Citroën C1
| Company type | City car |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën 2CV (conceptual predecessor) |
| Founded | June 2005 |
| Defunct | January 2022 |
| Headquarters | Kolín , Czech Republic |
Area served | Europe |
| Products | City cars |
The Citroën C1 is a city car produced by Citroën from June 2005 until January 2022,[1] developed within the framework of the B-Zero initiative by PSA Peugeot Citroën in collaboration with Toyota. This collaboration resulted in two generations of the model.
Introduced simultaneously were two closely related models: the Peugeot 107, which differed mainly in front and rear styling, and the slightly distinct Toyota Aygo. All three vehicles made their debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show and were assembled by the TPCA joint venture located in Kolín, Czech Republic.
First generation (PM/PN; 2005)
Conceived by designer Donato Coco, the C1 showcases a one-box design. On five-door versions, the rear light cluster spans from the rear doors up to the rear window, eliminating a clearly defined "C-pillar." The petrol engine offers fuel consumption around 61.4 mpg (UK) or 43.4 mpg (US), while the diesel variant achieves approximately 68.9 mpg (UK) or 48.8 mpg (US). According to Der Spiegel, among petrol vehicles, the C1 is second only to the Toyota Prius in fuel efficiency, and among diesels it ranks just behind the Smart Fortwo mhd.
In January 2010, PSA Peugeot Citroën issued a recall for close to 100,000 units of both the C1 and Peugeot 107 due to accelerator pedal sticking concerns, associated with Toyota’s global recall affecting the Aygo. The C1 also gained recognition as an economical choice for endurance racing events, continuing a legacy reminiscent of its predecessor, the Citroën 2CV.
Trim range (United Kingdom)
- Vibe: Offered in three- or five-door configurations, this was the entry-level model. It did not include features such as central locking, a tachometer, air conditioning, or electric windows. It was exclusively equipped with the 1.0i petrol engine.
- Rhythm: Available as three- or five-door variants, this trim added remote central locking, body-coloured wing mirrors, dual side airbags, and a tachometer. Engine options included both the 1.4 HDi diesel and 1.0i petrol.
- Code: Built upon the Rhythm trim and available in three- or five-door forms, it introduced 14-inch alloy wheels, partial leather upholstery, chrome interior accents, and a covered glove compartment. Powertrains were either the 1.4 HDi diesel or 1.0i petrol.
- Special editions (United Kingdom)
- Cool – Based on the Vibe trim, this edition incorporated air conditioning along with blue upholstery and dashboard accents; it came in Lipizan White or Damas Blue.
- Airplay – Derived from the Rhythm trim, it featured comprehensive iPod integration including a cradle and a 4 GB iPod Nano, complemented by coloured dashboard inserts and door pulls. Early versions displayed vibrant swirling decals; this edition was introduced at the 2006 British International Motor Show.
The GT-C1, a customized concept version of the C1 created by designer Franco Sbarro, boasted wide wheels, gullwing doors, a tuned 1.6L engine sourced from the Citroën C2 VTS, and braking components adapted from the Citroën C4 WRC.
In markets such as Portugal and Greece, a commercial van variant named Entreprise was offered featuring a three-door layout and powered by a 1.4L diesel engine for urban applications; an identical version was available under the Peugeot 107 badge.
Between 2009 and 2012 in the UK, an electric adaptation called the Citroën C1 ev'ie was marketed by Electric Car Corporation, representing one of the earliest four-seat fully electric production vehicles available commercially.
2009 update
In January 2009, Citroën refreshed the C1 simultaneously with the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo. This update brought a redesigned front bumper and grille to better reflect Citroën’s brand styling, introduced three fresh color choices, and modified trim designations—basic Vibe trims were renamed 'VT', while Rhythm trims became 'VTR'. Enhancements included more resilient upholstery materials, improved ventilation control graphics, new wheel cover designs, and an updated clutch mechanism.
Alongside the facelift, a limited-edition "Splash" model was launched, based on the VT trim but equipped with air conditioning, a CD player, and electric front windows. It was offered in Electra Blue featuring white door mirrors or Lipizan White paired with glossy black mirrors.
2012 update
The March 2012 revision incorporated a new bumper, bonnet, steering wheel, and CD player. It also added LED daytime running lights and introduced a new paint shade called "Botticelli Blue." Fuel consumption was enhanced.
Two additional trim levels—Platinum and Edition—were added to the range, both including alloy wheels, fog lamps, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever; the Platinum trim further included a spoiler and chrome interior accents. The VTR+ trim was repositioned as the entry-level offering. In August 2012, the Connexion trim was introduced featuring 14-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, and distinctive paint finishes.
Between 2012 and 2014, the vehicle was marketed as the Citroën C1 eco in Greece.
