Citroen C1: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Citroen C1 choice comes down to three distinct priorities. For the strongest performance, the second-generation 1.2 MT (82 hp) is the clear pick: it reaches 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and 170 km/h. For the lowest measured combined fuel consumption, choose the second-generation 1.0 MT (72 hp) or 1.0 MT (69 hp) at 4.1 l/100 km.
The Citroen C1 choice comes down to three distinct priorities. For the strongest performance, the second-generation 1.2 MT (82 hp) is the clear pick: it reaches 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and 170 km/h. For the lowest measured combined fuel consumption, choose the second-generation 1.0 MT (72 hp) or 1.0 MT (69 hp) at 4.1 l/100 km. Buyers considering the first generation can choose between the lighter, quicker gasoline 1.0 MT, the robotic 1.0 ESG, and the more torque-rich diesel 1.4 MT. Every listed C1 is a Mini 5-doors model with FWD and a 5-speed transmission.
Citroen C1 generations: what changed?
The first Citroen C1 generation ran from July 2005 to June 2008 with 3 versions. Its Mini 5-doors range comprised 1.0 MT, 1.0 ESG, and 1.4 MT. The gasoline versions produced 68 hp and 93 Nm, while the diesel delivered 54 hp and 130 Nm. Fuel-consumption figures and ground clearance for these original versions are not measured in the supplied data.
The first-generation restyling ran from July 2008 to June 2012 with 6 listed entries, including repeated specifications. The core choice remained 1.0 MT (68 hp), 1.0 ESG (68 hp), and 1.4 MT (54 hp). Measured combined consumption was now available: 4.5 l/100 km for 1.0 MT, 4.6 l/100 km for 1.0 ESG, and 4.1 l/100 km for 1.4 MT. Ground clearance was 140 mm for the gasoline versions and 150 mm for the diesel.
A second restyling of the first generation followed from April 2012 to November 2015, with 5 listed Mini 5-doors versions. The engines and headline performance remained the same: 1.0 MT (68 hp) reached 100 km/h in 13.7 seconds, 1.0 ESG (68 hp) took 14 seconds, and 1.4 MT (54 hp) took 15.6 seconds. The supplied figures add Euro 5 classification and CO2 values for the gasoline versions, while both values are not measured for the diesel.
The second generation began in March 2014 and contains 6 listed entries, including versions sharing the same names but differing in power or weight. It introduced 1.2 MT (82 hp) alongside 1.0 MT (72 hp), 1.0 MT (69 hp), 1.0 ESG (72 hp), and 1.0 ESG (69 hp). All are Gasoline, naturally aspirated, inline 3-cylinder versions with FWD, and all have 145 mm of ground clearance. This generation offers the quickest C1 and the lowest measured gasoline consumption in the data.
Citroen C1 engine specs
Repeated database entries with identical engine and transmission specifications are consolidated below. Versions that share a name are distinguished by power.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.0 MT | 68 hp | 93 Nm | 998 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| First generation 1.0 ESG | 68 hp | 93 Nm | 998 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | Robotic, 5-speed | FWD |
| First generation 1.4 MT | 54 hp | 130 Nm | 1399 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| Second generation 1.0 MT (72 hp) | 72 hp | 95 Nm | 998 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| Second generation 1.0 MT (69 hp) | 69 hp | 96 Nm | 998 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| Second generation 1.0 ESG (72 hp) | 72 hp | 95 Nm | 998 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | Robotic, 5-speed | FWD |
| Second generation 1.0 ESG (69 hp) | 69 hp | 96 Nm | 998 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | Robotic, 5-speed | FWD |
| Second generation 1.2 MT | 82 hp | 118 Nm | 1199 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
Power per litre helps separate engines whose nominal sizes look similar. The first-generation 1.0 MT and 1.0 ESG produce about 68.1 hp per litre, compared with about 38.6 hp per litre for the diesel 1.4 MT. In the second generation, 1.0 MT (72 hp) and 1.0 ESG (72 hp) deliver about 72.1 hp per litre, the 69 hp versions deliver about 69.1 hp per litre, and 1.2 MT produces about 68.4 hp per litre.
The diesel 1.4 MT has 37 Nm more torque than the first-generation 1.0 gasoline versions, but 14 hp less power. Against the second-generation 1.2 MT, it has 12 Nm more torque but 28 hp less power. The data therefore shows why torque alone does not determine acceleration: 1.4 MT takes 15.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h, while 1.2 MT needs 10.9 seconds.
Citroen C1 performance, mpg and fuel economy
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original 1.0 MT (68 hp) | 13.7 s | 157 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Original 1.0 ESG (68 hp) | 14 s | 157 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Original 1.4 MT (54 hp) | 15.6 s | 154 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyled 1.0 MT (68 hp) | 13.7 s | 157 km/h | 5.5 l/100 km | 3.9 l/100 km | 4.5 l/100 km |
| Restyled 1.0 ESG (68 hp) | 14 s | 157 km/h | 5.5 l/100 km | 4.1 l/100 km | 4.6 l/100 km |
| Restyled 1.4 MT (54 hp) | 15.6 s | 154 km/h | 5.3 l/100 km | 3.4 l/100 km | 4.1 l/100 km |
| Second-generation 1.0 MT (72 hp) | 13 s | 155 km/h | 5 l/100 km | 3.6 l/100 km | 4.1 l/100 km |
| Second-generation 1.0 MT (69 hp) | 13 s | 155 km/h | 5 l/100 km | 3.6 l/100 km | 4.1 l/100 km |
| Second-generation 1.0 ESG (72 hp) | 15.9 s | 157 km/h | 5 l/100 km | 3.8 l/100 km | 4.2 l/100 km |
| Second-generation 1.0 ESG (69 hp) | 15.9 s | 157 km/h | 5 l/100 km | 3.8 l/100 km | 4.2 l/100 km |
| Second-generation 1.2 MT (82 hp) | 10.9 s | 170 km/h | 5.4 l/100 km | 3.7 l/100 km | 4.3 l/100 km |
The second-generation 1.2 MT reaches 100 km/h 2.1 seconds sooner than either second-generation 1.0 MT, while its combined consumption is only 0.2 l/100 km higher. Its top speed is also 15 km/h higher. That makes it the strongest all-round performance choice when the Manual gearbox suits the buyer.
