New Citroën C1 – more than a feeling

The New Citroën C1, which reaches South African showrooms on November 1st is the latest generation of the popular city car that has sold more than 780 000 examples worldwide since 2005. And the second-generation version is the proverbial chip off the old block; with a cheerful personality, attractive styling, eager road manners and impressive efficiency, its bloodline is obvious.

Two generously-equipped, five-door derivatives are available: the C1 Feel (from R 168 990) and the C1 Feel Airscape with a stylish retractable roof from R 194 900. A third, entry model – priced at just R139 990 with a 1 litre engine – will be added in 2015.

Product highlights

• More design…with dynamic lines and a cheerful visage characterised by the eye-catching headlights.
• More agility….responsive and nippy, the Citroen C1 marries compact exterior dimensions (3.47 m / 1.62 m / 1.46 m L/W/H) with a tight, 10-metre turning circle (10 m)
• More comfort…ride quality and handling are improved compared to its predecessor.
• More useful technology… Reversing camera and 7-inch touch screen with mirror screen for the C1 Airscape. Hill Start Assist, low tyre pressure monitor and standard ESC for the current range
• More power…PureTech 1.2-litre triple provides 61 kW / 116 Nm
• More cash in pocket…thanks to a lightweight design and efficient powerplant the C1 delivers superb fuel economy of 4.3 litres per 100 km (and generates just 99 g/km)
• More space…room for four adults and 196 litres of luggage

Irresistible styling

Crucially, any temptation to increase dimensions has been resisted and the Citroën C1 continues to deliver an upbeat response to today’s urban mobility requirements, in a thoroughly contemporary package that reflects the bold renewal of the Citroën brand.

Overall length is up by just 26 mm, and width and height are fractionally reduced. Kerb mass is virtually unchanged.

The C1 combines a dynamic, lively design with a spacious, colourful interior and compact exterior dimensions. The styling is underlined by the seemingly continuous glass area from the windscreen into the side windows, with black windscreen pillars and dark tinted rear windows.

The front boasts all the key characteristics of the brand’s latest models, with a new two-part headlamp signature and vertical LED daytime running lights creating a friendly countenance in addition to emphasising the car’s strong character. The glass tailgate and square lights add momentum to the rear end, creating a three-dimensional effect.

The C1 Airscape features a full-length, retractable fabric roof that slides all the way back to the rear hatch so that you can let the sunshine in…and when necessary it can be closed in seconds, for refinement and insulation which matches the steel-roofed version. It really does offer the best of both worlds. As a final touch of urban chic, it is also fitted with 15-inch ‘planet’ alloy wheels.

Easy living

Despite being one of the most compact city cars on the market, the Citroën C1 is both versatile and practical, carrying up to four adults in comfort, with spacious front and rear compartments.

Nimble dimensions (overall length of just 3.47 metres and width of 1.62 metres and an unchanged 2.34 metre wheelbase) and a tight 10 metre turning circle along with electric power steering makes it easy to handle, and ideal for city parking and manoeuvring.

The interior combines dynamic, vibrant design with user-friendly features. Your ideal day-to-day partner, it boasts a range of convenient storage compartments including cup holders and a lidded glovebox able to hold a one-litre bottle. The Citroën C1 offers a range of comfort features, such as automatic air conditioning – a first on the C1 range.

The new Citroën C1 is also an ergonomically correct car, designed to make life easier. The seats have been completely redesigned to improve comfort compared to the previous generation and their body-hugging shapes provide enhanced side support with new levels of adjustment. Steering-mounted satellite controls make operation of the four speaker sound system effortless.

The 196 litre boot (up from 139) is easy to access, with the parcel shelf folding away when the tailgate is opened. A 50/50 split for the rear seats provides additional versatility, and with the rear seats folded boot capacity increases to 780 litres.

Comfort and safety

The zippy newcomer sets high standards for road handling and ride comfort. A lighter rear axle, plus new springs, shock absorbers and a large-diameter anti-roll bar improve both suspension comfort and road holding.

A new electrically-assisted rack and pinion delivers precise and accurate steering both in the urban and open road environments. At the same time, tyres with very low rolling resistance contribute to the car’s excellent fuel consumption without compromising braking and cornering performance.

ABS, EBA, ESC, six airbags, pre-tensioning seatbelts and Isofix mounting points are standard equipment and complete a specification that ensures a safe and relaxed driving experience for everyone on board. Hill-start assist is standard specification across the range. This feature holds the car stationary for two seconds for an easy re-start on slopes with a gradient of over three per cent.

Efficient new engine

South African customers can look forward to the new PureTech engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. This 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, 61 kW petrol engine uses innovative technologies to achieve fuel economy of 4.3 litres/100 km on the combined cycle and emits just 99 g/km of CO2. With a 35 litre fuel tank, a range of almost 800 km is feasible.

Rewarding performance is ensured thanks to 116 Nm at 2 750 rpm, endowing the C1 with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h. Servicing is only required every 20 000 km.

Buyer profile

The New Citroën C1 is positioned in the A segment (city cars). Buyers in this sector span all age groups, with the highest representation amongst younger buyers. Customers are motivated by a combination of affordability, efficiency, attractive styling and driving pleasure.

Two main customer demographics are anticipated: The first will be young drivers, typically under 30, the majority being female. They are looking for a stylish and affordable city car that is economical to run and fun to drive.

The second group are older couples looking to downsize both economically and practically.

Across the spectrum though, the new Citroën C1 will represent both the ‘smart’ choice, combining comfort, economy and functionality and the ‘fun’ choice, with inherent style, the latest technology and an enjoyable driving experience.

Conclusion

With its low running costs, exceptional value in standard features with its price tag and Gallic flair, the new Citroën C1 is a worthy successor to one of the world’s favourite city cars, proving once again that less is sometimes more.