ON THE ROAD
Performance
There is the choice of only a 67bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol or a 1.4 diesel to power this little car. Performance is surprisingly good on the petrol car; we would avoid the slower, pricier diesel. The C1 can hold its own on motorways. To get the most out of it you do have to make use of the five-speed gearbox, though.
Ride & handling
The ride is very firm for a small car that’s designed to spend most of its life in the city, and the suspension can be heard – and felt – working over rougher parts of the road. It does handle well and manages to keep body lean in check when the going gets twisty, but modest grip limits its abilities.
Refinement
Wind and road noise is present at the national limit, but not overly intrusive. The three-cylinder engine is brash, but this sound can lend the car an appealing sporty feel on short jaunts. On longer journeys, however, it becomes wearing.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning
This is where the C1 is strongest. List prices are very reasonable, and could drop further if Citroën offers cashback. A year’s motoring won’t cost the earth, either. The C1 sits in insurance group one, and even the petrol version returns an average 61.4mpg.
Quality & reliability
The C1’s cabin is funky and well built, although some of the plastics and materials feel rather cut-price. The C1 was developed alongside the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo and, like those cars, we expect the mechanicals and engine to prove reliable over time.
Safety & security
Two front airbags are standard in both models, while the range-topping Rhythm also gets two side airbags. Curtain ’bags and stability control aren’t available, but the anti-lock braking system has a feature that’s designed to keep the car stable whether you hit the brake pedal on a straight road or in the middle of a bend.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
The steering column only adjusts vertically, but it’s still easy to find a comfortable driving position. It helps that the speedometer moves with steering-wheel adjustment, so you always have a clear view of the dials. The cabin is fresh and attractive, with transparent and easy-to-use heating controls which glow at night. Visibility is good, but the wide rear door pillars slightly hinder the view out of the back.
Space & practicality
Four averagely proportioned adults will just about fit in the car, although they will have to leave their luggage behind because the boot is minuscule, oddly shaped and accessed through a one-piece glass hatch. However, you can drop the 50/50 split-fold rear seats for more room, and there are plenty of cubbies around the cabin.
Equipment
There are two trim levels available – entry-level Vibe in three- or five-door form, or the five-door-only Rhythm. Both have a CD player with an MP3 socket, but only the Rhythm has electric front windows, remote central locking and a rev counter. Alloy wheels aren’t available and air-conditioning is optional only on Rhythm models.
Performance
There is the choice of only a 67bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol or a 1.4 diesel to power this little car. Performance is surprisingly good on the petrol car; we would avoid the slower, pricier diesel. The C1 can hold its own on motorways. To get the most out of it you do have to make use of the five-speed gearbox, though.
Ride & handling
The ride is very firm for a small car that’s designed to spend most of its life in the city, and the suspension can be heard – and felt – working over rougher parts of the road. It does handle well and manages to keep body lean in check when the going gets twisty, but modest grip limits its abilities.
Refinement
Wind and road noise is present at the national limit, but not overly intrusive. The three-cylinder engine is brash, but this sound can lend the car an appealing sporty feel on short jaunts. On longer journeys, however, it becomes wearing.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning
This is where the C1 is strongest. List prices are very reasonable, and could drop further if Citroën offers cashback. A year’s motoring won’t cost the earth, either. The C1 sits in insurance group one, and even the petrol version returns an average 61.4mpg.
Quality & reliability
The C1’s cabin is funky and well built, although some of the plastics and materials feel rather cut-price. The C1 was developed alongside the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo and, like those cars, we expect the mechanicals and engine to prove reliable over time.
Safety & security
Two front airbags are standard in both models, while the range-topping Rhythm also gets two side airbags. Curtain ’bags and stability control aren’t available, but the anti-lock braking system has a feature that’s designed to keep the car stable whether you hit the brake pedal on a straight road or in the middle of a bend.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
The steering column only adjusts vertically, but it’s still easy to find a comfortable driving position. It helps that the speedometer moves with steering-wheel adjustment, so you always have a clear view of the dials. The cabin is fresh and attractive, with transparent and easy-to-use heating controls which glow at night. Visibility is good, but the wide rear door pillars slightly hinder the view out of the back.
Space & practicality
Four averagely proportioned adults will just about fit in the car, although they will have to leave their luggage behind because the boot is minuscule, oddly shaped and accessed through a one-piece glass hatch. However, you can drop the 50/50 split-fold rear seats for more room, and there are plenty of cubbies around the cabin.
Equipment
There are two trim levels available – entry-level Vibe in three- or five-door form, or the five-door-only Rhythm. Both have a CD player with an MP3 socket, but only the Rhythm has electric front windows, remote central locking and a rev counter. Alloy wheels aren’t available and air-conditioning is optional only on Rhythm models.
