Alternatives

Ownership cost

Our recommendations

What is it like?

Reliability

Hatchback

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

It's a very capable city car which has the talent to back up its cute looks

Used Citroën C1 2005 - 2014

There is very little chance that a used C1 will bankrupt you. Even when compared with the Toyota Aygo, with which is shares many of its parts, it loses its value quicker, so it should be cheaper to buy second-hand.

It will cost you peanuts to run, too. Fuel economy is among the best that you will get from any car: the petrol returns an average of 61.4mpg, and although this is a very strong performance, the diesel has it beaten. With an average of 68.9mpg, you will be able to travel more than 530 miles between fills.

Insurance costs, another big consideration for young drivers, are also good as it's possible to get. Both engines carry a group 1 classification, so premiums will be minimal. Routine servicing is also cheap.

It's a very capable city car which has the talent to back up its cute looks

Of the two engines on offer, the three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol is the best. It sounds great and its 67bhp is more than enough in the featherweight C1. It feels eagre in town, and can just about cope at the national limit.

The 1.4 diesel is just as good. With 54bhp, it has less power than the petrol, but it has more pulling power, so its overall performance doesn't suffer much. You will pay more for it, however.

Two trim levels are available with the petrol. Vibe is the basic package, providing a limited amount of standard kit. You get a CD stereo with MP3 compatability, and that's about it. Air-con wasn't even offered as an option.

Chilled air wasn't standard on the Rhythm but you could pick up a model that had it specified as an option. You also get remote central locking, curtain airbags and electric front windows. The diesel is only available in Rhythm trim.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

Small

The C1 was only released in June 2005, so it's difficult to give an accurate picture of how reliable it will be yet.

Some may worry that Citroens have a dubious record for frailty in the past. But it shouldn't be doom and gloom with the C1. It was built in partnership with Toyota.

While Citroen provided the diesel engine, the Japanese manufacturer did pretty much everything else.

Toyota's record for reliability is terrific. However it remains to be seen whether Toyota will bring the C1 up, or the whether it will bring Toyota down.

Cars that are this cheap aren't always very talented, but the Citroen C1 manages to combine rock-bottom prices with a broad spread of abilities.

The C1 certainly has the looks to attract young drivers at whom it is aimed. The styling is fresh and contemporary, inside and out, which means that, unlike many city cars, young drivers will be proud to be seen in this Citroen.

They will also enjoy driving it. The handling is fine, as long as corners are taken with the respect that they are due, and although the ride is firm, it is unlikely to bother people.

The C1 is definitely best in the urban jungle, because its keen powerplants and compact proportions are ideal for city life. The engines struggle more with motorway driving, and refinement isn't terrific.

It's not such good news on practicality. Rear-seat passengers will struggle for room and the boot is tiny.

Used Citroën C1 2005 - 2014 reliability

Complete the 2024 What Car? Reliability survey >>

https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90474827/16ebb403e3a6&rdt=2

Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer

Renault Symbioz

Dacia Spring

Alfa Romeo Junior

Peugeot e-5008

MG Cyberster

NEW REVIEWS:

site ribbon config

Used Citroën C1 2005 - 2014 review

The C1 was only released in June 2005, so it's difficult to give an accurate picture of how reliable it will be yet.,Some may worry that Citroens have a dubious record for frailty in the past. But it shouldn't be doom and gloom with the C1. It was built in partnership with Toyota.,While Citroen provided the diesel engine, the Japanese manufacturer did pretty much everything else.Toyota's record for reliability is terrific. However it remains to be seen whether Toyota will bring the C1 up, or the whether it will bring Toyota down.

What to look for when buying a Citroën C1 2005 - 2014, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

NEW REVIEWS:

Used Citroën C1 2005 - 2014 reliability

Citroen C1 1.0i VTR Euro 5 3dr

Citroen C1 1.0i VT Euro 5 5dr

What should I look for in a used Citroën C1 hatchback?

What are the most common problems with a used Citroën C1 hatchback?

Is a used Citroën C1 hatchback reliable?

What Car? has cars in stock

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information