On the features and safety front as well, it performs better than the Citroen eC3, and while the price comparison is not relative, the Tata Tiago EV is the most affordable electric car in India. All of that aside, the Citroen eC3 is looking to target people who generally move with three or more passengers, as the eC3 is roomier than the Tiago EV. Anyone who can do without the extra space, for them, the Tiago EV will be the better choice.
