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The C1, Citroėn's new entry-level model, is set to make its market debut in South Africa during January 2007. A compact car (3.43 metres) designed to carry four people, the C1 is available initially as a five-door model, equipped with an all-new 3-cylinder petrol engine.

Developed as part of the cooperation between PSA Peugeot Citroėn and Toyota Motor Corporation, the C1 is produced at the Toyota Peugeot Citroėn Automobile (TPCA) plant in Kolin, Czech Republic. The annual C1 production target has been set at 100 000 vehicles.

Citroėn's Styling Centre took the parts shared by the three models (platform, front doors and windscreens) as their starting point, but had latitude for the design of all other components. As a result, they were still able to design a car that reflects the styling and objectives of the Marque.

It shares the styling cues of all the Citroėn superminis with its chrome-plated chevrons, curving body lines, short overhangs and generous bumpers.

The four-seater boasts a number of original design features, such as a transparent tailgate and rear lights, and rear doors that extend right back to the lights.

The car is equipped with safety features such as ventilated discs at the front, ABS, EBA, EBD and CSC (Cornering Stability Control) to keep the car stable when it rounds a corner with the brakes on, and driver/passenger airbags as standard throughout the range.

Measuring 3.43m long, 1.63m wide and 1.47m high, it features a turning circle of 9.5m and gearbox ratios designed for enjoyable city driving.

It's powered by a 1.0-litre, three cylinder engine developing 50kW at 4000rpm and 130Nm at 1750rpm, sipping 4.1 litres of petrol per 100km on the combined cycle. Pricing is expected to be under R90 000 when it reaches South Africa, by January at the latest.

Diesel and three-door models may be on the way later.