Citroen C1
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for an affordable city car that’s fun to drive and easy on the wallet? The Citroen C1 might be the perfect match for your needs. This compact city car delivers impressive fuel economy, nimble handling, and surprising character in a package that’s designed for urban life. It’s ideal for new drivers, city commuters, or anyone who wants a reliable second car without breaking the bank.

The C1 stands out in the crowded city car market with its cheerful styling and practical approach to motoring. Unlike some rivals that feel basic, the C1 offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience. You get responsive steering, decent performance from the small engine, and excellent visibility that makes parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces effortless. The interior might be simple, but it’s well laid out and built to last.

What makes the C1 particularly appealing is how it balances economy with enjoyment. The lightweight construction means the modest engine feels lively, while running costs remain impressively low. Road tax is minimal, insurance groups are favorable, and fuel consumption regularly exceeds 50 mpg. For drivers who want a no-nonsense car that’s genuinely fun to drive around town, the C1 delivers exactly what you need at a price that won’t stretch your budget.

What's the Citroen C1 Like to Drive?

The Citroen C1 is powered by a spirited 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing around 72 horsepower. While this might sound modest, the C1’s lightweight construction means it feels surprisingly nippy around town. The 0-60 mph time of around 13.8 seconds won’t win any races, but it’s perfectly adequate for city driving and occasional motorway trips. The engine is eager to rev and delivers its power smoothly, making overtaking on A-roads manageable with a bit of planning.

Where the C1 truly excels is in its handling and maneuverability. The steering is light and precise, making parking incredibly easy even in the tightest spaces. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance for a city car, soaking up urban potholes while still providing enough feedback to make country roads enjoyable. The small hatchback feels stable and composed, with surprisingly good grip from its narrow tyres. It’s genuinely fun to drive, which isn’t something you can say about every car in this class.

Inside the Citroen C1: Comfort & Features

Step inside the C1 and you’ll find a cabin that’s simple but well thought out. The dashboard design is clean and functional, with all the important controls within easy reach. The materials used are basic but durable, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use without looking cheap. The seats are comfortable enough for shorter journeys, though taller drivers might find the driving position a bit cramped on longer trips. The upright seating position does provide excellent visibility in all directions, which is a real advantage in busy traffic.

Standard equipment includes a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, allowing you to access your music and navigation easily. The cabin is reasonably quiet at city speeds, though you’ll notice more road and engine noise on the motorway. Climate control is effective, and there are enough storage spaces for your daily essentials. While it’s not luxurious, the interior feels honest and functional, exactly what you’d expect from a car focused on practicality and value.

The Citroen C1 succeeds brilliantly at being an honest, affordable city car. It delivers exactly what most people need from urban transport: excellent fuel economy, easy handling, and rock bottom running costs. The driving experience is more engaging than you might expect, with responsive controls and nimble handling that make even mundane journeys more enjoyable. Build quality is solid for the price point, and reliability is generally good.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Citroen C1 Expensive to Run?

This is where the C1 really shines. Fuel economy is exceptional, with real world figures regularly exceeding 55 mpg in mixed driving conditions. In city driving, where the C1 spends most of its time, you might see even better figures. Road tax is just £20 per year for most models, making it one of the cheapest cars to tax on UK roads. Insurance groups are typically between 5-8, meaning premiums should be very reasonable, especially for younger drivers.

The initial purchase price is competitive, and depreciation is relatively gentle compared to some rivals. Servicing costs are modest, with parts readily available and affordable. The simple engine design means fewer things can go wrong, helping keep maintenance bills low. For anyone looking at car finance options, the C1’s low monthly running costs make it easier to budget effectively. Overall, it’s hard to find a more economical car to own and run, making it perfect for cost conscious drivers.

Citroen C1 Practicality & Boot Space

For such a compact car, the C1 makes surprisingly good use of its space. The boot capacity of 196 litres is small but adequate for weekly shopping or a couple of overnight bags. Fold the rear seats down and you’ll create a useful flat loading area that can accommodate larger items when needed. Inside the cabin, there are several storage compartments for your phone, keys, and other essentials, though don’t expect the spaciousness of a larger family car.

The rear seats are best suited to children or shorter adults on brief journeys. Legroom is tight for anyone over average height, and headroom can be an issue too. However, for a couple or small family using it primarily as a city runabout, the C1 offers enough space for everyday needs. Compared to other used Citroen cars, the C1 prioritises efficiency and maneuverability over maximum passenger space. The compact dimensions that limit interior space are exactly what make it so easy to park and navigate through busy streets.

The Citroen C1 proves that small cars can still offer big value. It combines exceptional fuel economy with surprisingly engaging handling, creating a city car that’s both practical and enjoyable to drive. While it may not offer the space or luxury of larger vehicles, it excels in its intended role as an affordable, efficient urban runabout. The low running costs and competitive purchase price make it an attractive option for budget conscious buyers.

You choose the C1 when you want a car that simply works without breaking the bank. Its compact size makes city driving stress free, while the efficient engine keeps fuel bills minimal. For anyone considering cars under £10,000, a used C1 represents excellent value. It’s the kind of car that quietly gets on with the job, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get reliable, economical transport that puts a smile on your face.