In-depth reviews

Citroen C1 (2014-2022) review

It’s got plenty of style and it’s decent to drive, but the Citroen C1 loses out to more practical city car rivals

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.0 out of 5

  • Easy to drive, good acceleration, reasonably priced
  • Interior quality, rear seat space, small boot
Find your Citroen C1
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
From:£7,250 cash
PCP finance available
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

The Citroen C1 makes a good first impression with its distinctive styling – a result of quirky split-level headlights and an extensive range of contrasting colour and trim options. The colour continues inside, which gives the car cheerful feel, plus this latest C1 is more lavishly equipped than the original.

Despite styling which still manages to look fresh, the Mk2 C1 carries over a great deal from the previous model. Refinement is better than before, although the engine emits a typically audible three-pot thrum when pushed, and the ride can get quite unsettled. The rear seats and boot are quite cramped compared to rivals, too. So while the Citroen C1 is chic, fun and affordable, other city cars can do what it does better.

About the Citroen C1

The Citroen C1 dates back to 2005 when the city car was launched alongside its sister models, the Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo. They were the result of the Toyota Peugeot Citroen Automobile (TPCA) joint venture, with the cars built in the Czech Republic.

Billed as a second generation model, but based on the old platform, the current C1 arrived in 2014, and like its predecessor, it shares much with its Peugeot and Toyota siblings. But while the former C1 and 108 were visually very similar, the new versions are notably different. The 1.0-litre engine from the old Citroen C1 has been carried over. A five-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard on all models, with no automatic option offered.

Both three- and five-door versions of the C1 are offered. Entry-level Touch trim is only offered in three-door form, while Feel and Flair trims are available as both three- and five-door models. Upper-level Urban Ride and Origins trims are five-door only, and five-door models are also available with an 'Airscape' peel-back fabric roof for around £930 extra with Feel, Flair and Urban Ride trim levels. Rivals to the C1 include the 108 and Aygo, along with the likes of the Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10, Skoda Citigo and VW up!

The range kicks off with the basic Touch trim level, which offers front electric windows, LED daytime running lights, 14-inch steel wheels and remote central locking. It's a rather basic affair, and customers would be advised to upgrade to the Feel model. This adds air conditioning, a 7-inch touchscreen, DAB digital radio and 15-inch steel wheels. The Flair includes a reversing camera, chrome exterior trim, tinted rear windows, leather steering wheel, and electric and heated door mirrors.

While the little city car has lots to commend it, many customers in the sector are price-led and to that end dealers often offer attractive Citroen C1 deals. Good value special editions are worth looking out for too.

The Citroen C1 makes a good first impression with its distinctive styling – a result of quirky split-level headlights and an extensive range of contrasting colour and trim options. The colour continues inside, which gives the car cheerful feel, plus this latest C1 is more lavishly equipped than the original. Despite the fresh styling, the Mk2 C1 carries over a great deal from the previous model. All models are powered by the 71bhp 1.0-litre VTi 72 three-cylinder petrol engine.. 

Refinement has been improved but the ride can get quite unsettled. The rear seats and boot are quite cramped compared to rivals, too. So while the Citroen C1 is chic, fun and affordable, other city cars can do what it does better.

For an alternative review of the latest Citroen C1 Hatchback visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...

More on C1

Show me:
Top 10 best learner driver cars 2022
Best cars for learner drivers - header image
Best cars & vans
11 Feb 2022

Top 10 best learner driver cars 2022

Easy to drive, affordable, and inexpensive to run, these are our top 10 used cars to learn in.
Citroen C1 city car production ends
Citroen C1
News
27 Jan 2022

Citroen C1 city car production ends

Citroen marks the end for its popular C1 model ahead of new Ami arriving in UK this spring
Special edition Citroen C1 JCC+ adds new style to city car line-up
News
27 May 2020

Special edition Citroen C1 JCC+ adds new style to city car line-up

New limited edition C1 created through collaboration with French fashion designer, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac
9. Citroen C1/Peugeot 108 - Best city cars
Car group tests
7 Nov 2018

