Enzo Ferrari once decreed that no decent car could ever be designed by a committee. In the world of supercars that may well be the case, but lower down the food chain a collaborative effort has much to commend it.

Take the Citroën C1. Revealed at the 2005 Geneva motor show, it was the product of collaboration between Citroën, Peugeot and Toyota. All that automotive know-how paid dividends, delivering to the market a car that epitomises the virtues of a supermini, namely a low purchase price, exceptional practicality and cuteness.

The Citroën C1 rolls off the same production line in the Czech Republic as the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo. Line up the three cars and the similarities are obvious. The Peugeot may have different front and rear lights and a revised bonnet, but squint a little and the cars are identical.

Toyota’s attempt at disguise is barely more extensive, smaller lights and a more pronounced flare on the rear wheelarch arguably make the car look a little cuter.

Looks aside, the C1’s appeal is more obvious when it’s time to consider the finances, since it undercuts the competition by around £500 when new, then Citroën adds a generous discount, which makes the car look even more attractive. The bad news for secondhand buyers is that on the used car market this discount is eroded and you’ll pay barely less for a used C1 than for a 107 or Aygo.

But don’t let this put you off because the C1 has other things to recommend it. Its strong personality makes it the kind of car you could well end up being addicted to. The free-revving 1 litre 68bhp petrol engine boasts only three cylinders but is positively spaniel-like in its eagerness to please. While the larger 1.4 litre diesel option may be down on power and revs, it produces more torque that endows it with a languid pulling power that belies its mere 55bhp.

With fuel prices now firmly set at more than £1 a litre, the C1’s superb economy becomes a major attraction, the 1 litre petrol returning in excess of 60mpg in mixed motoring and the diesel achieving almost 70mpg.

Sit inside the C1 and you’ll doubtless be impressed with the space on offer. At a mere 3.43 metres in length it may slip into the tightest available space, yet you’re unlikely ever to feel pinched for accommodation.

Although the C1 is clearly built to a budget, thanks to clever design the use of painted-metal surfaces in the cabin seem stylish rather than skimpy. There are two trim levels to choose from: the entry-level Vibe lacks electric windows, central locking and alloy wheels but scores points for the inclusion of a passenger airbag, antilock braking and an audio system including a CD player.

For about £300 more, a used example of the higher-spec Rhythm model includes side airbags, electric front windows, remote central locking, a rev counter, rear headrests and split-folding rear seats. Externally you get side rubbing strips to protect the car’s bodywork, and body-coloured mirrors and door handles. Admittedly there is no air-conditioning or alloy wheels, but to me the Rhythm looks like the better secondhand buy.

On the road the C1 drives nicely, the slightly heavier diesel coping particularly well with rough surfaces. The buzzy three-cylinder petrol motor makes a fair bit of noise, but the sound is strangely satisfying, although probably not that easy to live with on longer journeys. Grip from the skinny tyres is also good, set as they are at the very corners of the car.

Unlike its siblings from Peugeot and Toyota, the C1 doesn’t offer an automatic option, and makes do with a five-speed manual gearbox. But its gearchange is light and easy, and C1 owners have few complaints, its fifth ratio in particular being usefully long for relaxed cruising.

Born of mixed parentage, the Citroën C1 has proven that diverse genes can produce something far more robust and exciting than many would imagine possible.

Steering
Tight 31ft turning circle a real boon, but steering is a little too light

Steering column
Adjustable for height but not reach

Stereo
CD with MP3 connectivity is standard but speakers can be a little feeble

Safety
Euro NCAP crash rating is four out of five stars for adult occupant safety

Wheels
Steel rims with plastic wheel trims are standard. All models come with a full-size spare wheel and tyre

Boot floor
Check for water leaks into the load area via the extractor vent

Boot space
139 litres on all. The higher spec Rhythm also gets a split-folding rear seat

Driver’s seat
No height adjustment but good design provides comfort for most drivers

Diesel engine
Whirring, whining sound from the 1.4 HDi can signal a timing-belt tensioner problem; take it to a dealer urgently

Vital statistics

Values

Model Citroën C1 1.4 HDi Rhythm
Engine 1398cc, four cylinders, diesel
Power 55bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 68.9mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 15.6sec
Top speed 96mph

Mileage
(10,000/20,000/40,000)

2005
Trade £4,925 £4,625 £4,075
Retail £5,925 £5,625 £5,095

2006
Trade £5,600 £5,275 £4,650
Retail £6,595 £6,275 £5,650

2007
Trade £6,225 £5,850 £5,175
Retail £7,225 £6,850 £6,175

The one to buy

A 2006 06 Citroën C1 1.4 HDi Rhythm with 20,000 miles.
Pay £6,275 at a Citroën dealer or £5,500 privately

Or for similar money

2006 06 Toyota Aygo+ 1.4L 3dr
2006 06 Peugeot 107 1.0 Urban
2006 06 Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 SE
2005 05 Smart Fortwo Passion auto
2006 56 Ford Ka 1.3 Luxury