Citroën’s new e?C3 Aircross has drawn early praise for offering electric motoring at a price many buyers can reach. Auto Express published a review that calls the 2025 small SUV an “impressive all-rounder,” while singling out its “incredible price tag” as the headline act. The verdict puts the spotlight on affordability at a moment when many drivers still view the switch to electric as too expensive. If Citroën keeps the numbers keen, the e?C3 Aircross could open the segment to more households, broaden choice, and add urgency to a market where value now decides winners as much as technology does.
The review signals that mainstream EVs can compete not only on range and tech, but also on the one factor that shapes most buying decisions: monthly cost. For many shoppers, a small, practical SUV with a realistic price could tip the balance towards electric for the first time.
Context and timing
Auto Express published its review of the Citroën e?C3 Aircross online on Tuesday 21 October 2025. The UK outlet highlighted the car’s affordability and positioned it among small electric SUVs targeting cost-conscious buyers. Its coverage arrives as manufacturers prepare their 2025 line-ups and as the UK’s zero-emission sales targets step up again next year.
Image Source: Auto Express
Price-first strategy sets the tone for a wider market shift
Auto Express frames the new Citroën as an “impressive all-rounder,” but the review makes clear that its price defines the story. The outlet calls the e?C3 Aircross’s pricing “incredible,” signalling that Citroën aims to lower the barrier to EV ownership for families that need space, flexibility and predictability on costs. If the final UK pricing and finance match that billing, the model could move EVs further into the mainstream.
This approach tracks with a broader shift in the industry. Early adopters bought on novelty and technology. The next wave wants value and simplicity. A small electric SUV that feels easy to live with, costs less to buy than rivals, and offers clear savings on running costs stands a better chance in a tougher economy. Auto Express’s early verdict suggests Citroën understands that reality and has built its pitch around it.
Why affordability matters as the UK tightens its ZEV rules
The UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate now sets binding targets for the share of new car sales that must be electric. The requirement began in 2024 and rises each year, increasing pressure on brands to sell EVs in higher volumes. Price-sensitive models help manufacturers meet those targets while serving buyers who want an EV but cannot stretch to premium badges.
Policy shifts also shape demand. The UK ended the Plug-in Car Grant in June 2022, removing a direct subsidy for private buyers. That move put more weight on list prices and finance offers. In that context, any EV that arrives with a strong value case does more than add another option; it plugs a gap left by incentives and gives the sales teams a realistic tool to convert hesitant buyers.
The rivals in the small EV SUV arena
The small electric SUV class has grown quickly. Shoppers can already consider mainstream options such as the Peugeot e?2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV. Newer players from China, including BYD, have also pushed hard on value, applying pressure across Europe and the UK. Buyers enjoy more choice than ever, but many models still carry premiums over petrol equivalents.
If the e?C3 Aircross undercuts established rivals, it could reset expectations for what a family-ready EV should cost. Competitive pricing does more than draw attention; it also nudges rivals to sharpen their offers. Over time, keener pricing tends to lift adoption across a segment. Auto Express’s focus on the Citroën’s price signals where the next round of competition will likely play out.
What “all?rounder” means for daily driving
Auto Express describes the Citroën as an “impressive all?rounder,” language that usually points to balanced strengths rather than headline-grabbing extremes. For buyers, that often means easy access, a comfortable ride, practical space for children and shopping, and user-friendly tech. In the small SUV class, drivers also value good visibility, simple controls and predictable range for school runs and commutes.
That blend suits first-time EV owners who want the transition to feel familiar. A car that delivers a calm ride, straightforward charging, and consistent efficiency helps drivers settle into new habits. If Citroën delivers those basics and keeps the price down, the e?C3 Aircross could feel like less of a leap for households moving on from petrol.
Finance and monthly costs drive the decision
Most UK buyers finance their cars, so the key number sits on the monthly line, not the headline list price. Higher interest rates over the past two years have pushed payments up across the market, and that has hurt EVs that rely on strong residual values and keen finance to look competitive. Manufacturers have responded with deposit contributions, subsidised APRs and bundled charging offers.
A lower starting price gives Citroën more room to build attractive finance packages. If the brand matches its value pitch with clear, simple PCP or lease deals, the e?C3 Aircross could land in the sweet spot for families who budget carefully. Auto Express’s emphasis on affordability hints that the finance story may prove as important as the sticker price.
Charging access and running costs remain central
Even when the price looks right, buyers think hard about charging. Home charging offers the lowest-cost route for most owners and delivers convenience. Public rapid charging improves flexibility, but prices vary by network and location. The UK’s charging network has grown, yet access and reliability still rank among common concerns for would-be EV drivers.
Running costs can still tip the scales. EVs typically reduce spending on servicing and brake wear, and off-peak home charging can cut energy bills further. For a small family SUV, those savings add up over three or four years. If Citroën couples a competitive price with clear guidance on charging and ownership, the e?C3 Aircross could help more buyers feel confident about going electric.
Wrap-up
Auto Express’s review places the 2025 Citroën e?C3 Aircross in a clear lane: a small electric SUV that wins on value without losing everyday appeal. The outlet calls it an “impressive all?rounder” and spotlights its “incredible price tag,” a pairing that answers the biggest barriers to EV adoption—upfront cost and ease of use. The timing matters. UK rules push brands to sell more zero?emission cars, while households weigh budgets more tightly. In that climate, a well-priced, practical EV can do more than move the market; it can expand it.
Buyers will now watch for final UK pricing and finance offers, and for how other reviewers judge comfort, practicality and efficiency. Rivals will watch too. If Citroën turns early praise into strong value on the forecourt, the e?C3 Aircross could become the affordable EV that many families have been waiting for.
