Citroen C1 vs. Toyota Aygo: which is better?
We compare the Citroen C1 vs. Toyota Aygo to find the best small city car for urban drivers
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Toying with the idea of getting a small car but can’t pick between a used Citroen C1 vs. used Toyota Aygo?
Fortunately, they’re very similar, so you can focus on the things that make an impact like styling and practicality.
We outline some of the most important factors below to help you on your way to getting your next car.
Citroen C1 vs. Toyota Argo
Our guide will answer:
Does the Citroen C1 or Toyota Aygo have better styling?
Is the Citroen C1 or Toyota Aygo better to drive?
Does the Citroen C1 or Toyota Aygo have better tech?
Is the Citroen C1 or Toyota Aygo more reliable?
What are the Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo dimensions?
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Citroen C1 vs. Toyota Aygo: styling
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The Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo both offer unique and quirky styling that sets them apart from other cars in their class.
The Aygo has a bold, distinctive look with sharp angles, distinctive headlights, and a stylish theme inspired by the shape of the letter ‘x’.
The trim levels take that theme onboard, such as x-clusiv and x-press, and offer varying levels of equipment, but all models come with a large x-shaped front-end design that spans the grille and headlight area.
Citroen gave the C1 a more rounded and curvaceous design, but even so, it has its own unique front-end theme, comprising oversized headlights that give it a friendly character.
While they may be based on the same platform (and share many parts with the Peugeot 108), the designers have worked hard to give them each a distinctive look.
Citroen C1 vs. Toyota Aygo: which is better to drive?
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Although they’re stylistically different, there’s very little (if anything at all) that separates their driving experience. That’s no bad thing, however, because you know exactly what you’re getting and you won’t be missing out by going for one over the other.
The Aygo and the C1 are designed with urban driving in mind, so their tight turning circles are great for navigating car parks and side streets.
Both cars are nimble and agile, but they wouldn’t be described as quick. They use a 72hp 1.0-litre petrol engine, which can take a while to build up speed, especially with a full car.
However, because it’s a three-cylinder unit, it sounds entertaining and gives both cars some character.
Citroen C1 vs. Toyota Aygo: interior and technology
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Toyota fitted the Aygo with a simple and functional interior as standard, but you can still expect conveniences like Bluetooth.
You’ll need to opt for higher trim levels for more comforts, like a touchscreen infotainment system, which is available with a reversing camera.
There isn’t a lot of car tech in either car, but this is typical of any small city car where it pays to go for a higher trim level. Fortunately, there are plenty of used high-spec Aygo and C1 models available with attractive finance offers.
Citroen opted for a slightly more playful design inside by injecting some bright colours into certain models. Equipment levels are about on par, but there are fewer trim levels for the C1.
Citroen C1 vs. Toyota Aygo: practicality and boot space
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You’d be forgiven for thinking that because they use the same platform, they have the same size boots.
But the Citroen’s 196-litre space is bigger than that of the Aygo, which measures 168 litres. Still, other small cars like the Volkswagen Up have more space.
Rear-seat passenger space is acceptable, and there’s room for two, not three, which means there’ll be no awkward shoulder-rubbing. Make sure to go for a model with rear doors if you want to carry more passengers often.
There are convertible versions of each with folding fabric roofs, badged Airscape (C1) and x-wave (Aygo). While fun and quirky, the changes to the roof’s design does mean slightly less headroom.
Citroen C1 vs. Toyota Aygo: reliability and safety
The Toyota Aygo and Citroen C1 are both reliable cars and have a proven track record – the brands worked together before on these cars’ predecessors, along with Peugeot for the 107/108.
Citroen was awarded four stars for the C1 when Euro NCAP tested it, with good performance in adult and child protection. The Toyota Aygo got the same score.
However, Euro NCAP tested the Aygo several years later, when it was awarded three stars (or four with the optional safety equipment). This doesn’t necessarily mean a less safe car, it just highlights the increasing standards imposed by the crash test agency.
Citroen C1 vs. Toyota Aygo: dimensions
The Citroen C1 is 3,465mm long, 1,884mm wide and 1,460mm tall. Compared with the Toyota Aygo, which is 3,455mm long, 1,615mm wide and 1,460mm tall, it’s only marginally bigger.
It’s worth noting that Citroen’s width measurements include the mirrors – Toyota’s don’t.
Still, while they’re not as small as the smart fortwo, the Aygo and the C1 will be incredibly easy to fit into smaller parking spaces.
Used Citroen C1 vs. used Toyota Aygo: which should you buy?
Because the C1 and Aygo are so similar, not just mechanically, but also in terms of safety and equipment, there’s very little reason to recommend one over the other.
Instead, you can focus your search on the one you like the look of the most.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, says: "The Toyota Aygo is proof that a city car can be greater than the sum of its parts, thanks to funky styling inside and out, plus low running costs."
He's a fan of the C1, too. He says: "Cheap to buy and cheap to run, the C1 is one of the longest-lasting city cars for a reason: the package is just right for anyone who has to negotiate city streets and jams."
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