MOTORING NEWS - Citroën South Africa has launched a revised, updated version of its fun and funky C1 urban commuter. While both the Feel and the innovative Feel Airscape remain on offer, the two ultra-compacts benefit from an advanced, lively 51kW 1,0-litre engine.
As before, the C1 Feel is a five-door hatchback, while its Feel Airscape sibling offers the additional appeal of an innovative fold-back canvas roof section that delivers the freedom of wind-in-the-hair motoring without the complexity of a full cabriolet hood.
The fresh, appealing styling also remains unchanged: compact dimensions, short overhangs, wide tracks and a generous wheelbase make for a runabout that is agile, has a turning circle of 10m, yet offers surprising interior space and practicality.
Despite a total length of only 3,47m, the five-door C1 offers seating for four, while folding the 50/50-split rear seat flat creates an incredible 780-litres of luggage space. A choice of bright exterior colours is offered with the introduction of Scarlet Red and the popular Blue Lagoon hue is now added to the C1 range. These colours, along with the interior execution, confirm the car's youthful style.
Exterior highlights include colour-coded bumpers and door handles, striking 15" alloy wheels as standard, a gloss black grille with chromed logo and a rear spoiler.
In the case of the Feel Airscape, the canvas roof is finished in contrasting hues of red or black, with exterior mirrors to match. Maximum power output is an eager 51kW at 6 000r/min, accompanied by a torque maximum of 96Nm at 4 800r/min - ample for a car that only weighs 915kg. The engine delivers its urge to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
Published fuel consumption for the combined cycle is a very economical 4,1-litres per 100km, dipping as low as 3,6-litres per 100km during open-road cruising.
The realigned, more affordable pricing of the updated Citroën C1 doesn't mean the mini car is short of features. For instance, the list of safety and security features is top flight: passive systems include six airbags (front lateral and curtain), front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, IsoFix child seat tethers and head restraints for both front and rear occupants.
In active safety terms, the C1 offers ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency braking assistance (EBA), as well as electronic stability control (ESC) and Hill Assist. Remote central locking with integrated immobiliser and tyre pressure monitoring are also standard.
An extensive range of specially designed C1 accessories allows for individual customisation to suit personal taste and requirements. Accessories on offer include various styled alloy wheels, fog lamp trims, lateral protections strips and various floor mats.
Despite the comprehensive array of standard features, the new C1 Feel and Feel Airscape are more affordable than the previous versions. Recommended retail pricing is as follows: Citroën C1 Feel - R149 900 and Citroën C1 Feel Airscape - R159 900
The prices include a three year or 100 000km warranty as standard, which can be extended to five years. A four year or 60 000km service plan and a five year, 100 000km FreeDrive Plan are offered as added-cost options.
The interior is compact and uncluttered.
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