The Citroën C1 Generation II (project codes PA/PB) is a quintessential A-segment city car, co-developed with Peugeot (108) and Toyota (Aygo) under the 'B-Zero' joint venture. Built in the TPCA plant in Kolín, Czech Republic, it shares its chassis and the majority of its components with its siblings. Positioned as an affordable, stylish, and highly maneuverable urban vehicle, it features a distinctive split-headlight design. A minor facelift and technical update occurred in 2018 to meet Euro 6.d-Temp emission standards, which also saw the discontinuation of the problematic PSA-sourced 1.2 PureTech engine, leaving only the ultra-reliable Toyota-sourced 1.0-liter engine. Overall, it is an excellent city car, provided the correct engine is chosen.
The Citroën C1 II is a fantastic, no-nonsense city car IF you buy the 1.0 VTi version. Thanks to its Toyota-sourced powertrain, the 1.0L is virtually bulletproof, incredibly cheap to run, and perfect for urban environments. However, the 1.2 PureTech version must be approached with extreme caution or avoided entirely due to its well-documented and fatal timing belt issues. When shopping, prioritize a post-2018 1.0 VTi (72 hp) model for the best blend of reliability, updated emissions compliance, and modern infotainment features. Always check the boot for water leaks and test the clutch before buying.