Citroen C2 RANGE
In Replacing The Successful Saxo Supermini, Citroens Little C2 Had A Tough Brief To Fulfil. So Far, Its Carried This Off But With A C1 Model Slotting In Beneath It, How Will The Car Continue To Stack Up? Andy Enright Decides
So far so good. Citroens C2 is doing pretty well for
Citroen just at present thankyou very much. But in-house competition is always something you can do without and thats just what this car now has in the shapely form of the little Citroen C1. Can the C2 see off this newcomer as easily as it took up the vacuum left by the demise of the old Saxo supermini.
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And, more importantly, will
Citroen want it to?
Well, the signs are so far that the French marque wants the C2 to more than hold its own. Repositioned as less of a citycar and more as a stylish, budget three-door supermini, the range has been slightly reprofiled in recent times, with trim levels split between those wanting a more traditional value-orientated approach (with L, Design and SX trims) and those wanting a sportier package (with Furio, VTR and VTS trim levels). Fresh stand-out variants in both categories have been introduced, with a Design-trimmed 1.4 HDi model and a Furio-spec 1.
1-litre version. Prices across the range continue to sit in the £7,995 to £11,995 bracket. Although it shares its chassis, drivetrains and a number of body and interior parts with the larger C3, dont think of this car as merely a scaled down version of Citroens spherical supermini. The styling marks a different direction with a C3-style bulbous nose allied to a far edgier, angular back end.
Although to some it might look like the results of two design studies fused at the door pillars, its certainly distinctive. The side windows adopt a staggered line while the rear haunches blister out in a purposeful fashion. Four engines all borrowed from the C3 are offered with the C2, though the range-topping unit is available in two distinct forms. A 61bhp 1.
1-litre opens proceedings but the mid-range 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol also looks good value, priced from £8,795. For ultimate economy, the 1.4-litre HDi models (from £9,095) will be the first port of call, whilst the VTS version marks the top of the range priced from £11,995.
Its a 125bhp car that sits above the 110bhp VTR but has a manual gearbox where the VTR uses a SensoDrive clutchless set-up. Both of these performance models are powered by Citroens 1.6-litre 16v engine. With 10bhp more than its Saxo predecessor and a whole bunch more standard equipment, the latest VTR model looks reasonable value.
The VTS is the quickest C2 with a 0-60mph sprint of 8.1s and a 126mph top speed. It emphasises this fact with an aggressive bodykit, bold VTS badging and a set of 16" alloy wheels.
"The C2 adopts many of its bigger brothers funkier styling touches and introduces a few of its own "
The five-speed manual transmission from the C3 is the default choice on most of the engines but many C2s are also available with the SensoDrive gearbox that Citroen claim is rally style. This four-speed sequential box boasts advanced electronics that attempt to learn different driving styles, whilst a flick of the lever allows the driver to make manual changes without the need for a clutch pedal. Although the shift responses may disappoint Colin McRae, the gearbox is certainly game enough and will blip the throttle on downchanges when youre in the mood defaulting back to an automatic mode when youre not. The VTR might be over shadowed by the VTS but it certainly looks the part with colour-keyed bumpers and a subtle sillnspoiler kit, although if you opt for the Furio models, youll get the cosmetic addenda without the punchier engine.
Whichever C2 model you opt for, youll find a car that maximises its use of available space very effectively. Despite being even shorter than the old Saxo, its easily able to
seat four in comfort. Lessons have been learned from the reception given to the C3 interior and the C2 adopts many of the funkier styling touches such as the ventilation system and the bar rev counter and introduces a few of its own. Interior materials quality has been improved where possible and theres a wide range of trim choices from sober monotones right up to the most extrovert two-tone designs.
The steering adjusts for rake and reach in all versions while plusher trims also get a height adjustable seat. Few will have any cause for complaint given the amount of space in the front of the cabin as it feels no smaller than the C3, a car already renowned for its spaciousness. Like the C3, the C2 gets a can holder ahead of the gear lever as well as generously proportioned door bins that can accommodate a 500ml bottle of pop. Access to the rear isnt bad and Citroen have displayed admirable pragmatism in failing to pretend that the C2 is anything other than a four seater.
So many small cars cram three belts in across the back and end up trussing occupants up like a leg of lamb but the two rear seats of the C2 are well sculpted and respectable in terms of knee and shoulder room although taller passengers may feel the sloping roof impinges on their coif. Opt for upspec models and the rear seats individually slide, recline, fold and tumble. This allows the owner to optimise luggage or passenger space by sliding the seats on runners but in order to fold the rear seats fully flat, the front ones need to be run a long way forward, precluding this possibility for long legged drivers and front passengers. All versions nevertheless get a tailgate that splits into two sections to ease loading in tight spots.
Overall, with a number of safety features that include twin front and side airbags on all models and power assisted steering across the range, the C2 still looks a decent buy. Sophisticated electronics functions like automatic wipers and headlamps, rear parking sensors and folding rear mirrors will also be available if youre prepared to dip into the wallet. Although the styling may divide opinion and the lack of three rear seats may strike it off the list of some, the C2 remains a very welcome option in a market sector populated with a lot of mediocrity. Can it appeal to both the budget buying family and the genuine enthusiast? We suspect the answer will continue to prove to be affirmative.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Citroen C2 range
PRICES: £7,995-£11,995 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 1-6
CO2 EMISSIONS: 108g/km [1.4HDi]
PERFORMANCE: [1.4HDi] Top Speed 102mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.4HDi] (combined) 68.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/wheelbase 3660/2310mm
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