SUMMARY
CITROËN C1:
a close fit with the Marque and the range,
as well as with contemporary lifestyles
The C1, Citroën's new entry-level model, is set to make its market debut in most European countries from June. The C1 is a cheerful, attractive and compact car (3.43 metres) designed to carry four people. It is uncompromising on quality, roadholding and – above all – safety. Keenly priced, the C1 is available as a 3- or 5-door model, with a petrol or diesel engine.
A joint project for a unique body style
Developed as part of the cooperation between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Toyota Motor Corporation, the C1 is produced at the Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile (TPCA) plant in Kolin, Czech Republic. The annual production target has been set at 100,000 vehicles.
Citroën's Styling Centre took the parts shared by the three models (platform, front doors and windscreens) as theirstarting point, but had significant latitude for the design of all other components. As a result, they were able to design an entry-level Citroën that reflects the styling and objectives of the Marque.
Citroën C1, C2, C3 and C3 Pluriel: a range of complementary models
The C1 is the perfect addition to Citroën's current supermini offering, made up of the C2, C3 and C3 Pluriel The C1's limited size, attractive price and essential functions place it at the entry-level of its segment. This sets it apart from the C2, whose wide range of equipment and engines are aimed at customers looking for a more versatile vehicle.
{0>Avec cette gamme complète, Citroën répond aux attentes variées de la clientèle des véhicules compacts.<}100{>With this complete range, Citroën meets the many and varied expectations of supermini customers.<0}{0>En Europe, le segment des véhicules compacts représente 35 % des ventes totales.<}83{>In Europe, the supermini segment accounts for 35% of market sales.<0}{0>Citroën y occupe une place de plus en plus importante grâce aux lancements successifs depuis 2002 de ses nouveaux modèles.<}100{>With several new models brought to market since 2002, Citroën is claiming an increasingly large share of this segment, where {0>Sa part de marché dans ce segment se porte aujourd’hui à 8,5 %.<}0{>it currently has market share of 8.5%.<0}{0>Grâce à ses 267 000 immatriculations en Europe de l’Ouest en 2004, C3 est la voiture 5 portes la plus vendue du segment des véhicules compacts.<}0{>With 267,000 registrations across Western Europe in 2004, the C3 is the most popular 5-door model in the supermini segment.<0}
{0>Elle a d’ailleurs franchi au mois d’avril la barre du millionième exemplaire vendu dans le monde.<}0{>
Citroën C1: a subtle blend of styling, safety and space at a low cost
The C1 is immediately identifiable as a Citroën, It shares the styling cues of all the Marque's superminis with its chrome-plated chevrons and curving body lines. It is based on a platform of modern design boasting all the latest safety features along with new-generation engines. Another advantage of the C1 is that its compact design has no impact on its generous interior space. It is therefore great for daily use, particularly as its cost in use is as attractive as its price tag.
- Attractive styling
Available in 3-door and 5-door versions, the C1 is particularly easy on the eye, with its bright and attractive styling. The short overhangs, generous bumpers and curved lines express a friendly charm while also conveying a sense of robust strength and safety. The C1 boasts a number of original design features, such as a transparent tailgate and rear lights, and – on the 5-door model – innovative rear doors extending right back to the lights.
- Uncompromising on safety
The C1's pleasant road manners are suited to both the city and the open road. Its running gear ensures strong roadholding, while also effectively contributing to active safety. The C1 is also equipped with other top-level safety features: ventilated discs at the front, ABS, EBD CSC (Cornering Stability Control) to keep the car stable when it rounds a corner with the brakes on, and driver/passenger airbags as standard.
- Compact outside, spacious inside
Compact and nimble for city use, the C1 is 3.43 m long, 1.63 m wide and 1.47 m high. It features a turning circle of 9.5 m and gearbox ratios designed to ensure the fast responses necessary for enjoyable city driving. The C1 is a roomy car with four real seats. The interior space is a major strong point, in view of the exterior dimensions. At the front, appreciable elbow room and head room contribute to the comfort of the occupants. Passengers in the rear will appreciate the leg room and head room.
- Low price, low running costs
The C1 is sold at a moderate price, and is also economical to run owing to its limited repair costs and low-consumption engines. The particularly frugal petrol engine (68 bhp 1.0i) and diesel engine (55 bhp HDi) are ideal for urban use, and sufficiently powerful to allow the C1 to drive safely on major roads.
