Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022) Review
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022) At A Glance
The Citroen C1 launched in 2014 was the second generation of the French brand’s city car, designed and built as a joint venture resulting in the near-identical Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo, built to take on cars like the Hyundai i10 and SEAT Mii.
With a relentless focus on cost, the C1 and its relatives have been consistently one of the cheapest new cars that money can buy. Even so, this second-generation version has improved in a number of key areas over the original C1, with greater refinement, improved specification and more capability to deal with traffic conditions outside of the city.
Citroen has stuck to the friendly and cheeky approach for the second-generation model as it aims to differentiate its C1 from the now more aggressive Toyota Aygo and the Peugeot 108. As before, all three are part of a joint venture, but this C1 is a significant improvement on the original model.
It still retains the compact dimensions with a length of under than 3.5 metres but there's more interior space and a larger boot too. The big changes are in refinement, with improved ride quality and less noise on the move. Citroen has also revised the gear ratios on the five-speed manual and as a result you don't have to work the C1 as hard to get meaningful performance.
Originally launched with a choice of two petrol engines, the C1 range has now been cut back to leave only the 1.0-litre VTi. Thankfully this engine provides characterful performance despite its size, has enough power and is economical with more than 50mpg possible.
In town, the C1 is highly manoeuvrable thanks to its short wheelbase and light power steering. It's better than before on the motorway, with less noise intrusion and the handling has been improved thanks to new suspension springs, new shock absorbers and a new large-diameter anti-roll bar. It's not quite as agile as the Skoda Citigo but it's still very composed and safe.
The interior of the C1 shows a significant improvement over the previous model whilst still being functional and hardwearing.
You also have the option to jazz it up with optional packs which add a dash of colour to the central console and air vents. Storage includes twin cup holders and a lidded glovebox that can accommodate a one-litre bottle.
All models bar the entry-level Touch are fitted with a seven-inch touchscreen in the dash that is a genuine plus on a car at this price, although features like the old fashioned trip computer display make it feel a little dated. On the plus side, an open-top version called Airscape is available and comes with a fabric roof which electrically retracts and adds to the fun feel of the little Citroen.
It's cheap to run and feels solidly built. There are some dated elements inside and it's not as roomy as a Skoda Citigo, but it still has plenty of appeal, helped by good equipment levels across the range.
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 VTi to 1.2
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 38–63 mpg
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022): Handling and ride quality
The fact that it is a light car, with power steering and skinny tyres means the steering is effortlessly light, and this really comes to fore when you’re out and about in traffic. Also being under 3.5 metres in length makes it one of the easiest cars to park at any price.
In normal driving, the C1 is capable if not outstanding. It offers a comfortable ride in most conditions, although the fact it has a short wheelbase means it finds longer undulations more difficult to cope with.
The handling is also geared towards safety and predictability rather than fun. You are aware of what the front wheels are up to and it remains predictable even if you start to drive it more quickly.
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022): Engines
Although the C1 now comes with a single engine option, the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder unit is something of a gem. Economy is impressive, with all versions capable of more than 50mpg under WLTP rules, helped by a stop/start system as standard.
The five-speed manual gearbox has been improved compared to previous versions with better ratios, and as a result the C1 is easier to drive with less noise at motorway speeds.
As an option, the 1.0-litre engine comes with an automated manual gearbox, labelled ETG, although it's best avoided unless you must have an automatic.
The 1.0-litre engine has enough get up and go about it, helped by the fact it's a three-cylinder unit. It's good fun around town and despite a modest 95Nm of torque it has enough poke due to the light weight of the C1 - it tips the scales at just 840kg. Away from a standstill it has real pep while at motorway speeds it feels far more comfortable than the previous C1 with less engine and road noise.
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022): Safety
The C1 was tested by Euro NCAP in 2014 and scored an impressive four-star rating overall - city cars tend to be at a disadvantage in safety testing as they tend to be small, and their low cost means they frequently do without expensive safety systems.
The C1 scored 80 per cent for both adult and child protection, with a solid 62 per cent for pedestrian mitigation.
On the options list the Active City Brake package, which includes automatic braking, lane departure warning and speed limit recognition, costs a reasonable £480 and is available on all models bar the basic Touch trim.
