CITROEN'S reputation was founded on making affordable small cars, a concept it has rekindled with the C1.
Because it is part of a joint venture with Peugeot and Toyota, this Citroen model does not have the distinctive appeal of the popular 2CV, but it should prove very popular.
It still looks like no other Citroen in the line-up and with some price pruning it stacks up well against its joint venture siblings and city cars from other manufacturers.
If you want the best performing model I would go for the 1.4 diesel engined Rhythm version. It may be slower than the one-litre petrol engined C1 but it is better overall offering an extra eight miles per precious gallon.
Unfortunately, its higher price and positioning in the market mean it loses more depreciation in three years but if you can squeeze out a good price at the start that is less significant.
Reflecting its role as a family car or load carrier, the C1 Rhythm only comes with five doors compared to the three-door derivatives in other C1 models.
The engine comes with a pedigree, performance and pleasing economy which will delight any driver and its matching to the five-speed gearbox is very good, with light clutch, neat gearchange and some good ratios to maximise power, acceleration and long-legged cruising.
The brakes are good enough for a city runabout and the steering has a good turning circle and comes with standard power assistance.
Secondary controls fall to fingertips and the simple instruments are clear to read.
Oddments room is at a premium in the C1 with small compartments and the boot holds between 140 and 750 litres. Passengers have modest legroom but good headroom and it's really a four seater only.
The seats are small, well padded and shaped with reasonable but not excessive front adjustment.
Visibility is good to front and sides, but reversing may be tricky for shorter drivers who cannot easily see around the thick C-pillars.
Noise levels are well contained and the most noticeable is the road rumble but the diesel can be heard working hard under load. I found the lack of door padding annoying as it seemed to "clang" shut every time.
The C1 diesel Rhythm is slightly skittish under power and over bad surfaces but everything is easily controlled and the ride quality is good nevertheless.
It is a simple, fairly economical model which will turn heads and holds out the promise of low running costs. It is a good introduction to the Citroen range.
FAST FACTS
Citroen C1 1.4 HDi Rhythm 5dr
Price: £8,525
Mechanical: 55bhp, 1,398cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 96mph
0-62mph: 15.6 secs
Combined mpg: 68.9
Insurance group: 1
CO2 emissions: 109g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust