Category: City Cars 
Price Range: £8,445 to £9,895
Pert looks, willing petrol engine, surprising legroom (even in back), decent safety spec, excellent value.
Dull and expensive diesel option, boot good for weekly shops, but not monthly ones; beaten for practicality by Panda, Picanto; with Citroen's special offers, more versatile C2 can work out cheaper to buy.
Arguably a better-value proposition than the 107 and Aygo, though all three are class-leaders
This, the littlest in the Citroen range and sister model to the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107, rounds off Citroen's trio of town cars. It satisfies the ever-increasing demand for city-dwelling models that don't break the bank, yet can transport four adult friends around without suffocating any one of them.
The C1 is mechanically identical to the Aygo and 107, sharing chassis, engines (1.0 petrol and 1.4 diesel), and even interior fittings. Individual character on the Citroen comes in the form of a bolder grille than the Toyota, slightly smarter headlights than the 107 and unique taillights. It's arguably the best-looking of the three. Three- and five-door models are available, the latter making the C1 a worthy rival to the Kia Picanto and Fiat Panda.
The little Citroen's engaging, uncomplicated driving dynamics are ideal for the urban cut and thrust, and its low price and straightforward cabin layout appeal to first-time buyers and OAPs alike. The C1's trump card is its low starting price (the basic three-door model undercuts the entry-level Aygo), and Citroen dealers continually run deals, special offers and incentives.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Citroen C1
wrote on 07 04 2008
wrote on 31 03 2007
wrote on 15 10 2006