Engines
| Model | Production Years | Engine Type | Capacity | Output | Torque | Acceleration (0–100 km/h) | Maximum Speed | Fuel Consumption (NEDC) | CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0i 12V | 2005–2014 | I3 | 998 cc | 69 PS (51 kW; 68 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 93 N⋅m (69 lbf⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm | 12.3 s | 98 mph (158 km/h) | 4.3 L/100 km (66 mpg‑imp; 55 mpg‑US) | 99–109 |
| Model | Production Years | Engine Type | Capacity | Output | Torque | Acceleration (0–100 km/h) | Maximum Speed | Fuel Consumption (NEDC) | CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 HDi 8V | 2005–2010 | I4 | 1398 cc | 56 PS (41 kW) at 4,000 rpm | 130 N⋅m (96 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750 rpm | 14.8 s | 96 mph (154 km/h) | 4.0 L/100 km (71 mpg‑imp; 59 mpg‑US) | 109 |
Reliability
According to breakdown statistics published by the ADAC in May 2010, the Citroën C1—alongside its platform-sharing siblings Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo—ranked highest in the subcompact category for vehicles aged between one and four years due to its low failure rate.
Safety
Following the facelift in 2012, the vehicle’s Euro NCAP safety rating decreased from four stars (awarded in 2005) to three stars.
Second generation (AB40; 2014)
At the Geneva Motor Show#2014, Citroën revealed a completely redesigned C1 manufactured at the Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile Czech (TPCA) facility through a joint partnership with Peugeot and Toyota. The lineup featured a fixed-profile cabriolet called Airscape equipped with a retractable fabric roof and offered in both three- and five-door configurations.
Trim levels
- Feel – equipped with an expansive fabric sunroof that reduces rear headroom; replaced by 'Sense' in 2020.
- Flair – optional features included keyless ignition, climate control system, and rearview camera; succeeded by 'Shine' in 2020.
- Sense
- Shine
- Touch – base model lacking air conditioning, tachometer, and adjustable seats.
- Special editions
- Elle – highlighted by cherry pink stitching and dual-tone paintwork.
- JCC+ – a collaboration with designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac; based on Flair trim featuring unique black 15-inch alloy wheels, exclusive paint finish, special badging, automatic climate control, and upgraded headlights.
- Lagoon
- Origins Collector's Edition – cosmetic enhancements plus black-painted 15-inch alloy wheels.
- Furio – sport-inspired styling with racing stripes, roof spoiler, and central exhaust pipe.
- Sunrise
- Urban Ride – offered additional color options.
Engines
| Designation | Production years | Engine code | Capacity | Output | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
Maximum speed | Fuel consumption (NEDC) | Template:CO2 emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 VTi 68 | 2014–2018 | Toyota 1KR-FE I3 | 998 cc | 69 PS (51 kW) at 6,000 rpm | 95 N⋅m (70 lbf⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm | 13.0 s | 160 km/h (99 mph) | 4.1 L/100 km (69 mpg‑imp; 57 mpg‑US) | 90 |
| 1.2 PureTech | 2014–2018 | PSA EB2-F I3 | 1199 cc | 83 PS (61 kW) at 5,750 rpm | 117 N⋅m (86 lbf⋅ft) at 2,750 rpm | 11.0 s | 171 km/h (106 mph) | 4.3 L/100 km (66 mpg‑imp; 55 mpg‑US) | 99 |
| 1.0 VTi 72 | 2019–2022 | Toyota 1KR-B52 I3 | 998 cc | 72 PS (53 kW) at 6,000 rpm | 93 N⋅m (69 lbf⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm | 12.6 s | 160 km/h (99 mph) | 3.8 L/100 km (74 mpg‑imp; 62 mpg‑US) | 86 |
Discontinuation
The anticipated next-generation C1, set to debut in March 2021 on the TNGA-B platform, was ultimately cancelled. The TPCA collaboration ceased production of the Citroën C1 and Peugeot 108 in 2021, whereas Toyota proceeded with the third generation of the Aygo, marketed as the Toyota Aygo X. Manufacturing of the C1 concluded on January 1, 2022, marking nearly 1.2 million units produced over both generations.
Sales
| Year | Europe[2][3] |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 17,949 |
| 2006 | 87,563 |
| 2007 | 93,903 |
| 2008 | 104,475 |
| 2009 | 118,702 |
| 2010 | 102,023 |
| 2011 | 82,969 |
| 2012 | 65,573 |
| 2013 | 56,722 |
| 2014 | 53,518 |
| 2015 | 63,695 |
| 2016 | 62,537 |
| 2017 | 53,292 |
| 2018 | 52,020 |
| 2019 | 49,900 |
| 2020 | 40,578 |
| 2021 | 35,897 |
| 2022 | 3,559 |
See also
- Citroën C1 ev'ie — electric conversion of the C1