Citroen C2
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Average. Cheap and cheerful city car, but cramped compared to the competition.
Review
One of the more characterful of the current crop of city cars, the C2 combines distinctive design with a fairly painless driving experience - but basic versions lack much in the way of kit or performance.
The hard-edged styling gives the C2 plenty of visual appeal and the cabin layout is similarly funky - this is a car that Citroen claims has been designed to appeal to young drivers, and it shows. Space is reasonable for front seat occupants, but very tight in the back and the boot is tiny with the rear seats in place.
Dynamically the C2 offers a fair amount of enthusiasm, especially when it comes to darting around on city streets, but the harsh ride quality and loud cruising mean that it quickly feels out of its depth on longer journeys. The basic 1.1 litre petrol engine lacks punch, but the 1.4 is decently rapid. At the top of the range the 1.6 litre VTS is a real pocket rocket, but the 1.6 VTR, which is fitted with a dreadful, lurch-prone "Sensodrive" semi-automatic gearbox is best avoided. The 1.4 litre diesel is loud but very frugal.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
One of the better looking city cars, the C2's hard edges and flared rear window help it to stand out from the crowd.
Handling
2 star
Limited grip and lifeless steering mar the Citroen's dynamic case, although it's agile enough for zipping around town.
Comfort
2 star
The bouncey ride can get very irritating, while lots of wind and road noise enters the cabin at higher speeds.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Well screwed together, but some of the internal plastics feel very low-rent.
Performance
3 star
The basic 1.1 litre petrol engine lacks sparkle, but the rest of the line-up gives respectable performance. 1.6 VTS is impressively quick.
Roominess
3 star
Rear seat occupants will find themselves very cramped and the boot is small.
Running Costs
4 star
Low insurance, cheap maintenance and good fuel economy mean the C2 is pleasingly inexpensive to run, although depreciation is high by class standards.
Value for money
4 star
Official prices are unexceptional, with the C2 priced close to obvious segment rivals - but Citroen dealers' famed willingness to haggle means it will be possible to make big savings.
