citroen

C1

Available in three or five door versions, the combination of economy, style, comfort and fuel economy contribute to make the C1 a very appealing city car. Safety specification is also very high.

Test Drive

Citroen C1 (2014)

Compact city cars are in high demand these days and the new generation three or five-door Citroen C1 is guaranteed to make a positive impact on the market thanks to its snazzy design cues, feature-rich interior, excellent economy and striking open-top option.

Priced from £8,245 there are three trim levels called – Touch, Feel and Flair – with Airscape open-top styling available on the top two grades.

There is also a choice of three-cylinder petrol engines. The entry-level 68bhp 1.0-litre is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and buyers can also opt for an automated manual five-speed clutch-less Efficient Tronic Gearbox.

There is also a 1.2-litre model producing 82bhp with manual transmission.

And if you want to stamp your own identity on your car there are eight exterior colours, a bi-tone fabric roof option and lots of ways to personalise the interior too with colour variations on the centre console, air vent trim and gear lever base.

The door panels also include matching coloured inserts.

New distinctive design features include special rear light clusters that create a striking 3D effect, vertical LED daytime running lights integrated into the bumper and a new front grille.

The inside is deceptively spacious with a clean, clutter-free layout and space for four adult so long as the front seats are not pushed back too far. The boot is adequately sized for a city car with a capacity of 196 litres which can be increased to 780 litres with the 50:50 split-folding rear seats folded forward.

The cabin has a bright and cheery feel to it with all controls, dials and read-outs perfectly positioned for driver usability. And one stand-out feature is the new technology that has been introduced – namely a seven-inch colour screen called Touch Drive. This system groups together all the car’s media functions in one neat bundle such as the DAB radio, on-board computer, reversing camera, telephone and it can even be linked up to your smartphone for access to music and navigation etc.

Former C1 models came under fire at times for their ride and handling, but any issues have definitely been eradicated in the new generation model which boasts new suspension springs, enhanced shock absorbers and a new anti-roll bar.

In addition, new electric power steering helps to deliver precise and enjoyable handling credentials.

We tested the range-topping Flair model with the Airscape open roof feature and around a bustling Amsterdam during rush hour it was great fun to drive. The C1 weaved effortlessly through the crowded traffic and the superb all-round visibility was a true bonus with cyclists darting out from all angles. And when it comes to parking in tight spaces the car’s compact dimensions are a true bonus.

But don’t be fooled into thinking the C1 is restricted to an urban life because out on the faster roads there was ample power as it moved up through the five-speed manual transmission and acceleration was fairly impressive too.

The road-holding was great and despite a little engine and road-surface noise, the ride quality and comfort levels were difficult to find fault with.

With global sales topping the three quarters of a million mark since it was launched back in 2005 the latest generation C1 is bound to continue the success story – after all who can resist its eye-catching good looks, great handling, richly-equipped interior and superb economy.

Test Drive

Citroen C1 1.0i Rhythm 5dr

It may be the baby in the Citroen family, but believe me, the C1 is very advanced for its years when it comes to spec level, appearance and performance.

The test model – the five-door Rhythm – was like the Tardis inside with plenty of space for passengers, although those of the taller variety would struggle a little in the back of the car.

Elsewhere though, the luggage compartment and storage areas were also quite compact but certainly adequate for this type of vehicle.

You see, the C1 is really the perfect all-rounder as a city car.

It‘s not one you will see many business drivers hurtling up and down motorways in and it‘s not really that practical for people wanting to take their cars on long holidays unless they can travel very light.

It is, however, difficult to match for its qualities as a city run-around. It is very nippy, offers excellent all-round visibility which makes squeezing into the tightest of spaces a complete breeze and it is an attractive car too, which despite what manufacturers of ugly cars say, does matter.

Inside the cabin, all the dials and controls are perfectly positioned for ease of use and the circular speedo with rev counter protruding is very similar to the design of that popular follower of fashion, the Mini.

Another very big plus factor for the C1 is the incredible spec and safety list that comes as standard with the vehicle. That means that for little more than £7.5k you have an MP3 compatible CD player, variable power-assisted steering, cornering stability control and plenty more.

The fun factor of the C1 is increased thanks to the variety of colour co-ordinations and model variations you can select from and when you add in the fact the vehicle scored highly in the Euro NCAP safety ratings, it’s clear to see just why the C1 is being viewed by many as just A1.