Citroen has recently updated its compact electric SUV, the eC3X. With a refreshed feature list, practical design, and a focus on ride comfort, the eC3X now takes on established rivals such as the Tata Punch EV. While both electric SUVs target budget-conscious buyers, they offer distinctly different experiences. So, if you're planning to make the switch to electric, which of these two EVs deserves your money? Let's find out.
Pricing
Let's start with what matters most to buyers: price. Citroen has significantly reduced the entry cost of the eC3X, with prices now starting at Rs 10.25 lakh (ex-showroom), making it Rs 1.74 lakh more affordable than the outgoing model. The brand is also offering a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) option, bringing the upfront cost down to just Rs 6.29 lakh, although buyers will need to pay a battery rental charge of Rs 2.26 per kilometre.
In comparison, the Tata Punch EV is priced from Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 14.44 lakh for the top-spec variants. Under Tata's BaaS programme, the entry price drops to Rs 6.49 lakh, while customers pay Rs 2.6 per kilometre for battery usage.
Design
The Citroen eC3X follows a simpler design philosophy. It retains the familiar C3-inspired styling with SUV-like cladding and a tall-boy silhouette. While it may not look as futuristic as the Punch EV, it offers a quirky French design language and prioritises practicality over visual drama.
The Tata Punch EV looks every bit like a modern electric SUV. It gets a closed-off grille, connected LED DRLs, stylish alloy wheels, and a more premium road presence. The upright stance and muscular styling help it stand out in city traffic.
When it comes to design, declaring a winner isn't quite fair. Styling is a matter of personal taste, and both the Citroen eC3X and Tata Punch EV cater to different preferences. Rather than picking sides, we'll leave this round for you to decide.
Features
The updated Citroen eC3X has received a substantial feature upgrade. It now comes with projector LED headlights, a new dual-tone cabin theme, leatherette upholstery, a 7-inch digital driver's display, wireless phone charging, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, and a six-speaker JBL audio system. Safety has also improved, with up to six airbags on higher variants. Other features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear parking camera, a rear wiper, and automatic climate control.
The Tata Punch EV, meanwhile, remains one of the most feature-rich offerings in the segment. It gets a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated front seats, touch-based climate controls, a 360-degree camera, paddle shifters for regenerative braking, wireless smartphone connectivity, and connected car technology. On the safety front, it offers six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and high beam assist.
While Citroen has significantly improved the eC3X's equipment list, the Punch EV still offers a more comprehensive technology and safety package on paper.
Powertrains
The Citroen eC3X is powered by a 29.2kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted electric motor producing 57hp and 143Nm of torque. Citroen claims an MIDC-certified range of 325km, which is an improvement over its predecessor. The electric SUV can accelerate from 0-60kmph in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 107kmph. In terms of charging, the battery can be replenished from 10 to 100 % in 10 hours and 30 minutes using an AC charger, while a DC fast charger can charge it from 10 to 80 % in 57 minutes.
The Tata Punch EV, on the other hand, is available with two battery pack options. The larger 40kWh battery offers an ARAI-certified range of 468km and a claimed real-world range of 355km, while the smaller 30kWh battery is rated for 365km on a single charge. Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor producing up to 127bhp, enabling a 0-100kmph sprint in under 9 seconds. The Punch EV also gets three drive modes and four levels of regenerative braking. Charging is another strong point, with the larger battery supporting 65kW DC fast charging that can take the battery from 20 to 80 % in just 26 minutes.
Which one To Choose?
Choosing between these two EVs ultimately comes down to what you value more. If your priority is getting behind the wheel of an electric car with the lowest possible upfront investment, the Citroen eC3X makes a strong case for itself, especially with its Battery-as-a-Service option and improved feature list.
However, if you're willing to spend a little more for greater range, quicker charging, stronger performance, and a more feature-packed cabin, the Tata Punch EV emerges as the more rounded package. It also offers the flexibility of multiple battery options, allowing buyers to choose a variant that best suits their needs.
