Updated Citroen C1

The Citroen C1 city car has been updated in an attempt to keep pace with the new VW up!. Refreshed front end styling, mechanical tweaks and a cleaner three-cylinder engine have all been added.

The C1 keeps the same three-cylinder 68bhp 1.0-litre engine that it shares with its sister cars the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo, but thanks to some minor tweaks it now emits a tax-busting 99g/km of CO2 and returns 65.7mpg when equipped with the five-speed manual gearbox.

An EGS automatic is also available, equipped with wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the first time, although that drops fuel economy and emissions to 62.8mpg and 104g/km respectively. Citroen claims revised power steering settings and re-calibrated suspension improve agility and ride comfort, too.

A smaller double chevron badge now sits on the bonnet, while the front bumper has been completely redesigned to house vertical LED running lights - a signature already seen on the DS3 and C4 Aircross - and a pair of fog lights.

Botticelli Blue, a colour already offered on the C3 and DS3, is added to the paint choices, and a chrome strip is added to the grille on mid and top-spec cars. A new leather steering wheel, a redesigned manual gear lever and leather/Alcantara upholstery are all now offered as optional extras.

The new C1 makes its world debut at the Brussels Motor Show next Tuesday. UK pricing will be confirmed closer to the on-sale date in April.

See first official pictures of the C1's sister car, the Peugeot 107, here.