Citroën's most compact car, the little C1, has been upgraded and has arrived in South Africa.

Over 600 000 C1s have been sold around the world, and now the small city car has been given a facelift for 2012.

It now boasts an even more economical version of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder powerplant and carbon dioxide emissions are down to just 99 grams per kilometre — the first petrol-engined Citroën to step into two-figure territory. Power remains unchanged at 50kW. Fuel consumption has dropped to a claimed 4.3 litres per 100km in the combined cycle.

Under-the-skin changes extend to revised electric power steering for improved feel and feedback and recalibrated shock absorbers for added comfort.  

The body styling gets updated too, gaining a more expressive front end. The bumper has been entirely redesigned to house LED daytime running lights on Seduction models, which is still a rarity in the segment. The new C1 retains the all-glass tailgate, which is framed by crystal and anthracite lights that merge naturally with the bumper.

The South African line-up continues as a two-model range, with the Attraction and the Seduction - the latter with electric front windows, as well as an additional pair of side airbags and ISOFIX seat-mountings. The Seduction model boasts air conditioning and a CD player as standard but now with Citroën's integrated Connecting Box (which comprises Bluetooth and a USB socket) as an option.

Several upgrades have also been made to the C1 cabin, particularly in terms of the interior design scheme. The barrel-shaped display below the central console features new screen-printing for more clarity and modernity, and new upholstery designs, and a more ergonomically shaped gearlever, complete the changes.

Luggage capacity is still 139 litres but boot access has been improved.

Pricing of the facelifted C1 is R99 900 for the Attraction and R120 600 for the Seduction.

"Our new positioning allows us to compete head-on in this competitive segment where consumers are conscious of monthly costs. It is also significant that the Attraction model can be tailored by the customer to up-spec their car depending on their budgets and desires," says Grant Bowring, GM Marketing for Citroen SA.

"This is the first step of many in positioning our brand as top of mind on the buyer's shopping lists."

All Citroen C1 models are sold with a three-year or 100 000km warranty and optional service plan.