We're working with a friend's travel agent to set up a few things including a rental car from Athens airport to Nafpoli (side trips to Epidavros and Mycenae) and return. The agent has priced a car like the Citroen C1. I have no problem with small cars and we aren't going far, but will this size vehicle be suitable for the trip we have planned? Safety, keeping up with traffic etc? Thanks.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16052 posts
The Citroen C1 is a small hatchback. Whether that car is suitable or not will depend on the number of passengers (and their height) and especially the amount of luggage. It's perfect for 2 average height people, possibly 3, since you can always fold one of the two back seat to add cargo space. For 4 people it would be inadequate, in my opinion, due to the very small cargo space.
As far as keeping up with traffic, the trip is about 2+ hours, mostly on a flat 6 lane freeway. The speed limit is mostly 130 km/h. The C1 can handle that speed, especially the HDI (diesel), which has also a great torque. If you get the HDI model the engine will rock even uphill. You'll be impressed by that 1.4 liter engine. As far as safety, the safest car is the one which doesn't get into crashes. So drive with caution.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5540 posts
There's small and there's the Citreon C1. I was unfortunate to be provided one as a courtesy car whilst my VW Touraeg was in for repair (not exactly a like for like swap). At 6'3" I hated it, I could not sit in it or drive it with any degree of comfort. I only drove it short distances because it was impossible to drive for long without being in serious discomfort. I also doubt its ability to provide much in the way of protection in a collision. Quite simply the worst car I've ever driven although I'm sure some people are happy with it.
Posted by
OP
Lewisburg, PA, USA
346 posts
Thank you to all of you who responded.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11875 posts
The dimensions I found for the C1 indicate it's 3 inches wider and bit more than 4 ft longer than a queen size mattress
( 136 inches by 63 inches vs 80"x 60")
For comparison a Corolla is 182" by 70"
Stay far away from trucks-- you would be hard to see and a bit more than a speed bump to them
Posted by
OP
Lewisburg, PA, USA
346 posts
Thanks. Small, I agree. The travel agent, who serves a local university and would,surely, appreciate a larger commission, states that this sized car will be adequate. we are not tall people and won't have a lot of luggage. Let's face reality: no car is going to stand up to a truck at speed. And how am I going to park that Escalade in a small Greek village?
Posted by
92 posts
The British website http://www.parkers.co.uk is excellent for North Americans to check out unfamiliar European vehicles. Lots of photos including the important load space. Here's a link to the C1:
https://www.parkers.co.uk/citroen/c1/review/practicality/
And as always, just because you reserve a Citroen C1 doesn't mean that's the car you'll get.