Citroën C1 (05 on) - Review

Perhaps surprisingly for a cheap runabout, the ride quality is quite impressive, with the suspension coping particularly well with rough surfaces. Noise levels are fairly low too, although you do get the typical three cylinder growl when working the engine hard - but it sounds quite sporty, rather than coarse. Interior space is impressive, especially in the back where you normally expect corners to be cut, but four six footers can travel without complaint. The rear windows do not roll down, but simply pop open a couple of inches to let a bit of air in - even in the five-door model.

The C1 is a very small car, so don't expect to carry a chest of drawers in it, but the boot is okay for a few shopping bags. If you need to carry bigger items, then buy the Rhythm model as the rear seats split and fold for carrying larger items. The five-door is the obvious choice if you regularly use the rear seats or have children - getting in and out of the back of the three-door model is a struggle.

Compact dimensions, a tight turning circle and good visibility contribute to making the C1 easy to drive around town and manoeuvre in tight spaces. There's plenty of painted metal visible within the cabin, but it helps to keep the cost down and doesn't offend. The interior design is certainly distinctive, with unusual heater controls that glow orange at night, as well as a user-friendly stereo and a pod-style speedometer.