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022): Towing
Citroen does not offer a tow bar for the C1, and although it might be possible to get one fitted from an aftermarket supplier, it doesn’t have the torque to tow anything other very light loads and so is not recommended.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
1.0 VTi | 52–74 mpg | 12.6–14.3 s | 88–110 g/km |
1.0 VTi ETG | 67 mpg | 14.6–15.7 s | 95–97 g/km |
1.2 | 66 mpg | 10.9–11.0 s | 99 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
78%
Real MPG
38–63 mpg
MPGs submitted
111
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022) interior
- Boot space is 196–780 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of four stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 3465–3466 mm |
Width | 1615–1884 mm |
Height | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase | 2340 mm |
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022): Practicality
Expectations are generally low when it comes to space inside a city car, but the C1 gives away a little to its rivals in terms of space.
Getting in is pretty easy whichever version you choose. Big doors on the three-door model mean climbing into the back is no chore, but once you get there the C1 is relatively short on space, particularly legroom, and lags behind key rivals like the SEAT Mii in this respect.
Like the SEAT, both three and five-door models come with pop-out rear windows which helps to keep costs down and saves a few more millimetres of space.
The boot is smaller than the Mii too, with the C1 offering 196 litres while both the Mii and the Hyundai 10 have a capacity of more than 250 litres. That said, Citroen has managed to find 28 litres more boot space than the near-identical Toyota Aygo.
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022): Quality and finish
The seats are a big improvement on the old C1 and are wider with better support so you feel like you're sitting in them rather than on them.
The interior certainly feels solid and well finished so although there are hard plastics, they don't feel cheap and are what you'd expect in a car at this price level.
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022): Infotainment
All models, with the exception of the entry-level Touch, come with a seven-inch touchscreen on the centre stack. It controls the stereo, media inputs with a clear screen and easy to use layout. The Touch model makes do with a twin-speaker MP3 audio system with USB input.
One clever feature is Mirror Screen which mirrors the screen of certain smartphones allowing you to control your phone - and various apps - through the touchscreen. It means you can run navigation of your phone as an alternative to the optional integrated system.
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022) value for money
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022): Prices
Citroen’s official prices list states the C1 range begins at £10,910 for the three-door Touch model, although this low-cost version does not appear immediately on the Citroen website as it is designed as a loss-leader to attract buyers in, but can be selected in the online car configurator.
As you might expect equipment is modest; electric front windows, remote central locking, an MP3 audio system and ESP are the highlights. It is also worth noting that the Touch is available with three doors only.
Move up to the Feel model starting at £12,660 for the three-door and the equipment levels take an instant hike. Fitted as standard is air conditioning, the 7-inch touchscreen system including DAB and Bluetooth, larger 15-inch wheels and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. You also get smarter interior trim which helps to lift the cabin.
Flair models start at £13,450 for the three-door version and add a reversing camera, 15-inch alloy wheels, a speed limiter on manual transmission models, a rev counter, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors plus a chrome finish on the door mirrors and door handles.
Citroen offers the C1 with a full-length retractable fabric roof dubbed Airscape, and treats this as a separate body style that can be had in both Feel and Flair trims, starting at £13,990. In addition the C1 is frequently available in a number of special editions, both in the standard body style and with the Airscape roof.
The options list for the C1 is relatively modest and is mostly centred around paint choices and visual upgrades. However, an Automatic Pack including air conditioning, automatic headlights plus keyless entry and start costs £570, as well as an Active City Brake option for £480.
Citroen models suffer from slightly higher depreciation than the average, although within that the C1 model performs well, helped by a reputation for decent reliability and the low initial purchase price.
Used versions of the second-generation model are now close to £3,000 and frequently have low mileage thanks to living the city life.
Citroen C1 (2014 – 2022): Running Costs
You can expect some of the lowest running costs of any petrol-engined car on the market if you go for a C1.
In terms of reliability, the C1 is one of the best-performing Citroens - chiefly because much of the engineering was handled by partner Toyota, a manufacturer with a reputation for producing some of the most reliable cars on the market. So you can buy one with a good deal of confidence that it will go on happily for many years.
Expect low insurance costs too, with both Feel and Flair models coming in at insurance group 8E. You can also expect relatively low servicing costs too, with small wheels meaning smaller (and cheaper) tyres helping to cut costs.
