THE Citroen C1 gives all the right vibes for success in the city-car sector.
The only individuals likely to be immune to its charms are plastic surgeons as this car knocks years off you as soon as the ignition key is turned.
Wrinkles and worry lines smooth out on your face, clothes all of a sudden change into stylish threads from Fat Face, the tune playing on the radio magically alters from Frank Sinatra to the Kaiser Chiefs and - well, I think you get the picture. This car shouts youth culture at the top of its carburettor. It's fun with a capital F.
But unique it ain't, as the C1 is one of three similar cars all being built at the same factory in the Czech Republic - the others under the badges of Toyota and Citroen's sister company Peugeot.
However, despite displaying a capacity for sharing that if applied to the Third World would end poverty and famine, the C1 retains a vital spark of individuality setting it apart from the rest.
Yes, it has the same three cylinder one-litre petrol engine and basic body shell as the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107, but thanks to giant clear headlamps, a rounded bonnet, deep bumpers and truly trendy rear lights, the Citroen has its own distinctive appearance and character.
The five-door version of the C1 I tested is also fitted with rear doors that stretch all the way back to the rear lights where impressive flared wheel arches complete the look.
The interior of the car is as innovative as the outside. There are 12 storage areas and the half moon shaped speedometer moves up and down with the steering wheel adjustment.
Citroen describes the car as funky and flexible - somebody in the marketing department obviously likes the power of alliteration - but it could be the value for money part of the C1's allure that finally hooks punters.
It is available in two trim levels, the three-door and five-door Vibe at £6,495 and £6,845 respectively, and the more upmarket five-door Rhythm at £7,345.
The entry-level Vibe is substantially cheaper than its Ford Ka competitor and represents a clear and present danger to the current king of the sector.
The Vibe is well equipped but if you pay the extra cash for teh Rhythm you get a wide range of additional comfort, convenience and safety features which include remote central locking, electric front windows, a rev counter and velour upholstery.
To be honest I missed the central locking and electric front windows left off the Vibe more than I would have imagined and would pay the extra for the Rhythm.
That said the Vibe does offer ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, driver and front passenger airbags, power steering, pollen filter, and radio/CD player.
This car will be bought by bright young things or families looking for a smart second motor that's easy on the juice - and as the C1 uses fuel like a miser uses money it will appeal to both potential purchasers.
It is also surprisingly roomy thanks to a Tardis-like design. There's plenty of headroom and a surprising amount of legroom .
In the boot there's enough space for a moderate shopping trip and the rear seats can be folded over to create more space for bulkier items.
On the road the car handles like a dream and treats corners with disdain. It's nippy away from the lights feeling a lot quicker than the official 0-62mph time of 13.7 seconds.
In short the C1 is an A1 city slicker.
FAST FACTS
Citroen C1 1.0i Vibe 5dr
Price: £6,845
Mechanical: 68bhp, 998cc, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 98mph
0-62mph: 13.7 secs
Combined mpg: 61.4
Insurance group: 1
CO2 emissions: 109g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust