With no diesels available, your choice is between two petrol engines. The smallest is a 1.0-litre unit that’s a typically noisy fare for a three-cylinder unit, but it’s a pleasant noise. It can get you from rest to 62mph in 13.0 seconds, but runs out of puff on the motorway.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine might be more expensive, but it’s our top pick. It tops up its power by 13bhp, which is enough to help it keep up on the motorway. 0-62 is dispensed within 10.9 seconds, and it has a good turn of pace.
Despite there being an absence of diesel engines, running costs are good. The smallest petrol engine returns 68.8mpg economy, while both emit less than 100g/km of CO2. The bigger of the two petrols is good for 65.7mpg, which makes it easy to recommend.
Insurance is affordable too, with the bigger of the two petrol engines sitting in group 10 out of 50.
Inside, the Citroen C1 Hatchback isn’t quite on the level as the Aygo. Quality is questionable, and there are plenty of cheap plastics here and there. Getting comfortable in the basic model won’t be easy, as there is no height adjustment for the seat, but the suspension does a good job of keeping you otherwise comfy.
However, refinement is poor.
The dashboard looks good, its funky design and bright colours appealing to younger drivers. There is plenty of scope for personalisation, too.
Is the Citroen C1 Hatchback practical? Not massively. The rear seats are cramped, while the 196-litre boot is one of the smallest around. That said, it’s bigger than the Aygo – but that doesn’t say too much for either of them. Still, it is bigger than last time and comes with a wide opening.
Price:
Toyota – £9,255 – £14,895
Citroen – £8,995 – £13,350