Citroen C1 - A Facebook favourite

CITROEN’S tiny C1 city car was launched in 2005 in a joint venture with Toyota and Peugeot but a new special edition has just been created in collaboration with Facebook which is the first car on UK roads resulting from such a venture writes Bryan Longworth.
Citroen C1 ConnexionCitroen C1 Connexion
Citroen C1 Connexion

CITROEN’S tiny C1 city car was launched in 2005 in a joint venture with Toyota and Peugeot but a new special edition has just been created in collaboration with Facebook which is the first car on UK roads resulting from such a venture writes Bryan Longworth.

It is the C1 Connexion which was created after 24,000 configurations were submitted through Citroen’s Facebook Page and it is based on the VTR trim level with added equipment and features including alloy wheels and metallic paint.

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Members of the public were invited to visit a virtual “factory floor” to choose what the model should look like and what features it should have and the result is a black three or five door mini hatchback with natty red exterior and interior detailing.

There are also 14 inch alloy wheels, dark tinted rear windows, daytime running front lights and Scarlet red door mirrors, door handles, rev counter, speedometer, centre console sill protectors and carpet mats with the name badge being designed by a Citroen Facebook fan.

The distinctive special edition is powered by the three cylinder 998cc petrol engine which produces CO2 emissions of 99g/km and zero road tax plus a combined fuel consumption of 65.7mpg, top speed of 98mph and zero to 62mph in 12.3 seconds.

There is also a re-styled front end, revised power steering settings and suspension changes to improve ride comfort with the car being priced at £500 more than the VTR version but it is specified with extra kit worth nearly £1000.

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My test car was the five door version priced at £9,845 (the three door is £9,495) and it looked very smart in its metallic black livery and alloys attracting quite a lot of attention considering it is eight years since it was first launched.

The three pot engine sounded quite sporty but not as obtrusive as some three cylinder units and with the five speed manual transmission the car provided an enjoyable driving experience and it was very well behaved on the bendy bits.

I would recommend the five door because it makes the rear seat much more accessible for passengers and placing shopping and baggage on it - getting in the back in the three door must be quite difficult for larger passengers.

Under the hatch is the load area and underneath that the floor can be lifted to access a spacesaver wheel which was quite a surprise in these days of puncture kits replacing spare wheels on many cars.

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Grumbles? Considering the test car had a navigation system and plenty of other standard kit I would have expected the exterior rear view mirrors to have been electrically operated and I would have preferred the interior mirror glass not to have been tinted.

Otherwise I liked this C1 which is an ideal city car with low running costs thanks to the frugal fuel consumption and zero road tax making it very competitive with newer rivals.

My Verdict: A Facebook favourite.

Factfile

Model: Citroen 1 Connexion.

Engine: 998cc three cylinder inline petrol.

Output: 68bhp @ 6000rpm.

Transmission: Five speed manual.

Top speed: 98mph.

Acceleration: 0 to 62mph 12.3 seconds.

Fuel consumption: 65.7mpg combined.

CO2 emissions: 99g/km.

Price: £9,845.