CONTENTS
A JOINT PROJECT FOR A UNIQUE BODY STYLE
A joint project
A unique body style
C1, COMPLEMENTING THE RANGE OF CITROËN SUPERMINIS
A range of superminis designed to meet varying needs
- Complementary sizing
- Different range structures
- The same emphasis on safety
C1: STYLED IN HARMONY WITH COMPACT CITROËN HATCHBACKS
Attractive styling in two versions: 3-door and 5-door
A modern, well designed interior
A CAR UNCOMPROMISING ON SAFETY
Automotive qualities
- Sharp reactions
- Electric power steering for increased comfort
Efficient impact protection
- Modern equipment
- A reinforced structure
To limit impact on collision
To limit the consequences of pedestrian impact
A choice of engines and gearboxes
- Low-consumption engines
- Gearboxes for all situations
Compact outside, spacious inside
- Dimensions of a city car
- A roomy cabin
- Seats that maximise interior space
- An easily resizable boot
- Stowage compartments within easy reach
Reduced cost in use
- Controlled fuel consumption
- A competitive market offering
- Limited repair costs
A JOINT PROJECT FOR A UNIQUE BODY STYLE
The C1 was developed as part of a project set up by PSA Peugeot Citroën and Toyota Motor Corporation to design three new small cars for the European market. Developed through this cooperation and through the expertise of Citroën's styling centre, the C1 is a modern vehicle, reflecting the values and identity of the Marque.
A joint project
In 2001, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced a cooperation project to design, develop and produce superminis featuring the latest technologies, with a view to meeting growing demand across Europe.
Since this date, the schedule of operations has been respected in full. The project was on time for vehicle development and the building of the production site, as well as for production start-up.
On 28 February last, the first series models came off the line at the Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile (TPCA) plant in Kolin, Czech Republic.
The TPCA site has an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles, of which 100,000 for Citroën.
Locally, many direct and indirect jobs have been created as part of this project. Three thousand people will be recruited for the TPCA site alone.
The total investment, including R&D and industrial launch costs, addsup to almost €1.5 billion.
A unique body style
Through this cooperation project, Citroën is bringing to market a new entry-level model of modern design, styled to reflect the Marque's personality, and featuring new-generation engines and the latest safety technology.
To design Citroën's new entry-level model, the Styling Centre took as its starting point the shared platform, and the identical front doors and windscreen.
The stylists set Citroën's stamp on the C1, with styling lines that are similar to those of the Marque's other compact hatchbacks. The rounded roof and triangular rear light clusters are reminiscent of the C3, the strongly marked wheel arches bring the C2 to mind, while the headlamps positioned high up on the wings are one of the distinguishing marks of the C3 Pluriel. At the same time, the chrome-plated chevrons are found on all Citroën superminis.
C1, COMPLEMENTING THE RANGE OF CITROËN SUPERMINIS
The C1 is the entry-level model in the Citroën range, positioned at the entry level of the supermini segment. It expands Citroën's current supermini offering, made up of the C2, C3 and C3 Pluriel.
A range of superminis designed to meet varying needs
Since 2002, Citroën has launched four new vehicles of different concepts and styling on the supermini segment:
C3March 2002
C3 PlurielMay 2003
C2September 2003
C1June 2005
These complementary vehicles meet the many and varied requirements of supermini buyers.
C1: positioned at the entry-level of its segment through its limited size and keen pricing. Available in 3- and 5-door versions, it features all the essential vehicle functions, particularly in terms of safety.
C2: a 3-door hatchback positioned at the heart of the supermini segment. The C2 combines the dynamic styling of 3-door models with compact dimensions, versatility and innovative modularity.
C3: a 5-door hatchback expressing space and comfort through its roomy architecture and strong curves. A family model positioned at the high end of the segment, the C3 boasts technology and equipment generally reserved for vehicles further up the market.
C3 Pluriel: positioned as a 3-door hatchback at the top end of the segment. The C3 Pluriel is a car of original styling and features.
- Complementary sizing
The exterior dimensions of each car are different: C1 is the easy-to-handle supermini, C2 is the modular supermini, C3 is the family hatchback, and C3 Pluriel the versatile hatchback.
However, all four models place the same emphasis on passenger comfort, since they share the same cabin length.
Dimensions / Length / Width / Height / Cabin length / BootC1 / 3.43 / 1.63 / 1.47 / 1.62 / 130
C2 / 3.67 / 1.66 / 1.46 / 1.54-1.64 / 166-224
C3 / 3.85 / 1.67 / 1.52 / 1.62 / 305
C3 Pluriel / 3.93 / 1,7 / 1.56 / 1.62 / 266
- Different range structures
The engine range is adapted to the use of each vehicle with at least one diesel for each car:
-moderate power and consumption for the C1, with the 68 bhp 1.0i and 55 bhp HDi,
-a wider range with greater emphasis on petrol engines and performance for the C2, with the 1.6i 16V engine available in two versions: 110 bhp and 125 bhp,
-a stronger focus on diesels for the C3, which is available with the HDi 70 and a 92 bhp HDi, as well as a choice of four petrol engines,
-and a core offering for the C3 Pluriel, which ships with a choice of two petrol engines – the 75 bhp 1.4i and the 110 bhp 1.6i 16V – and one diesel: the HDi 70.
- The same safety requirements
Customers set great store by safety. For this reason, all Citroën superminis rank among the leaders on their segment in terms of safety. All of them feature a reinforced structure and optimised running gear. In terms of equipment, the superminis all include ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, and front, side and curtain airbags (depending on the market).
The C2, C3 and C3 Pluriel all received four stars in EuroNCAP tests.
