Citroen has just released details and images of its next generation C1 model due to be unveiled at the 2014 Geneva show in March.
The tiny city car, which will be available as a three or five-door hatchback, and as an open-top "Airscape" convertible model, will feature two new eco-friendly engines including a new 1.2-litre 61kW triple.
The four-seat C1 was developed alongside PSA partner Peugeot’s new generation 108 and is claimed by Citroen to offer "generous" passenger space front and rear, as well as a 196-litre boot that can be extended to 780 litres when the rear seat is folded down.
The Airscape version has what Citroen describes as an "exceptionally large" 800mm x 760mm power-driven soft-top roof, for wind in one's hair frivolities.
Improved handling and ride comfort are touted, thanks to new electric power steering and a redesigned suspension that sees the rear axle weighing four kilogrammes less than the previous model.
The featherweight C1 tips the scales at just 840kg and measures 3460mm long, 1620mm wide and 1450mm tall, with a 9.6 metre turning circle. Low rolling resistance tyres on 14 or 15-inch wheels help in the quest for maximum fuel economy.
The two petrol engines comprise the e-VTi68 “Airdream” with stop-start functionality, as well as the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or Citroen’s ETG five-speed sequential auto.
There’s also a new 61kW VTi82 “PureTech” French-built 1.2-litre three-cylinder delivering 118Nm of torque that will accelerate the C1 to 97km/h (60mph) in 11.0 seconds while returning fuel consumption of 4.3L/100km.
The new C1 will also pick up techno features once only available in pricier cars, including auto air-conditioning, heated seats with memory settings in the front, hill-start assist, hands-free entry, a reversing camera and a seven-inch touch screen infotainment system.
A smartphone app extends the cars entertainment abilities to include functions such as navigation, telephone, address book, music and web radio.
Jaedene Hudson, PR and communications manager for local Citroen importer Sime Darby, said the ultra-compact C1 is not coming to Australia. She noted that "at this stage" there are no plans to bring the new C1 to Australia.
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