Name: Citroen C1 Review
Item: Citroen C1
Author: Gumtree.com

Citroen imagines you buzzing about the city thanks to the C1’s small size and ease of manoeuvring, but it’s a good small car for country drivers too. The current Citroen C1 started life in 2014 and is the second generation of this city car – the original C1 ran from 2005 to 2014. Engine choices are petrol-only, but the first-gen car did have a diesel option until 2009. There are both three and five-door alternatives too. It’s cheap to buy and run, which makes it always worth a look if you’re after a straightforward run-around.

Visit the Citroen C1 model page to explore available vehicles and learn more.

What we think about the Citroen C1

A vehicle that’ll get the job done and not be too hard on your wallet, the Citroen C1 is a cheap choice to last – it doesn’t skimp on fun either.

Pros

Cheap to buy and run

Pretty good to drive

Should prove reliable

Cons

–

Can get noisy

–

Not a lot of space

The latest C1 is available in three trim levels: Touch, Feel and Flair with special editions also available. The Touch trim doesn’t get (ironically) the seven-inch touchscreen that feels like a must these days. Airscape spec adds a large, fabric sunroof that gives the feel of a convertible.

Driving performance of the Citroen C1

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

The Citroen C1 is comfortable, but it’s not a car you’re going to want to drive for long periods or distances. Having said that, it’s not unbearable on the motorway. This is a city car though, and that’s where it’s at home. Handling and acceleration certainly aren’t sporty but the C1 is nippy enough, largely thanks to its lightweight frame. That means it’s easy to park and move around in tight spaces too. The engine needs working to get up to speed, so be aware that overtaking takes planning and can be a little noisy.

Safety and reliability of the Citroen C1

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

The C1 was awarded a reassuring four-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2014 (with 80% protection rating for both adult and child occupants). It’s worth noting that the pre-2014 model received a lower three-star rating. In the current-generation, Autonomous Emergency Braking (called Active City Brake by Citroen) is an option, automatically braking in an emergency. The 1.0-litre engine has been proven in the C1 since 2005, and it’s perhaps telling that these have become the only option. The C1 was also developed with Toyota, which is no bad thing – the Japanese manufacturer has a very good reputation for reliability.

Under the bonnet of the Citroen C1

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The only engine now available is the same 1.0-litre that’s in the Toyota Aygo, and it’s the most widely available on the used market too. The lack of choice is not a bad thing as this engine was always the pick of the bunch. The figures (67 bhp and a 0-62 mph time of around 14 seconds) don’t tell the full story because it is responsive and – for a car this light – has impressive nippiness along with good fuel economy (more on that below).

What you'll find in the Citroen C1

Our Design Rating7 / 10

Built as part of a partnership that also resulted in the Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo, the C1’s looks are distinctly Citroen. It’s fairly stylish and perhaps even a little cute. The same can be said of the first generation as well, though it’s now starting to look a touch dated. Arguably popularised by Mini, customisation is big in this category and Citroen boasts 32 ‘customisation combinations’ – it won’t be hard to find one that suits your style.

Comfort and interiors in the Citroen C1

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The interior is modern and chic. There are attractive colour touches around the cabin, complemented by colourful cloth seat details (from Feel trim upwards). There’s a quality look and feel to the cabin too, despite the low price point. Practicality-wise, the small dimensions that make this car easy to park mean you’re not going to be swimming in space inside. The seats are reasonably comfortable though, and it can accommodate four adults well enough for shorter journeys. The boot is what you’d expect from a car in this class, but it will easily take a few shopping bags.

What features you'll find in the Citroen C1

Our Features Rating7 / 10

There is remote central locking and electric front windows across the range, but you’ll have to step up to Feel trim to get air-conditioning – so maybe pop a fan in the glovebox if you don’t want to splash out. Flair spec adds electrically-adjustable heated mirrors and a reversing camera that comes in handy for tight city parking. The infotainment system is fairly straightforward to use and comes with a seven-inch touchscreen (but not on the Touch trim). You can ‘mirror’ from your smartphone too – compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – which is a welcome addition.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Citroen C1

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

That 1.0-litre VTi engine can achieve 58.9 mpg with a CO₂ output of 93-96 g/km, a very respectable effort in this segment. Those emissions mean you’ll qualify for lower road tax, not to mention the peace of mind it offers about your environmental impact. The minimal weight of the Citroen C1 really contributes to its fuel economy, and you can get around 500 miles from a tank of petrol. Long drives shouldn’t take their toll too much price-wise.

Running costs of the Citroen C1

Our Cost Rating9 / 10

Running costs on the C1 should be low, thanks in no small part to some very good fuel efficiency and low emissions. Servicing and repairs won’t break the bank either, and new cars come with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty. Insurance costs shouldn’t be high, making this a particularly good choice for younger drivers or just the cost-conscious – a Citroen C1 with the 1.0-litre engine has an insurance group no higher than nine, and the first generation model (from 2005) had an insurance group of one.

Our verdict of the Citroen C1

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Citroen C1 would make a great first car or runabout, either new or used. It's stylish, economical, reliable and fairly fun to drive.

Citroen C1 Review