Engine choice

 Given the plentiful choices to be made when it came to appearance,

Citroën avoided any complication with the engine range. The three

Euro 5-compliant petrol units were developments of the BMW ‘Prince’ engine, the entry-level being a 1.4-litre VTI motor with 95bhp.

Claimed economy nudged 50mpg and 0-62mph was despatched in less than eleven seconds, but those after something more sprightly could step up to the 120bhp 1.6-litre VTI. Topping things off was the much punchier 1.6 THP, a turbocharged unit boasting 155bhp and a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds.

Joining those was a pair of Dpf-equipped diesel engines, both of them Citroën HDI units of 1.6 litres that offered 90bhp or 110bhp. Frugal – nigh-on 60mpg was achievable in real-world driving – and with low CO2 emissions there was plenty to like if you wanted style and cheap running costs.

Numerous tweaks followed bringing minor changes to power outputs and efficiency, but 2014 saw the beginning of a more major overhaul for the engine range. A pair of new Euro 6 Bluehdi diesels in 100bhp and 120bhp forms were the start, these joined a little later by new 3-cylinder Puretech petrol units in a variety of outputs and a more powerful 165bhp 1.6 THP version. All but that latter were a notable advance over their predecessors, blending decent performance and economy, so it’s worth seeking these out if you can.