The Citroën C1 is a compact, economical and ecological city car and has become a benchmark in the segment since launch in June 2005. Citroën C1 is turning up the sparkle factor in early 2012 with an array of new features, including CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, LED daytime running lights, a CD audio system with the brand’s Connecting Box and an electronic gearbox system (EGS) with steering wheel mounted paddles.
Available from launch in both 3-door and 5-door guises – which is not the case for all its rivals – Citroën’s smallest car has retained all of its world-conquering appeal, having sold in 620,000 units over the last six years. Able to transport four adults with plenty of room in the front and back seats alike, the New Citroën C1 keeps its compact dimensions – at 3.44 m long, one of the shortest cars on the market – and hence its uncanny skills in nipping in and out of traffic.
The New Citroën C1 is a treat to handle (with a turning circle of just 9.63 metres kerb to kerb) and user-friendly across the board, with a plethora of storage compartments in the dashboard, central console and door panels. Boot volume can be adjusted thanks to a folding rear bench and ranges from 139 litres to over 700 litres.
Agile and responsible, the New Citroën C1 is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine developing 68 bhp. Equipped with a manual gearbox the Citroën C1 1.0i boasts improved fuel consumption and emissions performance and sets a new standard on environmental protection with 4.3 l/100 km over a combined cycle and 99 g/km of CO2. It is the first Citroën petrol-engine car to emit less than 100 g/km of CO2. The New C1 is also available with an electronic gearbox system for enhanced handling and driving comfort. This version, the C1 1.0i EGS, consumes 4.5 l/100 km and emits 104 g/km of CO2.
The New C1 gains even more appeal and personality through its new front end with a shorter bonnet. The headlights keep their rounded shape, while the entirely redesigned bumper now houses fog lamps and LED daytime running lights, still a rarity in the segment. The vertical-design light signature specific to Citroën – seen on the DS3 and C4 Aircross – strengthens the character of the new model. At the back, the C1 retains its innovative glass tailgate and adopts modernised chevrons and monograms. The C1 also gains new “Notus” design 14-inch wheel rims. It is still available with “Rift” alloy wheel rims but with a new touch in the form of a centre sporting the new chevron design.
The New Citroën C1 comes in a special launch colour that already adorns the C3 and DS3: Botticelli blue, a fresh-looking body paint included in the 2012 catalogue. The range of opaque and metallic body colours also includes Scarlet red, Tritium yellow, Electra blue, Lipizan white, Caldéra black and two grey tones, one light, Gallium, and one dark, Carlinite. Citroën has also finished the grille with a chrome-finished strip available from Confort trim level.
The New Citroën C1 is as attractive inside as it is outside, featuring a cheery cabin with components in the same colour as the body. The lower part of the dashboard, the central console and door panels change from grey to black and get the same colour as the top part of the dashboard for extra harmony. The leather steering wheel for EGS models has been redesigned, while manual gearbox versions get a new-look gearstick handle. Confort and Exclusive models are available in new Orsai Multicolore seat upholstery and entry-level models come with Nokimat Mistral mesh. The Leather/Alcantara option is still available, adding a high-end touch to the C1 interior.
The New Citroën C1 is fitted with modern features fully in tune with the brand’s values. The LED daytime running lights are an initial visual nod to “Créative Technologie”. For more travelling comfort, the radio offering has been enhanced. With a façade matching the styling of the dashboard and featuring a time display, the all-new CD audio system with a Connecting Box (optional from the second trim level and standard on Exclusive models) can read all MP3 formats and is equipped with a Bluetooth function. It is accompanied by USB and jack hook-ups at the base of the central console. Other new technological treats for the driver include steering wheel mounted controls for the electronic gearbox system – a first for the C1 – and parking assist available as an accessory.
The New Citroën C1 is a versatile performer. To perfect its on-road abilities, it features new power steering settings and shock absorbers for more agility and ride comfort at low speeds. The new model is equipped with a range of technologies for safer urban and peri-urban journeys, including ABS, airbags, emergency brake assist, Isofix anchor points, electronic brakeforce distribution and ESP (available as an option on all trim levels).
