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Citroen C1 review - does French hatch offer the thrill of city driving? - Design

Good value city car, but unrefined on the road

Evo rating
RRP
from £8,345
  • Efficient, easy to park, well-equipped and good value
  • Poor body control, coarse manners, better rivals

Only the front of the Citroen C1 really differentiates it from the platform-sharing Peugeot 108 and not everyone will like the 'furrowed brow' appearance. At least the standard LED daytime running lamps give it an upmarket look, though front-on the C1 appears distinctly tall and narrow.

The side view is more conventional, though look closer at the five-door version and you'll notice pop-out rear windows. The C1 isn't the only car in its class to feature these in lieu of proper sliding glass, but it does cheapen it. In contrast, the glass rear hatch, though presumably used to save money, gives the rear of the C1 a distinctive appearance. The Airscape roof adds to that, as does the option of bright contrast colours.

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