The 2014 Geneva Motor Show will see French automaker Citroen premiering the new Citroen C1 - a nameplate that has sold more than 760,000 units worldwide since its launch in 2005. The latest version of the city car will be available in both three and five-door versions, alongside a new open-top body style called Airscape.
The new C1 supermini reflects the bold renewal of Citroen's C-line with a more dynamic design complemented by a cheerful front-end gaze, characterised by its headlights.
The dynamic, lively styling is underlined by the visual continuity between the windscreen and side windows, with black windscreen pillars and, depending on trim level, chrome-finish weather strips.
Meanwhile, the vertical daytime lights emphasises the car's cheerful design and strong character. Lighting effects continue at the rear, with a glass tailgate and square lights creating a 3D effect. For a touch of urban chic, 14-inch or 15-inch wheel covers and 15-inch diamond-tipped alloy wheels are also available.
Both three and five-door versions maintain compact dimensions at 3,460mm in length, 1,620mm in width and standing 1,450mm tall. The dimensions make it nimble and easy to manoeuvre with an optimum turning radius of 4.80m and electric power steering for easy handling.
The interior is clean while the dashboard features bright colours on the multimedia panel, air vent trim and gear lever base. The door panels also include body-coloured inserts. Citroen believes the C1 can ferry up to four adults in comfort, with generous space for its occupants.
Inside, there are storage compartments throughout the cabin complementing the adequate 196 litre boot that can be increased to 780 litres with the rear seats folded.
Compared with its predecessor, the new C1 features a rear axle that is 4kg lighter, new suspension springs and shock absorbers along with a large-diameter anti-roll bar. These changes improve both suspension comfort and road handling.
Citroen believes the C1 offers optimised running costs. Weighing just 840kg and fitted with 14 and 15-inch very low rolling resistance tyres, the C1 is powered by the firm's new range of efficient engines.
The C1 is on par with the best-in-class for fuel consumption when powered by the e-VTi 68 Airdream engine, mated to a five-speed Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG) gearbox featuring Stop and Start technology and fitted with a special aerodynamics pack.
Alongside it, a new VTi 82 from the PureTech engine family is also available. The French-built three-cylinder power unit has a 1.2-litre displacement with a power output of 82bhp and 118Nm of torque. It returns 27.6km/L while emitting just 99g/km of CO2 emissions.
