All three were facelifted last year, with the C1 gaining a new nose and tail treatment. Also included was engine tweakery that brought CO2 emissions down to 99g/km, meaning free road tax.
By and large you get what you pay for, and the strictly functional interior features acres of durable plastics that you’re unlikely to find in anything costing half as much again. It works, though, the utilitarian feel reminiscent of French classics such as the Citroën 2CV and Renault 4. It’s not lacking in equipment, but the snazzy, optional Alcantara and leather seats of our test car seemed out of keeping.
The 998cc three-cylinder engine hums and thrums and pulls well despite its lowly 69lb ft of torque, although it’s not so good when lugging out of corners in second gear. A vivacious spirit is part of the reason this car is so effective – combined with small size and light weight, it’s a hoot through swathes of traffic as you make judicious use of the five-speed manual gearbox to keep the revs up.
It’s not exactly economy driving, but after several days of this kind of use the fuel gauge hadn’t budged. Official figures are 55.4mpg Urban and 65.7mpg Combined.
As with most cars, the three-door is the better looking but this five-door provides much better access, although due to the car’s diminutive size, there’s little legroom in the back.
There’s not a lot of space for luggage, either, although you can fit five or six supermarket bags in the boot, which is accessed by a glass hatch rather than conventional tailgate.
Because of the tiny 14in wheels and short wheelbase, I had expected it to behave like a motorised pogo stick. Far from it. And as you’d expect, it’s a cinch to park.
However, the C1 feels too basic now that the more sophisticated – and keenly priced – Volkswagen Up has arrived. Best to go for the base five-door VT which until the end of the month is being offered for £7,345 (£8,345 thereafter) and includes identical performance and economy.
Citroën C1 VTR+
Price: £10,045
Telegraph rating: Three out of five stars
