Citroen C1 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Citroen C1 is a city car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 93 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 303 of 442, and 30.7% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (3.5% of tests).
Ranked 303 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 11 of 26 city cars
In 2024, 167,705 Citroen C1s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 30.7% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Citroen C1 is 8% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 8.0% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
30.7%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
8.0%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,700
Typical age at test: 10 years
Citroen C1 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Citroen C1 MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working3.5% of tests
- Service brake performance: excessively binding3.4% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7% of tests
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.4% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.1% of tests
What the Citroen C1 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 13.5% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Brakes | 10.0% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Tyres | 6.6% | About average |
| Suspension | 6.4% | ▼ 31% less often |
| Visibility | 4.8% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 4.6% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Body and structure | 3.9% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.9% | About average |
| Steering | 0.4% | ▼ 80% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
What MPG does the Citroen C1 do?
Official economy for the Citroen C1 ranges from 58.9 to 74.3mpg across the 25 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2023). A typical petrol version manages 65.7mpg and a typical diesel 68.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Citroen C1?
Any Citroen C1 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Citroen C1 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carCitroen C1 specs and running costs
Official figures for 25 versions sold in the UK between 2007 and 2023.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
58.9–74.3 mpg
CO2
88–109 g/km
Power
72 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 1.0L S&S 5-speed manual72 PS · M5 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 58.9 mpg | 109g | £200 | 27% |
| C1 VTi 72 ETG72 PS · A5 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – | – |
| C1 VTi 72 manual72 PS · M5 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – | – |
| C1 VTi 68M5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 68.9 mpg | 95g | £200 | – |
| C1 PureTech 82M5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 65.7 mpg | 99g | £200 | – |
| C1 VTi 72 ETGAMT5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 67.3 mpg | 95g | £200 | – |
| C1 VTi 72M5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 68.9 mpg | 93g | £200 | – |
| C1 VTi 68 ETGAMT5 · listed 2017 | Petrol | 67.3 mpg | 97g | £200 | – |
| C1 VTi 68 S&SM5 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 74.3 mpg | 88g | £20 | – |
| C1 e-VTi 68 AirdreamManual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 74.3 mpg | 88g | £20 | – |
| C1 VTi 68Manual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 68.9 mpg | 95g | £20 | – |
| C1 VTi 68 ETGAutomatic · listed 2014 | Petrol | 67.3 mpg | 97g | £20 | – |
| C1 1.0i 68 3 doorManual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 65.7 mpg | 99g | £20 | – |
| C1 VTi 82Manual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 65.7 mpg | 99g | £20 | – |
| C1 1.0i 68 EGS 5 doorAutomatic · listed 2014 | Petrol | 62.8 mpg | 104g | £20 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 25 versions.
What a Citroen C1 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 65.7mpg…
- diesel, typical official 68.9mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Citroen C1Buying a used Citroen C1?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Citroen C1 with other city cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Citroen models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Citroen C1 reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Citroen C1 is 8% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 93 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Citroen C1?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 3.5% of tests. It fails on exhaust and emissions and brakes more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Citroen C1 do?
Official economy for the Citroen C1 ranges from 58.9 to 74.3mpg across the 25 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2023). A typical petrol version manages 65.7mpg and a typical diesel 68.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Citroen C1?
Any Citroen C1 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Citroen C1 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 a year.
›How many Citroen C1s fail their MOT?
30.7% of Citroen C1s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 8.0% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Citroen C1 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.