Citroën C1 review

You’ll look in vain for seat-height adjustment on the entry-level model of the Citroën C1. That essential feature is reserved for the next rung up the spec ladder, the Feel version. You can adjust the backrest with an easy-to-use wheel rather than the more common lever type that can be tricky to get just right, and the seat supports your sides and lower back very well.

Reaching for controls on the dashboard is easy – and so it should be, considering how small the C1 is. The climate controls are easy to use, whether as the straightforward rotary variety on the lower-trim models or the electronic climate control type on higher-spec versions.

The infotainment system’s display is bright and clear, but with the roof down on the Airscape model the glare from the sun makes it impossible to read. This isn’t a problem on C1s with solid roofs, though.

The entry-level Touch may lack the infotainment system but it does at least have a two-speaker MP3 stereo with a USB socket.

The C1’s low price comes at the cost of interior finish. Door cards, the centre console and the dashboard are covered in hard, scratchy plastics that aren't exactly a pleasure to touch.

On the other hand, beneath the surface and in its details, the C1 feels quite solid. The switchgear doesn't feel as substantial as in the VW Up but is perfectly up to the job.