By: Jason Woosey
Johannesburg - Citroën South Africa says it has updated its C1 baby hatch with a “new engine” and “keener pricing”, while retaining its high specification level.
While that “new” engine is PSA's familiar 1-litre three-cylinder normally aspirated motor with 51kW and 96Nm on offer, what the release fails to mention is that the “old” engine was actually a more powerful 1.2-litre unit with 60kW and 116Nm on hand.
So it's undergone an engine downgrade, but wait, there's method to the madness here as the sub 1000cc engine size means PSA doesn't have to pay any duty on it thanks to a trade deal between us and Europe, one which has also resulted in our Fiestas and Sanderos being rather well priced.
The “keener pricing” part of it, then, is a retail tag of R149 900 for the C1 Feel, down from R168 900, while the Airscape model, with a fold-back canvas roof, is now yours for R159 900.
While the new prices don't quite put it in the bargain bin, these C1 models are rather well equipped, with standard kit including automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, tyre pressure monitor, six airbags, ESC stability control and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Given that it's trying to do the boutique hatch thing, the Citroën also offers a wide range of accessories and trims and two new colours (Scarlet Red and Blue Lagoon) join the range.
PRICING
C1 Feel - R149 900
C1 Feel Airscape - R159 900
Prices include a three-year/100 000km warranty; service and maintenance plans are optional.
E-mail your opinion to [email protected], with Motoring in the subject line, and we will consider it for publication, or use our Twitter and Facebook pages to comment on our stories.