Get in the zone with the unique and vibrant C1

Citroën has improved its systems and parts stockpile and its delivery significantly over the last two years so as to establish the brand as an alternative option to the more familiar and family brands. The French brand’s products offer a truly unique range for those discerning individuals who wish not to be a part of the herd.

The C1 is cheeky, exceptionally eager and responsive, offers loads of fun and funkiness, low operating costs and is, in my mind anyway, equal to many more expensive offerings in the market. It is one of those cars that just puts a smile on your dial every time you drive it – yes, trust me, every time.

Sincerely fashionable
If you want to refer to the little car as a compact – do so – you have its permission because it is true. Short, sweet and perfect for hopping around the city, parking and turning where others cannot. The exterior design is utterly zesty and vibrant.

The front end is “square” and soft, dominated by the large air dam under the grill and sided by daylight-running lights. The headlight clusters may be considered a little frog-eyed but the grill and bonnet design is the cohesive element which creates boldness at the front end.  The C1’s shoulder line is gentle compared to its sharp and defined wheel arches and I love the soft and feminine window design.

The light clusters at the rear dominate that part of the C1’s anatomy with the spoiler at the top of the tailgate rear window presenting a sporty edge. Short overhangs enhance the compactness of the little car.

The classiness and excellent finish and fit of the interior is what set the C1 apart from most of its competitors – it is just awesomely ergonomic – utterly modern and practical without being in your face. The moment I sat my behind in the driver’s seat and felt the soft-touch steering, I smiled – everything just felt right and in its place. The instrument cluster – part of the complete steering cluster – is large and clear and so is the touch screen on the centre stack.

Once I had adjusted my seat, I looked towards the rear to check the legroom. Not much though, but to be expected. The rear seat can fold down but the luggage space would certainly only accommodate a bachelor/bachelorette’s groceries, and only just. But then, the C1 would be the gofer/student/runabout in the family. Be that as it may, Annalize and I did a round trip via Schoemanskloof to Waterval Boven and back to Mbombela and were utterly surprised by the little car.

One of the truly young features in the C1 is the mirror-screen technology. Access to all its functions is via the 7-inch touch-drive interface which can mirror your cellphone’s screen and access features. The Google generation will have a field day – in fact they would probably prefer to live in their C1s.

Does it vroom-vroom?
Yes, its vroom-vroom is awesomely nippy and responsive via the 1,2-litre VTi engine producing 60kW and 116Nm, which I agree does not sound like much. But boy! This one is alive, willing and needs no encouragement other than light pressure from the right foot.
The engine is linked to a five-speed box with an exceptionally quiet, light and precise shifting gear stick. You will probably look down at the stick just to make sure you did in fact change into the next gear. Of course the little three-cylinder’s sound box copies that of a Porsche, which adds to the good feeling of getting it off the mark – all the time, every time. Come on, stop it now!
Fuel consumption is given at 4,3litre/100km and although mine averaged 5,2 I did manage exactly 4,3 for long stretches on the open road while being constantly impressed with the super smooth and comfortable suspension response to road conditions.

Conclusion
Go drive the C1 and just trust your gut – you will want one and you will not regret buying it either. ‘Nough said…