C1: STYLED IN HARMONY WITH COMPACT CITROËN HATCHBACKS
Citroën superminis reveal their character through their exterior and interior styling. The C1 radiates good cheer, the C2 expresses a dynamic stance, the C3 an emphasis on well-being and the C3 Pluriel a focus on leisure.
The C1 reflects Citroën's strategy of developing a range of compact vehicles of different styling and concepts.
The C1 is available in two versions:
- a bright and cheery 3-door model for people who mainly use the front seats,
- a stylish 5-door model for increased convenience and accessibility, designed to carry four people, and whose design breaks with the established cues of high-volume 5-door models in this segment.
Attractive styling in two versions: 3-door and 5-door
With its fluid lines and generous volumes, the C1 subtly states its identity as a Citroën supermini, while also bringing its own personality to the fore.
Both the 3-door and 5-door versions of the C1 feature a curvy front end with a wraparound bumper, strongly rounded bonnet and high-positioned headlamps, whose curving lines give the car a friendly look.
Viewed from the side, the 3-door C1 conveys its dynamic potential. The sharp flowing side lines are enhanced by the shape of the quarter window and the rear wheel arch.
On the 5-door C1, the original rear doors extend right back to the lights. This design feature balances the front and rear end and brings out the proportions of the car, despite its reduced size.
Although the rear windows are more strongly curved than on the 3-door C1, the dynamic lines are maintained, providing excellent visibility for passengers at the rear.
The 3-door and 5-door C1 share the same original rear end, featuring an extensive glazed surface. Designed for maximum size, the rear window extends over the entire tailgate. Flanked by matching crystal and anthracite lights, it fits naturally with the bumper.
A modern, well designed interior
The interior of the C1 is both simple and original, as illustrated by the heating control panel, which is made of backlit translucent material. The barrel-shaped display glows orange when the vehicle lights are on, in harmony with the instrument cluster and audio system. A perfect fit with the shape of the dashboard, this original control panel is amusing to use, just like the "ball" shaped air vents, found on all compact Citroën hatchbacks.
This upbeat design is also reflected in the driver-dedicated information units. The round instrument cluster is mounted on the steering column for improved legibility with – in some cases – a separate rev counter. The instrument cluster contains the speedometer and displays most of the usual indicators (gauge, turn signal indicators, headlamps and maintenance/warning lights).
The driving controls placed around the three-spoke steering wheel are pleasant to handle, as is the hoop, which has the same technical feel as the dashboard. The modern grain of this material showcases the interior presentation of the C1.
In terms of optional equipment, the C1 can be fitted with an audio system whose front panel hugs the curves of the central console to achieve perfectly integrated styling.
In terms of interior design, the C1 sports two-tone seats upholstered in fabric or velour, depending on the level of trim.
Part of the door panel is painted. The exterior body colour is continued on the inner door panel, adding an elegant touch to the cabin. Eight body colours are available, depending on the country. Five are metallic: d’Argon Blue, Damas Blue, Caldera Black, Carlinite Grey and Gallium Grey and three are solid: Ra Yellow, Scarlet Red and Lipizan White.
A CAR UNCOMPROMISING ON SAFETY
Like the C2, C3 and C3 Pluriel, all of which received four stars in EuroNCAP tests, the C1 boasts class-beating active and passive safety features. Road holding, stability and generous safety equipment are just three of the strong points that set it apart from other vehicles in its category.
Automotive qualities
- Sharp reactions
Easy to handle and with sharp reactions, the C1 delivers a high level of active safety. Nimble and pleasant to drive in the city, the C1 is also confident on the open road, thanks to its optimised running gear.
The C1 features MacPherson type front suspension with an anti-roll bar 22 mm in diameter attached to the wishbones. The rear suspension comprises a flexible transverse beam and hydraulic shock absorbers.
The brake system of the C1 features ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear.ABS and EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) are standard, as is the CSC (Cornering Stability Control) function.This feature keeps the car on a stable course when brakes are applied in a curve.
The 14" wheels are shod with Michelin 155/65R14 tyres.
- Electric power steering for increased comfort
For easy manoeuvring in the city and confident handling at higher speeds, the C1 can be fitted with electric power steering, combined with a height-adjustable steering wheel.
The electric power steering adapts to vehicle speed and has little impact on fuel consumption since the electric motor works only when the steering wheel is turned.
Moreover, the low steering force makes for easy manoeuvring. Rack travel is +/- 70.2 mm, with a steering ratio of 43 mm per turn or 3.3 turns of the wheel.
The compact design and low weight of the C1 make it easy to handle. Depending on the country, the C1 may be fitted with non-power steering on the first level of trim.
With both types of steering system, the column retracts by 73 mm in the event of impact, thus reducing the impact of the driver's chest against the wheel.
Efficient impact protection
- Modern equipment
In terms of passive safety, the C1 is fitted with a full range of modern equipment to protect the driver and passengers at front and rear.
- Front airbags are standard. The 60-litre driver's airbag is fitted in the steering wheel hub. The 90-litre passenger airbag can be switched off in order to install a child seat at the front.
- Two side airbags (9 litres), integrated in the front seats as standard from the second level of trim, protect the chest.