Citroen C2 VTR
Citroens C2 VTR Finds Itself Filling Some Illustrious Shoes. The Saxo VTR Model Was A Huge Hit But
Citroen Are Confident That The C2 Is Made Of The Right Stuff. Andy Enright Reports
Certain cars are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them. Then theres another category of cars that have pimply adolescents thrust upon them. Into this final category came the Citroen Saxo VTR a car that developed a cult following amongst those who craved performance and style but couldnt stomach big insurance bills. Such was the success of the VTR model that it came to account for a disproportionate percentage of total Saxo sales, giving Citroen a decidedly peachy bottom line.
| Build |
 |
| Comfort |
|
| Depreciation |
 |
| Economy |
 |
| Equipment |
 |
| Handling |
|
| Insurance |
|
| Performance |
|
| Styling |
|
| Value |
|
Time, however, caught up with the Saxo and as ever more sophisticated rivals waded in, a replacement was sought. In the distinctly unconventional shape of the C2 VTR,
Citroen reckon theyve found it.
After the familiar form of the Saxo, the C2 VTR comes as something of a shock. Unlike many cars that create a sudden negative or affirmative response regarding their styling, the C2 provoked a riot of discussion about whether that round at the front, sharp at the back shape worked. The closest we could get to consensus was that it looked at first striking, then awkward but once you took time to get your eye used to it, yes it did work. Whats beyond any reasonable doubt is that the VTR version looks a whole heap better than the standard shopping trolley version.
With a chunky sill and spoiler kit as well as 16-inch alloy wheels and colour-keyed bumpers, the VTR does a great job of walking the fine line between aggression and juvenility. So many manufacturers try to create a sporting hatch and just end up producing a car that few over the age of twenty-two would ever be seen dead in. With a long pedigree of producing credible performance hatches, Citroen havent fallen into that particular trap. Powered by a 110bhp 1.
6-litre 16-valve engine, the VTR walks the walk too, accelerating to 60mph in 10.7 seconds and running on to a top speed of 121mph. Of course, this isnt premier league hot hatch territory but neither is the Group 6 insurance rating one of the key attractions for younger customers. Theyll also give thanks to the VTRs ability to average 45mpg in everyday driving conditions.
Citroen have been spectacularly successful in offering incentives that have lured young drivers to embark upon the Citroen way and the VTR is bound to be no different. Look for cashbacks and free insurance offers and if none are forthcoming, try the Citroen dealer down the road.
"The C2 VTR does a great job of walking the fine line between aggression and juvenility"
Its impossible to carp about the C2 VTR value proposition. Weighing in at £11,195, if you take underlying inflation into account, the VTR works out at less than its sparsely equipped Saxo predecessor retailed at seven years ago. Its now accompanied by a 125bhp VTS model priced at £800 more but the VTR is still likely to be the big seller. With 10bhp more than its Saxo predecessor and a whole bunch more standard equipment, the £995 premium being asked for the latest VTR model over the old version looks reasonable value.
Despite being even shorter than a Saxo, the VTR is 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 plus theres 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.
The VTR also gets the rear seat system where the 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. Its also fitted with a tailgate that splits into two sections to ease loading in tight spots. 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 VTR looks a decent buy.
Big car features like anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist are fitted as standard as are sports seats and even cruise control surely a first for such a tiny car. If you really want to push the boat out, the VTR can be specified with Citroens RT3 system, incorporating a voice activated phone, satellite navigation and a five-disc CD autochanger. Owners and insurers alike will be relieved to hear that Citroen has fitted a proper Thatcham-approved anti-theft alarm as standard. The C2 VTR has a serious weight of expectation resting upon its little shoulders.
So far it seems to bearing up extremely well.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Citroen C2 VTR 1.6 16v
PRICES: £11,195 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 6
CO2 EMISSIONS: 151g/km
PERFORMANCE: Top Speed 121mph 0-60 10.7s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 45.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS with EBD and EBA
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/wheelbase 3660/2310mm
<< Back to Citroen car reviews
<< Back to car reviews homepage
Find New & Used Cars in the UK |
New & Used Citroen Cars For Sale UK
