Photos: Angelos Loukissas
For some strange reason that I cannot understand, the Citroen C1 is Popular in the ranks of women. In the... I was just... I was going around, as if Citroen had made them... Maya, no woman was found who did not give the almost standard answer "it's cute.". Okay, it's French - and the French know about finesse. This is basic for -most- women (only?) and then comes the practicality. So, we can... get closer to the reason why the small, which has jointly developed the PSA Group (Peugeot/Citroen) with Toyota, in this form that expresses the modern, dynamic, trendy design language Citroen, is so popular. The question is whether it's worth it, objectively (since we all know women aren't that... objective).
In my hands, I took the five-door Airscape version with the fabric retractable roof and the tricilyndro Engine 1,2 litre petrol with the 82 horsepower. I was, as usual, negative. But living with him convinced me that worth buying one does. Why?
The "being" of the
First of all, if you're going to buy it, get it in this version. With the fabric roof, which opens with the pushing a button, too quickly and without procedures. Also regulated in how open will be. This is the first point. In a country like Greece, the, in any case cute C1, will cheer you up, even on the way to work, on the way to the hazy Athens.
I will not dwell on its external design. At round lanterns with the "eyebrow" above them, the Citroen badge running across the well-designed grille with its pointed vertical LEDs, the harmonious side and the rear with its large headlamps. But in the internal.
Inside, the C1 gives a strange sense of youthfulness. It combines the frugal and the retroin a strange way, with the fresh, the youthful, at most modern. And in this, not only the very beautiful (and too comfortable!) seats with the feast of colours on their sides. The hard plastic dashboard has lines running through it that add to the "something." in his image. Behind the three-wheel steering wheel, the "Spartan" instrument panel is prominent with the tachometer display dominating and the rest (except the tachometer, which is absent) in a electronic board, in the middle of it.
Although the driver has all the necessary controls on the steering wheel, next to him, right next to the instrument panel, is the sound system, in which I really liked this retro Choice of "Needle" of the radio. Directly below, at the height of the driver's right hand, are the controls of the air conditioner/heater, the flashlights, the cigarette lighter and, lower down, the USB port. So there's no need to talk about ergonomics. The driver has it all. all in hand its!
In everyday life, C1 is practical and pleasant in use, since it has, apart from the... cuteness and ergonomics, several cup holders and places for small things, as well as a glove compartment.
At the back, the picture is about the same. I say "about.", because the rear passengers will have their own doors and recall windows, while the spaces are those you would expect for a car not exceeding a length of 3.5 metres. The 168 litres of boot space however, it's enough.
On the road
When I write about C1 moving, I can't imagine it with closed roof. For which I really appreciate that Worth to spend a little extra to get it. Not only because it brings that other air inside, but also because it is quality. Internally, it has investment, while the assembly when it closes, is excellent. The most pleasant thing is that I did not find swirls and other such annoying phenomena in the cabin, with the roof open, even at speeds like 150 lose!
"But well, does it reach 150?" the question. The truth is that, with this engine, the C1 is more than just a fast on the road. With more than just 900 kg in weight and 82 horsepower, the 10.9 seconds for the first 100 mph from a stop and the final of 170 they come like... a piece of cake. The Long (longer is not... possible) five-pound boxthe makes it more enjoyable motor tyre and of course, it gives you Economy, where, in any case, there is no problem. Η average consumption with rapid movements and the right foot on the floor (sorry, I can't drive otherwise) is about 6,5 lt/100 km, while with city (i.e. human) commuting, you can easily drop the below 5,5.
Surprise is the steering wheel which is lightweight, but offers a very good performance and information for stepping on the road. Very good and the post with the MacPherson knees at the front and the semi-rigid axle at the rear, after the little Citroen he's not banging in the -many- irregularities of the Greek roads, nor does he easily lose contact with it.
His behavior is neutral, with inclinations that will not be troubling and, even if you push it after the limit with the intention of subverting it, the electronics will step in and bring back to order. Very good and the brakes create an ensemble that helps to move quickly in the urban environment for which it is intended.
