Citroen C2 Enterprise Van
You might imagine that theres a limited market for vans that cant match the carrying capacity of the average family estate car and to a certain extent, youd be right. Any business with cargos of even moderate weights or dimensions to move about will find one of these diminutive models woefully inadequate. But for couriers, engineering contractors, security firms and other organisations needing to shift small loads of packages or equipment, across urban areas, theyre just the job. The market might not be big but it does exist and Citroen arent ones to pass up on the opportunity to pedal a few more commercial vehicle units.
Hence the C2 Enterprise Van.
| Build |  |
| Comfort | |
| Depreciation | |
| Economy |  |
| Equipment |  |
| Handling |  |
| Insurance | |
| Performance | |
| Styling | |
| Value | |
Businesses can reclaim the VAT and employees benefiting from the use of it avoid the costly Benefit In Kind taxation levied on company car users. The C2 Enterprise costs from £7,695 without VAT and thats cheap - a word that brings a warm glow to the cockles of fleet managers throughout the land. While were on the subject of cost, its also worth remembering that the C2 Enterprise qualifies for the lowest possible insurance grouping. It falls into band 1E and that will pay dividends over a typical ownership period.
With the option of a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty or 3-year cover thats limited to 100,000 miles, C2 Enterprise owners should sleep soundly in their beds without the spectre of hefty repair bills hanging over them at least for the first few years. The supermini-derived van has other advantages over a car with its seats in load mode too, namely that the load area has been properly modified for commercial purposes. Open the tailgate of a C2 Enterprise and youll be confronted by a flat load bed thats lined to protect the bodywork against knocks and spillages. Four load lashing points are provided to fasten down unruly cargo and theres a full height steel bulkhead with mesh upper to prevent said cargo from smacking the driver in the back under sharp braking.
"its also worth remembering that the C2 Enterprise qualifies for the lowest possible insurance grouping."
Otherwise, the C2 Enterprise van is very similar to an entry-level C2 supermini and therein lie its biggest strengths. The C2 may be small (in fact its compact dimensions almost qualify it for citycar status) but the design is refreshingly modern and that presents some key advantages over older rivals. Lets look at the loadbay first, where the C2s innovative split tailgate opens in two sections, one lifting up and the other folding down. With this set-up, less space is needed behind the car to access the load area and the bottom flap actually drops down to create a handy loading platform, capable of supporting 100kg, to rest items on while you manoeuvre them into the space beyond.
This bottom section also houses a 5-litre storage compartment, which can be used to house cargo straps or other small items. The C2 supermini has a boot thats really only capable of accommodating a few shopping bags, so even after ditching the rear seats, the C2 Enterprise was never going to provide enough space to swing a cat - with a 0.84m3 to play with, you could just about rotate a gerbil. The average for rival supermini vans is around about 1m3 though and thats not a whole lot better.
The Enterprises weight bearing potential is more seriously restricted with 331kg compared to around 500kg in most competitors. The C2 is Citroens entry into the sporty 3-door sector of the supermini market and the C2 Enterprise inherits its dynamic looks along with its sprightly handling. Its certainly a distinctive vehicle to look at with that smoothly domed nose and wonky window line apparently contradicting each other yet creating a cohesive all round effect. Get behind the wheel and youll be impressed by the vans nimbleness.
The virtually non-existent rear overhang and the ultra-tight 9.6m turning circle open up a whole world of parking and turning round opportunities. The ride is well-damped but there is still that firm edge to the suspension and the C2 corners with some composure. The 5-speed gearbox is a little sloppy and has a long throw shifting action but its nothing to get too worked up about.
The steering is light and lacks feel but the brakes do a commendable job. In the engine bay, C2 Enterprise buyers have just one option but fortunately, its Citroens highly accomplished 70bhp 1.4-litre HDi unit. Its well suited to the demands of urban operators with torque measured at 160Nm on tap at just 1,750rpm to provide spirited acceleration from low speeds and give good in-gear flexibility.
This small common-rail diesel engine will also return first-rate fuel economy figures with Citroen proclaiming a scarcely believable 68.9mpg on the combined cycle and a still outstanding average of over 50mpg around town. Safety and security are excellent and both are key contributing factors to the C2 Enterprises class-leading insurance costs. ABS with EBD is standard as are twin front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners while remote central locking, an immobiliser and automatic locking that engages when the vehicle is in motion will help to thwart the criminal fraternity.
The cabin has a pleasantly upmarket feel with tough black plastics and aluminium detailing around the air-vents - although storage is scarce thanks to the inclusion only of narrow door pockets and two small gloveboxes. The C2 van is remarkably well equipped considering the prices being asked. Youll find a CD stereo, power steering, height and reach adjustable steering and a trip computer all on board. Theres no escaping the fact that the C2 Enterprise has one of the smallest loadbays in any van but in splitting hairs over weights and measures were missing the point.
The C2s strength is its size and its modern design. Its highly manoeuvrable, very cheap to run and is powered by an accomplished HDi engine. If you need to carry more than 331kg, its going to be useless but there will be more than a few operators who never approach that kind of capacity and for them, a C2 Enterprise van may be ideal.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Citroen C2 Enterprise van
PRICES: £7,695 + VAT - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 1E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 108g/km
PERFORMANCE: Top Speed 103mph 0-60 13.5s
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS with EBD, Twin front airbags PAY
LOAD CAPACITY: 331kg LOAD VOLUME: 0.84m3