9. Citroen C1/Peugeot 108 - Best city cars

The underpinnings from the Toyota Aygo make their way into its French siblings – the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108.
Used Citroen C1 review
Used Citroen C1 - front
Used car tests
10 Jul 2018

Used Citroen C1 review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Citroen C1 covering the C1 Mk2 (2014-date)
Citroen C1 updated with new tech and a refreshed engine
Citroen C1
News
3 Apr 2018

Citroen C1 updated with new tech and a refreshed engine

Citroen's city car gets the same engine updates as the new Toyota Aygo, plus a handful of new driver assists
Citroen C1: £140 per month
Citroen C1
Best cars & vans
31 Jan 2017

Citroen C1: £140 per month

£140 per month with a £1,500 deposit (4.9 per cent APR)
Citroen C1 Furio 2016 review
Citroen C1 Furio - front tracking
Road tests
15 Sep 2016

Citroen C1 Furio 2016 review

The Citroen C1 Furio is cheap to run and looks good, but lacks the ability of its rivals
New C1 Furio adds sporty looks to smallest Citroen
Citroen C1 Furio front three quarter
News
27 Jul 2016

New C1 Furio adds sporty looks to smallest Citroen

Affordable Citroen C1 Furio city car is aimed at young drivers, offers sporty styling at a low price
Citroen C1
Best cars & vans
20 Oct 2014

Citroen C1

.
Citroen C1 Urban Ride crossover concept in Paris
News
2 Oct 2014

Citroen C1 Urban Ride crossover concept in Paris

Jacked-up, SUV-style city car ‘concept’ joins army of Citroens at 2014 Paris Motor Show
Citroen C1 Airscape convertible review
Road tests
12 Jul 2014

Citroen C1 Airscape convertible review

How does Citroen's C1 city car work in Airscape guise with a folding fabric roof?
New Citroen C1 review
Road tests
19 Jun 2014

New Citroen C1 review

The new Citroen C1 is a step up from its predecessor, with good refinement and a sense of fun
8. Citroen C1 1.0i VT
Citroen C1
Best cars & vans
2 Apr 2014

8. Citroen C1 1.0i VT

Cheapest cars to run - Citroen C1 1.0i VT: total cost of ownership: £9,130.32
Citroen C1 2014: price, specs and on sale date
News
11 Mar 2014

Citroen C1 2014: price, specs and on sale date

The 2014 Citroen C1 goes on sale in July after making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show
Citroen C1 Swiss & Me concept
Citroen C1 Swiss & Me concept
Articles
3 Mar 2014

Citroen C1 Swiss & Me concept

City car-based concept to be unveiled at Geneva
Citroen C1 (2005-2014) review
Citroen C1 front tracking
In-depth reviews
16 Dec 2013

Citroen C1 (2005-2014) review

The Citroen C1 is a fun and cheap rival to the Volkswagen up! and Kia Picanto - but it is showing its age
Aygo, C1 and 107 drop to three-star NCAP rating
Toyota Aygo Euro NCAP crash test front side
News
19 Dec 2012

Aygo, C1 and 107 drop to three-star NCAP rating

The facelifted Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 have had their Euro NCAP rating lowered to three stars
2012 Citroen C1
Citroen C1 front cornering
Road tests
2 Mar 2012

2012 Citroen C1

Do updates to the Citroen C1 go far enough to keep it competitive?
Updated Citroen C1
Citroen C1
News
5 Jan 2012

Updated Citroen C1

Updated Citroen C1 gets fresh styling, more equipment and CO2 emissions of 99g/km for the first time
Citroen C1 VTR
Road tests
16 Jan 2009

Citroen C1 VTR

New look and greater efficiency make baby even bigger in the city.
Citroen C1 Code
C1 front
Road tests
12 Mar 2008

Citroen C1 Code

French firm gives its entry-level model a luxurious makeover.
Citroen C1 Airplay 3dr
Road tests
6 Sep 2006

Citroen C1 Airplay 3dr

The C1 Airplay comes with a free Apple iPod Nano digital music player and sturdy holder