Used Citroen C1 for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £5,000

Citroen C1 (2014-2020) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Cute and quirky looks	Very small boot, even for a city car
Easy to drive and small enough to make parking a doddle	A VW Up is better to drive
Funky roll-top version	The Citroen's new car warranty is short compared with those offered by Hyundai and Kia

Quick Summary

The Citroen C1 (2014-2020) is a relatively basic small city car, ideal for urban runabout duties and well suited to younger drivers embarking on car ownership for the first time. Its cute and quirky design appeals to urban car owners, and there's even a quasi-convertible Airspace version with a cloth roof that rolls back to create an open-top car. Inside, it's all pretty basic with hard, shiny plastics and cloth seats, but that's understandable for a budget car. The second-generation C1 features a seven-inch touchscreen system on all but the entry-level model, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

The C1 is powered by efficient three-cylinder petrol engines, with both the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre units officially returning in excess of 65mpg, meaning real-world figures should reach around 55mpg. CO2 emissions are less than 100g/km, resulting in very low road tax and insurance costs, making it an ideal purchase for younger drivers. The car is easy to drive with light steering and a small turning circle, perfect for town use, though it's not particularly accomplished on faster roads. Shared mechanical components with Toyota and Peugeot ensure good reliability, whilst servicing costs are low and fixed-price packages are available for older cars.

Best for: Younger drivers embarking on car ownership, urban commuters seeking an affordable and easy-to-park city car, and budget-conscious buyers prioritising low running costs.

Not ideal for: Those needing a spacious boot, drivers seeking premium badge appeal, or buyers wanting the finest handling dynamics or a comprehensive warranty.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C1 if: You're a younger driver embarking on car ownership, seeking an affordable and easy-to-park urban runabout, or prioritising low running costs and budget-friendly ownership.

Consider alternatives if: You need a spacious boot, desire premium badge appeal, or want the finest handling dynamics and a comprehensive warranty.

Competitive Position: The Citroen C1 (2014-2020) is a capable city car with appealing design and low running costs, but it doesn't offer a compelling proposition in any one area when compared to its rivals. The Hyundai i10 is a very good car to drive, the VW Up has greater badge appeal, whilst the Kia Picanto offers a warranty that covers it beyond the first owner. The C1's small boot is also a notable disadvantage compared to competitors. It should be on your shortlist, but don't be surprised if you prefer one of its rivals, particularly if practicality or driving dynamics are priorities.

Read our full Citroen C1 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.