The second-generation 1.0 MT is the economy-led gasoline option. Whether rated at 72 hp or 69 hp, its recorded performance and consumption are identical: 13 seconds to 100 km/h and 4.1 l/100 km combined. The 72 hp version supplies 3 hp more, while the 69 hp version supplies 1 Nm more.
The 1.0 ESG offers a Robotic gearbox, but the figures show a performance cost. In the second generation it is 2.9 seconds slower to 100 km/h than the equivalent 1.0 MT, and its combined consumption is 0.1 l/100 km higher. The ESG’s 157 km/h maximum is 2 km/h above the MT figure, however.
Among the restyled first-generation cars, the diesel 1.4 MT matches the second-generation 1.0 manuals at 4.1 l/100 km combined and records the lowest highway figure, 3.4 l/100 km. The trade-off is acceleration: it is 2.6 seconds slower to 100 km/h than the second-generation 1.0 manuals and 4.7 seconds slower than 1.2 MT.
Citroen C1 dimensions, weight and carrying limits
Overall exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. Kerb weight, gross weight, clearance, tank capacity, and some second-generation wheel sizes are available.
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Difference | Clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original 1.0 MT | 800 kg | 1190 kg | 390 kg | not measured | 35 l | not measured |
| Original 1.0 ESG | 835 kg | 1190 kg | 355 kg | not measured | 35 l | not measured |
| Original 1.4 MT | 890 kg | 1245 kg | 355 kg | not measured | 35 l | not measured |
| Restyled 1.0 MT | 790–830 kg | 1160–1190 kg | 360–370 kg | 140 mm | 35 l | not measured |
| Restyled 1.0 ESG | 825–835 kg | 1180–1190 kg | 355 kg | 140 mm | 35 l | not measured |
| Restyled 1.4 MT | 890 kg | 1399 kg | 509 kg | 150 mm | 35 l | not measured |
| Second-generation 1.0 MT (72 hp) | 840 kg | 1240 kg | 400 kg | 145 mm | 35 l | 165/65 R14; 165/60 R15 |
| Second-generation 1.0 MT (69 hp) | 840 kg | 1240 kg | 400 kg | 145 mm | 35 l | 165/65 R14; 165/60 R15 |
| Second-generation 1.0 ESG (72 hp) | 860 kg | 1240 kg | 380 kg | 145 mm | 35 l | 165/65 R14; 165/60 R15 |
| Second-generation 1.0 ESG (69 hp) | 935 kg | 1240 kg | 305 kg | 145 mm | 35 l | not measured |
| Second-generation 1.2 MT | 865 kg | 1240 kg | 375 kg | 145 mm | 35 l | not measured |
The original 1.0 MT has about 11.8 kg per horsepower, whereas the original 1.0 ESG has about 12.3 kg per horsepower and the diesel 1.4 MT about 16.5 kg per horsepower. In the second generation, the 1.0 MT versions have about 11.7 kg per horsepower at 72 hp and about 12.2 kg per horsepower at 69 hp. The 860 kg 1.0 ESG (72 hp) has about 11.9 kg per horsepower, the 935 kg 1.0 ESG (69 hp) about 13.6 kg per horsepower, and 1.2 MT about 10.5 kg per horsepower. This supports the acceleration figures: the 1.2 MT combines the best weight-to-power result with the quickest 0–100 km/h time.
Citroen C1 problems and reliability data
Engine problems, warning-light faults, oil specification, maintenance history, and reliability results are not measured in the supplied data. They therefore cannot be used to rank the versions. A buying decision based on this catalogue should compare only the documented engine, transmission, performance, consumption, and weight figures; the condition and service requirements of an individual car need separate evidence.
Which Citroen C1 version should you buy?
Choose the second-generation 1.2 MT for performance. Its 82 hp, 118 Nm, 10.9-second acceleration time, and 170 km/h maximum are the strongest figures in the catalogue. Compared with a second-generation 1.0 manual, it adds 10–13 hp and 22–23 Nm while using 0.2 l/100 km more in the combined cycle.
Choose the second-generation 1.0 MT (72 hp) for the best balance of gasoline economy and power. It records 4.1 l/100 km combined, accelerates to 100 km/h in 13 seconds, and offers 3 hp more than 1.0 MT (69 hp) with the same measured consumption, acceleration, top speed, kerb weight, and gross weight.
Choose 1.0 ESG only when the Robotic gearbox is the deciding feature. In both generations where consumption is measured, ESG uses 0.1 l/100 km more combined than the comparable 1.0 Manual and accelerates more slowly.
Choose the restyled first-generation 1.4 MT when its 130 Nm and 3.4 l/100 km highway figure matter more than acceleration. It has the most torque in the catalogue, but its 15.6-second 0–100 km/h time and 154 km/h top speed are the lowest performance figures listed.
For an early first-generation gasoline car, 1.0 MT is the numbers-based choice over 1.0 ESG: both have 68 hp, 93 Nm, and a 157 km/h top speed, but the Manual is 0.3 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and, in the original generation, 35 kg lighter. Price is not measured, so no version can be recommended on purchase cost or value for money.