The C2 flagship may look sporty but what’s it like to drive? asks Motoring Editor Peter Carroll.
With diesel currently costing anything up to 15p a litre more than unleaded, does it still make sense to plump for an oil burner, particularly at the budget end of the market?
Citroen’s refreshed C2 supermini range comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines - and on paper the flagship VTS looks an outstanding bet.
The car is powered by a 1.6 diesel which develops a healthy 110PS - almost a case of overkill considering the C2’s diminutive size.
Not only is the VTS the sportiest car in the range, it’s also capable of returning more than 60mpg on the combined cycle and is fitted with a particulate filter system (DPFS) that virtually eliminates particle emissions.
It also has notably low emissions of just 119g/km and can run on 30 per cent bio-diesel, meaning its green credentials are impeccable.
Along with all cars in the C2 range, it now comes with a higher level of equipment and options include heated leather seats for a real premium touch.
The facelift also gave the car a new front end with a sportier grille and one-piece bumper unit.
The downside is an asking price of nearly £14,000, edging it almost into Ford Focus territory.
The C2 range is aimed at younger buyers in search of a sporty-looking car. Space is at a premium inside and the car only seats four - but Citroen does have a host of more family-oriented models if extra room is needed.
Nor does the C2 have a particularly large boot - but it does possess a very useful split tailgate which can double as a seat when the car is parked up.
Inside, the dashboard has the usual digital read-out and and some stylish air vents but the overall look is less futuristic than the average Citro‘n interior,
For a car with a sporty target market the VTS could be more engaging to drive. It’s quite noisy on the road too.
But note that while it may lose out in the driving stakes to rivals like the Suzuki Swift Sport and Renault Twingo, the VTS will be far cheaper to run than either of these, with relatively infrequent re-fuelling visits required.
Another possibility within the C2 range is the 1.4 petrol VTR, which may not be able to match the VTS for economy or performance but is some three and a half thousand pounds cheaper to buy and also benefits from less pricey fuel too.
Finally, for those in search of proper ’sporting’ thrills there’s always the C2-R2 Max.
It’s a real stormer but costs three times the price of the VTS and is aimed squarely at those looking to break into competitive rallying.
Citroen C2 Fact File:
Model: C2 VTS 1.6 HDi
Price: £13,895 on the road
Engine: 1,580cc, four-cylinder diesel
Power: 110PS
Transmission: Five-speed manual, front wheel drive
Performance: 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds
Top speed: 120mph
Economy: 64.2mpg on combined cycle
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
Length: 3,666mm
Weight: 1,124kg
Insurance group: 6
Servicing: 12,500 miles
Warranty: Three years / 60,000 miles
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