Citroen C1 Review Covering 2005 To Date

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Quick Summary of the Citroen C1

OVERALL

Of the Citroën C1/Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo trio, the C1 has been by far the best buy if you're after a brand new car. It still represents the best value if you're after a diesel car although I'd probably plump for the Toyota if petrol power was a priority now that prices have levelled. Whichever C1 you choose, you'll end up with a cracking citycar and one which manages to make most of its rivals look old and limited.

C1 AND BUY ONE

If, like me, you've been inundated with headlines about rising insurance premiums, soaring fuel bills, punitive emissions taxation and frankly ludicrous congestion charge pricing, you might well be looking to ditch your gas guzzler and switch to a titch and little cars don't come much more funky and fun than Citroën's C1. Affordable pricing from new has seen these cars sell like hot cakes with the inevitable effect of softening the used valuations. If you're looking for a low-mileage city scoot, you can't do a whole lot better than the C1.
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History of the C1

The C1 debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show alongside two other suspiciously similar looking creations, Peugeot's 107 and Toyota's Aygo. Those in the know will realise that all three share a common platform, the companies spreading the costs of developing the cars between them. Of the three cars, the Aygo featured the most distinctive styling whereas the Citroën targeted the budget consumer. The Peugeot appeared to be left to pick up the pieces. The Citroën C1 was also gifted a huge advantage in being the only one of the three cars offered with a diesel engine from launch, Toyota eventually adding a diesel in February 2006, giving Citroën eight months advantage in offering an oil burner in their citycar.
Used Citroen C1 for sale

Citroen C1 Road Test

Parking at the supermarket for the weekly mission isn't going to present too many difficulties. At just 1.6m wide, the C1 will easily be able to take advantage of those awkward spaces next to the concrete columns that are so often rejected. What's more, at just 3.4m long, you'll probably be able to access the tailgate while still tucked safely into your bay, away from errant trolleys and distracted drivers.You get to choose between petrol and diesel but that's as far as it goes. The range starts with the entry-level 1.0-litre Vibe variant or there's a plusher Rhythm trim level that was £500 more from new. If you want a diesel, you have to have Rhythm and five doors. Plump for the green pump and you get a 68bhp 1.0i unit, while those looking for a diesel option get a 54bhp HDi engine. As might well be expected, both units are EuroIV-compliant and both return over 60mpg on the combined fuel economy cycle. Even in town, you'll be hard pressed to nudge below forty in the diesel. Five speed manual gearboxes are fitted as standard.
Used Citroen C1 for sale

Buying a Citroen C1

The C1 hasn't had any major faults or serious recalls but do insist on a fully stamped up service record and inspect the car carefully for parking knocks and scrapes. The C1's plastic bumpers can shrug off some quite hefty scuffs without affecting their function but if there are abrasions use them as a negotiating point. The interior is very hardwearing.
Used Citroen C1 for sale

Citroen C1 Typical Pricing

Prices start at around £4,525 for a 1.0-litre C1 Vibe, with the Rhythm model commanding £5,675 on a 2005 05 plate. You'll still need around £5,700 to get your hands on one of the desirable diesel variants. Although it may not initially seem that way, for most buyers the petrol will work out the more cost-effective proposition. As you might well expect, insurance for the C1 is extremely cheap with the 1.0-litre cars rated at Group 1 and the 1.4-litre diesels at Group 2. Citroën dealers often offered free insurance schemes to tempt younger drivers into C1 ownership with some youngsters deciding to sell when this period expired.
Used Citroen C1 for sale

Citroen C1 Parts

(approx based on a 2005 C1 Vibe 1.0) C1 spares are relatively cheap with an oil filter retailing at around £8, a starter motor retailing at around £90 and front brake pads costing a very reasonable £30 a pair.
Used Citroen C1 for sale

Citroen C1 Rated

Performance Performance 3 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 4 out of 5

Insurance

Value

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Citroen C1 Review2005 To Date