THE C1 is a joint enterprise between Citroen, its sister company Peugeot and Toyota. Even so, it doesn’t look like a car designed by committee.

Unlike the decidedly wacky Toyota Aygo – which looks as though it was styled by the Power Rangers – the new C1’s funky looks don’t cut the umbilical cord with its predecessor which was hugely popular with UK drivers.

The new design, characterised by the cat’s eyes headlights and more dynamic body lines, certainly helps the new C1 cut a dash. A seemingly continuous glass area runs from the windscreen into the side windows, with black windscreen pillars and, depending on the trim level, chrome-finished weather strips and dark tinted rear windows.

The front features all the key characteristics of the brand’s newest models, with a new two-part headlight design and integrated LED daytime running lights which are meant to create a ‘smiling front-end gaze’.

Smiley or not, several mates commented on how attractive the new C1 looked.

Thankfully, the trendy new looks haven’t compromised the C1’s practicality. It’s still compact (just 3.46m long, 1.62m wide and 2.46m tall) with a tight turning radius for nippy manoeuvres in town and a 196-litre boot that’s (just about) good enough for a trip to the supermarket or a weekend away.

The interior is bright and airy with a colourful ambience. With clean, structured lines, the dashboard uses bright colours on the multimedia panel, air vents and gear lever base which can be customised according to taste. A leather-trimmed steering wheel is fitted as standard on Flair versions.

Citroen has also brought its Airscape concept to the C1 range for the first time.

Basically a big electrically-operated canvas soft-top running the entire length of the roof, the Airscape is available on both three and five-door models. Operated by a switch on the ceiling panel, the roof can be opened or closed when the car is at a standstill or even driving at motorway speeds.

An aero-acoustic deflector deploys when the roof is opened to maintain comfort by limiting in-cabin wind turbulence. With the roof closed, the cabin is as quiet as the hatchback version.

Airscape models can be finished with a bi-tone look. To contrast with the body colour, the roof is available in a choice of three colours – Sunrise Red, Black or Grey.

Answering one of the criticisms of the older C1, the seats have been completely redesigned to improve comfort. The new seats boast ergonomic, body-hugging shapes and enhanced side support with extra adjustment.

There are storage compartments throughout the cabin, cup-holders and a glovebox with a lid for greater peace-of-mind.

The functional 196-litre boot is easy to access with minor wheel arch intrusion.

Naturally a host of new technologies are available on the new C1.

For instance, the new C1 is Citroën’s first model to feature mirror screen technology, which function allows you to copy smartphone content onto the 7-inch Touch Drive interface for easy display and control.

Users install an app enabling them to connect to and share data via the car’s USB port, they can then access their smartphone’s various functions using the touchscreen. The system works with Android and iPhone models. Once installed, you can take full advantage of a range of smartphone apps including navigation, telephone, address book, music, web radio and any other useful driving-compatible functions.

Other useful features include a reversing camera, which projects images onto the 7-inch screen, and keyless entry and start.

Of course, none of this would be worth a jot if the C1 couldn’t fulfil its main brief of being cheap to run.

Thankfully, the C1 remains a very lightweight car which, combined with latest generation petrol engines, means every model is exempt from road tax. Fitted with the VTi 68 engine with stop-start technology and a 5-speed manual gearbox, the C1 is among the best-in-class for fuel economy, with up to 74.3mpg on a combined cycle and just 88g/km of CO2.

Just in time for summer the new Furio model brings sporty style and unique features to the Citroën C1 city car range, with prices starting from £10,855 on the road.

Available as a three door hatchback, New C1 Furio boasts striking exterior styling to appeal to younger drivers wanting a sporty look, but without them having to pay a premium for a more powerful engine. Two powertrain options are available: VTi 68 manual and PureTech 82 manual.

Based on the existing ‘Feel’ trim level, C1 Furio benefits from the addition of black 15-inch ‘Planet’ alloy wheels, bold exterior graphics, plus Sunrise Red door mirrors and wheel centre caps to provide an eye-catching contrast to the Lipizzan White or Carlinite Grey metallic body colour paint options. A rear diffuser and centred exhaust outlet complete the sporty exterior.

Inside, C1 Furio benefits from the addition of ‘Wave’ grey cloth upholstery and a rev counter.

New C1 Furio joins Citroën’s long line of motorsport inspired small cars, including the 1990s Saxo Furio, plus cars like the AX Sport and C2 ‘by Loeb’.

VERDICT: Priced to sell from £8,495 the C1 is a handsome city car which offers premium styling, a host of new techology options and very low running costs. If you’re in the market for a city runabout you’d be mad not to take a good look at it.