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C1 restyled after just three years |
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New C1Citroën’s good citizen gains extra sparkle
The redesigned C1 is set for launch in November 2008. The styling upgrade enhances the car’s cheerful, curvaceous looks with several changes to the front end, including stronger bumper outlines that underline the C1’s get-up-and-go spirit.
The C1 is fitted with high-performance engines that make it equally at home in the city or out on the open road. The upgraded C1 retains all of the strong points that made it a success, namely excellent road manners, top-level safety, compact proportions for city driving and low retail price and running costs.
Like the original model, the new C1 is part of Citroën’s strategy to market a range of compact vehicles with different styles and concepts. This is why the revamped model remains available in two body styles:
The C1’s restyled front end gives it more vitality and punch. The new bumper, larger and more curvaceous, confers a snappy, energetic look and a touch of elegance. From the second trim level, the new model sports a chrome strip that highlights the curves of the bumper and confirms the vivacious, contemporary feel. The three- and five-door versions also retain the innovative transparent styling feature at the rear. Designed to be as big as possible, the all-glass tailgate is framed by harmonious crystal and anthracite lights that merge naturally with the bumper. Depending on the country, the new C1 ships with two new body colours, Mica grey and Electra blue, rounding out the range of paint options.
Several upgrades have also been made to the C1 cabin, particularly in terms of the interior design scheme. The barrel-shaped display below the central console features new screen-printing for more clarity and modernity. This upgrade applies to all models in the range. In other changes, boot access has been optimised through greater clearance for the rear parcel shelf. |
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Boundless creativity
At 3.43 m long, 1.63 m wide and 1.47 m high, the C1 is perfectly proportioned for the city. Considering these exterior dimensions, the interior is impressively roomy, with plenty of space for four passengers. A the front, elbow room of 1.38 m and head room of 0.87 m enhance the well-being of occupants. Rear passengers are treated to generous leg room and 0.84 m head room.
The C1 boasts impeccable road manners and is as pleasant to drive in the country as in town. Its running gear provides excellent roadholding and contributes effectively to active security. Other top-level safety features include ventilated front brake discs, ABS, EBD and cornering stability control (CSC), together with standard-fit driver and passenger airbags from the first trim level.
To respond to the diverse needs of its customers, the C1 is available in petrol and diesel versions, mated to an automatic gearbox or a SensoDrive 5-speed automated manual. This kind of complete offering remains rare in the city car segment. - The HDi 55 diesel unit develops 40 kW at 4,000 rpm and torque of 130 Nm at 1,750 rpm. It boasts impressive combined-cycle fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100 km and emits just 109 g/km of CO2. The HDi 55 is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. - The 68 hp 1.0i petrol engine is a flexible performer offering enthusiastic, linear acceleration. It generates power of 50 kW at 6,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. This unit boasts lower fuel consumption 4.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle and lower CO2 emissions, at just 106 g/km for the 5-speed manual version and 107 g/km for the 5-speed SensoDrive model.
The C1 is attractively priced and inexpensive to run, with low fuel consumption and reasonable maintenance costs (service frequency is 30,000 km for the diesel). During development, major focus was placed on low-speed impact to protect vehicle parts and keep repair times to a minimum. |
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| © 2008 Julian Marsh/Citroënët | |