Street friendly

In fact, against its key competitors in the city car class, the Citron C1 tops the charts for in-car entertainment, handling and safety features - it has been awarded a 4 star EuroNCAP rating for occupant protection - as well as performance and fuel economy. At the same time, it also delivers the lowest CO2 emissions figures along with a lowest possible insurance rating of 1E for petrol models. The Citron C1 is available at launch in three- and five-door body styles, with a new three cylinder 1.0i petrol engine, two trim levels - Vibe and Rhythm.

The C1's low cost and compact dimensions will make it ideal for first time new car buyers, two-car families and older customers looking to downsize. At the front, the C1's bold personality is expressed by the robust deep bumper, smart clear lens headlamps, rounded bonnet and prominent chrome double chevrons. It is even more distinctive from the side with the flared wheel arches and, in the case of the five-door models, the cleverly designed doors that stretch 'right to the lights'. At the rear, the futuristic triangular lamp clusters flank the all-glass tailgate.

The large windscreen and glass area help create a bright and airy interior where the modern design theme continues. Behind the steering wheel, the information pod, complete with black-on-white dial, introduces a funky design element, whilst a matching rev counter pod is attached to the speedo on higher spec Rhythm models.

Despite the Citron C1's compact exterior dimensions, the designers have maximised interior space by pushing the wheels to the four corners of the vehicle. Generous head, leg and elbow room for the front seat occupants is matched by surprising amounts of space in the rear thanks to the clever design of the side panels and front seats. Keeping everyday clutter out of the way is easy, with a choice of 12 separate storage compartments in the dashboard, centre console and doors. Above that, the useful boot space can be expanded to a maximum 751 litres capacity with the rear seats folded.

With a choice of both petrol and diesel engines the C1 is perfectly equipped for around-town motoring. A nippy 3-cylinder 68bhp 1.0 litre petrol engine, with variable valve timing, delivers a confident and lively driving experience that can effortlessly stretch a gallon of fuel for over 60 miles on the combined cycle. Additionally the HDi 55 diesel engine will keep running costs even lower, with almost 70mpg possible on the combined cycle. The C1 is well equipped with a host of safety features. Twin airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and CSC (Cornering Stability Control) are standard across the range.

Buyers can select from a variety of attractive body colours including four metallic paints - Gallium Grey, Carlinite Grey, Damas Blue and Caldera Black - as well as Scarlet Red. Even though the agile and fun-to-drive Citron C1 is likely to be used mostly as a one or two person urban run-around, it will easily shuttle around four adults when required. Inside, the head, leg and elbowroom are amongst the best in the city car class thanks to the long wheelbase, high roofline and clever use of interior space.

In the rear, passengers enjoy supportive seating, as well as additional elbowroom. The fitting of hinged rear windows on five door models allows the doors to house large deep stowage bins and sculptured armrests. By tipping the rear seats forward the boot volume is expanded up to 751 litres on five-door models, a generous dimension for coping with items such as a widescreen TV or a pram.