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The entry-level Touch model is true bargain-basement model, with just the essentials in terms of equipment. It makes sense if your budget is super-tight or perhaps as a first car, but given how much additional equipment you get by moving up to the Feel it is likely worth the additional £1700, making it the best value of the range.
The Airscape models are fun, but given the sticker price is close to £15,000 it’s close to the money required to buy some small hatches.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 3465–3466 mm |
Width | 1615–1884 mm |
Height | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase | 2340 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 840–865 kg |
Boot Space | 196–780 L |
Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
Servicing | 10000–16000 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £9,125–£14,340 |
Insurance Groups | 7–13 |
Road Tax Bands | A–B |
Official MPG | 52.2–74.3 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 4 |
On sale until January 2023
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.0 VTi 72 Urban Ride 5dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 12.6 s |
JCC+ VTi 72 Start/Stop 5dr | £14,340 | - | 14.0 s |
Live VTi 72 Start/Stop 3dr | - | - | 14.0 s |
Sense VTi 72 Start/Stop 3dr | - | - | 14.0 s |
Sense VTi 72 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 14.0 s |
Shine VTi 72 Start/Stop 3dr | - | - | 14.0 s |
Shine VTi 72 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 14.0 s |
Shine VTi 72 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 14.0 s |
On sale until April 2021
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.0 VTi 72 Feel 3dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.0 VTi 72 Feel 5dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.0 VTi 72 Flair 3dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.0 VTi 72 Flair 5dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.0 VTi 72 Flair 5dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.0 VTi 72 Touch 3dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.0 VTi 72 Urban Ride 5dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 12.6 s |
On sale until January 2021
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.0 VTi 72 Elle 5dr | £12,970 | 68.9 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.0 VTi 72 Feel 5dr | - | 68.9 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.0 VTi 72 Feel Etg 5dr | - | 67.3 mpg | 15.7 s |
1.0 VTi 72 Flair Etg 5dr | - | 67.3 mpg | 15.7 s |
1.0 VTi 72 Origins 5dr | - | 52.2 mpg | 14.0 s |
Airscape 1.0 VTi 72 Feel Etg 5dr | - | 67.3 mpg | 15.7 s |
Airscape 1.0 VTi 72 Flair Etg 5dr | - | 67.3 mpg | 15.7 s |
On sale until August 2018
On sale until October 2015
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Airscape Feel VTi 1.0i 68 3dr | £10,595 | 68.9 mpg | 14.3 s |
Airscape Flair Pure Tech 82 3dr | £11,635 | 65.7 mpg | 11.0 s |
Airscape Flair Pure Tech 82 5dr | £12,035 | 65.7 mpg | 11.0 s |
Airscape Flair VTi 1.0i 68 S&S 3dr | £11,535 | 74.3 mpg | 14.3 s |
Airscape Flair VTi 1.0i 68 S&S 5dr | £11,935 | 74.3 mpg | 14.3 s |
Flair VTi 1.0i 68 S&S 3dr | £10,535 | 74.3 mpg | 14.3 s |
Flair VTi 1.0i 68 S&S 5dr | £10,935 | 74.3 mpg | 14.3 s |
On sale until April 2015
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Airscape Feel Edition VTi 1.0i 68 5dr | £11,195 | 68.9 mpg | 14.3 s |
Flair VTi 1.0i 68 3dr | £10,285 | 68.9 mpg | 14.3 s |
Flair VTi 1.0i 68 5dr | £10,685 | 68.9 mpg | 14.3 s |
Model History
- February 2014: New Citroen C1 revealed
- March 2014: C1 prices announced
- July 2016: C1 Furio launched
- December 2020: Updated Citroen C1 range priced from £10,315
- April 2021: Citroen C1 Urban Ride priced from £12,815
February 2014
New Citroen C1 revealed
The latest version of Citroen’s city car is available in both three and five-door versions, as well as a new open-top body style called Airscape. The front end features the key characteristics of the new brand models, with the Citroen C1’s two-part headlamps and round inserts creating a smiling front end.
The C1 is available in eight exterior colours (Caldéra Black, Gallium Grey, Carlinite Grey, Olive Brown, Lipizan White, Smalt Blue, Scarlet Red and Sunrise Red) and can also be personalised with bi-tone colour options. Two special launch versions are available with different body and roof colours – Olive Brown roof and Lipizan White body.
The soft-top version, Airscape, is also bi-toned. Contrasting with the body colour, the soft top is available in a choice of three colours: Sunrise Red, Black or Grey. For a touch of urban chic, 14-inch or 15-inch wheel covers and 15-inch diamond-tipped alloy wheels are also available.
The interior of the C1 is bright and airy with a colourful ambience. Designed with clean, structured lines, the dashboard features bright colours on the multimedia panel, air vent trim and gear lever base. The door panels also include body-coloured inserts.
The C1 is designed to carry up to four adults in comfort, with generous space in the front and rear. Both three and five-door versions maintain compact dimensions: 3.46m long / 1.62m wide /1.45m tall. One of the most compact city cars on the market, the versatile Citroen C1’s neat dimensions make it nimble and easy to manœuvre with an optimum turning radius of 4.80m and electric power steering for easy handling.
There are storage compartments throughout the cabin with cup holders and a glovebox able to hold a one-litre bottle and with a lid for greater peace of mind. The functional 196-litre boot is easy to access, with the parcel shelf folding away when the tailgate is opened. With the rear seats folded, boot capacity increases to 750 litres.
Compared with the previous-generation model, the Citroen C1 features a rear axle that is 4kg lighter, new suspension springs, new shock absorbers and a new large-diameter anti-roll bar. These changes improve both suspension comfort and road handling. New electric power steering delivers a precise and enjoyable drive with smooth, satisfying and sharp steering both in the city and on the open road.
The Citroen C1 features intuitive, easy-to-use technologies. It is available with a 7-inch Touch Drive Interface, grouping together all media functions (radio, telephone, video player, on-board computer). Mirror Screen technology offers advanced connectivity. This function allows the motorist to copy smartphone content onto the 7’’ Touch Drive Interface for easy display and control. To do this, a data exchange app must be installed on the smartphone, before being plugged into the car’s USB port, compatibility permitting.
Once installed, the motorist can take full advantage of the complete range of smartphone apps from the Touch Drive Interface: navigation, telephone, address book, music, web radio… and any other useful driving-compatible apps. A range of on-board technology makes driving easier such as a reversing camera, which projects images onto the Touch Drive Interface, simplifying manoeuvres, such as parking in tight spaces.
It also features hands-free entry and drive. This function lets the driver enter and start the car without taking out the electronic key – convenient technology typically seen on more premium models. Hill-start assist is also standard. This feature holds the car steady for two seconds for an easy re-start on slopes with a gradient of over 3%.
The new Citroen C1 is available with a choice of two latest-generation petrol engines. With the e-VTi 68 Airdream engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox and featuring Stop&Start technology with a special aerodynamics pack, the New Citroën C1 is on par with the best in class for fuel consumption.
The VTi 68 engine is available with the clutchless ETG (Efficient Tronic Gearbox). This 5-speed gearbox features a creep function and optimised pedal mapping, adjusting power effectively for smoother start-ups and enhanced driveability.
The other engine is the new VTi 82 from the PureTech engine family. Built in France, this 1.2 litre 3-cylinder 82bhp petrol engine uses innovative technologies for fuel consumption of 65mpg and just 99g/km CO2 emissions, combined with driveability and nimble performance – torque of 118 Nm and 0-60mph acceleration in 11 seconds.
March 2014
C1 prices announced
Available with three and five doors, the new C1 range starts at £8,245 for the C1 Touch VTi 68 manual 3-door, rising to £11,935 for the C1 Airscape Flair VTi 68 ETG 5-door.
There will be eight body colours to choose from, including four metallic options, along with three wheel designs and four interior upholstery finishes. The fabric roof will be available in three colours for the Airscape models (Black, Grey & Sunrise Red).
The C1 range is powered by two latest-generation petrol engines: a VTi 68, available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed clutchless Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG), or as an e-VTi 68 Airdream 5-speed manual with Stop & Start technology. There is also the addition of Citroen’s latest three-cylinder ‘PureTech’ VTi 82 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The lead-in C1 Touch standard specification includes ABS, EBA, ESP, power steering, high frequency remote central locking, electric front windows, six airbags, an MP3 compatible audio system, a USB socket and LED daytime running lights.
The C1 Feel adds air conditioning, DAB digital radio, 7-inch Touch Drive interface with Mirror Screen technology and steering mounted controls, along with body coloured door mirrors and door handles.
C1 Flair comes with 15-inch Planet alloy wheels and additional features including a speed limiter, rev counter, reversing camera, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, a leather steering wheel and dark tinted rear windows.
Optional extras include automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights, keyless entry & start and styling details such as black leather upholstery and various interior colour packs.
Model | Price (otr) |
C1 Touch VTi 68 manual 3-door | £8,245 |
C1 Feel VTi 68 manual 3-door / 5-door | £9,495 / £9,895 |
C1 Flair VTi 68 manual 3-door / 5-door | £10,185 / £10,585 |
C1 Flair e-VTi 68 Airdream manual 3-door / 5-door | £10,435 / £10,835 |
C1 Flair VTi 68 ETG 5-door | £11,085 |
C1 Flair VTi 82 manual 3-door / 5-door | £10,535 / £10,935 |
C1 Airscape Feel VTi 68 manual 3-door / 5-door | £10,345 / £10,745 |
C1 Airscape Feel VTi 82 manual 5-door | £11,095 |
C1 Airscape Flair e-VTi 68 Airdream manual 3-door / 5-door | £11,285 / £11,685 |
C1 Airscape Flair VTi 68 ETG 5-door | £11,935 |
C1 Airscape Flair VTi 82 manual 3-door / 5-door | £11,385 / £11,785 |
July 2016
C1 Furio launched
Bringing a new sporty style and unique features to the Citroen C1 city car range, the C1 Furio will go on sale in the UK from 1 August, with prices starting from just £10,855 on the road for the VTi 68. The Puretech 82 it £11,205.
Available as a three door hatchback, the new C1 Furio boasts striking exterior styling to appeal to younger drivers wanting a sporty look, but without them having to pay a premium for a more powerful engine. Two powertrain options are available: VTi 68 manual and PureTech 82 manual.
Based on the existing ‘Feel’ trim level, C1 Furio benefits from the addition of black 15-inch ‘Planet’ alloy wheels, bold exterior graphics, plus Sunrise Red door mirrors and wheel centre caps to provide an eye-catching contrast to the Lipizzan White or Carlinite Grey metallic body colour paint options. A rear diffuser and centred exhaust outlet complete the sporty exterior. Inside, C1 Furio benefits from the addition of ‘Wave’ grey cloth upholstery and a rev counter.
December 2020
Updated Citroen C1 range priced from £10,315
In line with Citroen's new trim naming and pricing structure, Citroën C1 models benefit from a price reduction of up to £700. Starting from £10,315, the C1 city car line-up is now: ‘Live’, ‘Sense’, ‘Shine’, ‘JCC+’ and ‘Airspace Shine’, all available with an efficient 1.0-litre, three-cylinder VTi 72 S&S petrol engine.
TRIM LEVEL |
POWERTRAIN |
MRRP OTR |
Live |
VTi 72 S&S manual 3-door |
£10,315 |
Sense |
VTi 72 S&S manual 3-door |
£12,095 |
VTi 72 S&S manual 5-door |
£12,495 |
|
Shine |
VTi 72 S&S manual 3-door |
£12,885 |
VTi 72 S&S manual 5-door |
£13,285 |
|
JCC+ |
VTi 72 S&S manual 5-door |
£13,640 |
Airscape Shine |
VTi 72 S&S manual 5-door |
£14,285
|
April 2021
Citroen C1 Urban Ride priced from £12,815
New trim level will replace the outgoing Sense model and will be on sale from May 2021. Standard exterior equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels with 'Comet' wheel trims, flared wheel arch extensions and dark-tinted windows. Inside, the seats are finished in Metropolitan Grey fabric, while a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob are standard. There's also a seven-inch touchscreen media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What to watch out for
MirrorLink system is not compatible with iPhones beyond the iPhone 4S, so not compatible with iPhone 5, 5S or 6. A software patch is being worked on but is not yet available.
15-07-2019:Report of clutch failure of 2016 Citroen C1, bought used at 5,000 miles in March 2018 and failure occurred at 8,000 miles in July 2019. Owner had already complained about it to supplying dealer in February 2019 and was told to brng it back later in the year. Now quoting £1,400 ro replace the clutch.