The battle for hearts and minds in the city has just got hotter with the launch of Citroen’s second generation C1 urban runabout.

Although the diminutive French hatch shares much with its Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo stablemates, the C1’s bold new exterior look shares more with recent arrivals such as the firm’s new Picasso people carrier.

On sale in July, UK buyers will be able to choose from three trim levels with prices ranging from £8,245 for the entry-level Touch to £11,935 for the range-topping Flair.

Available with three and five doors and powered by a range of newly developed petrol engines, buyers will have the choice of a five-speed manual or a five-speed clutchless manual transmission.