There’s nothing quite like driving around in a convertible with the roof down, the wind howling through your hair and rain running down your back and, alas, as there was a distinct absence of blue sky during the week Citroen’s C1 Airscape was my guest that was the predicament that I found myself in.

Still, at least no one can claim that I didn’t give it a go and, I have to say, that despite the somewhat adverse weather open-top motoring in the Airscape isn’t an unpleasant experience. The roof doesn’t fold away in a conventional manner. It’s easier to think of it like a giant fabric sunroof, a design that does offer a greater degree of protection than a traditional convertible, although in January the benefits are, unsurprisingly, minimal.

The C1 shares much of its substance – mechanical running gear and some of its bodywork – with Toyota’s Aygo and Peugeot’s 108. Citroen have, however, worked hard to distance the C1 from its brethren and of the three it certainly the most striking design.

Its cheeky, fun-loving face is dominated by the two-piece headlights and broad grille while the 3D-effect rear lights mirror the two-piece design at the front.

Differences inside are fewer and farther between as the trio share an almost identical dash layout. It’s modern, clean and simple, with colour-coded panelling that matches the exterior bodywork. I’m of the opinion that, if not done well, coloured plastics can look cheap and tacky but, in the C1, it looks vibrant and funky, and suits the character of the car well.

There’s not a huge amount of room, front or rear, for passengers and, at 6ft 1in, I wasn’t able to get quite as comfortable behind the wheel as I would have liked. However, offering a five-door version does, at least, mean that sitting in the back isn’t just reserved for the young and sprightly.

There are three models to choose from – Touch, Feel and Flair – with electric front windows, hill start assist, LED daytime running lights and remote locking standard across the range. Feel trim adds air-con, electric mirrors and a seven-inch touchscreen with MirrorLink to the mix while Flair adds a speed limiter, reversing camera, 15in alloy wheels and leather steering wheel and gear knob.

The 1.2-litre 3-cylinder motor is perfectly suited to the C1. It’s sprightly around town and reasonably refined on longer journeys. Even with the fabric roof opened, though noticeable at speed, wind and road noise never ventures into unbearable territory.

It isn’t a huge amount of fun on tight and twisty country roads, there’s not a vast amount of grip to be exploited and, even if there was, the absence of feedback through the steering wheel would leave you constantly guessing what the front tyres are doing.

The ride is good, however, with updated springs and shock absorbers coping well with all but the harshest of broken surfaces.

The C1 is, first and foremost, an urban runabout and, with that in mind it must fulfil a very specific brief. It’s compact but, at a squeeze, can carry four adults, it’s funky looks will appeal to the style-conscious and it’s cheap to run. The fact that it also has the capacity to tackle longer journeys with some aplomb is a very welcome bonus but, if you’re going to opt for the Airscape, a quick glance at the forecast before you set off would be wise.

Citroen C1 Flair Airscape PureTech 82 manual 5-door

Price: £13,325

As tested: £14,990

Engine: 1.2-litre 3-cylinder

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Max power: 82hp @ 5,750rpm

Max torque: 116Nm @ 2,750rpm

Max speed: 106mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 10.9sec

Urban: 52.3mpg

Extra urban: 76.3mpg

Combined: 65.7mpg

Emissions (CO2): 99g/km

For more information visit www.citroen.co.uk