What is it?
The C2 is Citroen's replacement for the evergreen Saxo supermini. Available only as a three-door (the C3 fulfils five-door duties), the C2 hopes to emulate its predecessor as the instinctive choice for young motorists on tight budgets. It will use the well-worn tactics of aggressive pricing and cheap insurance to achieve this. In particular, the C2 VTR has a lot to live up to, since the Saxo version led Britain's hot hatch sales charts for five years running.
When's it due?
On sale now
What are the engines and transmissions?
Petrol engines start with a 1.1-litre four-cylinder unit, developing 61bhp. This is the only petrol model to come with a conventional five-speed manual gearbox. The larger 1.4-litre, 75bhp and 1.6-litre, 110bhp engines are driven through five-speed SensoDrive 'boxes (there is no manual option). The SensoDrive can be used either as a full auto, or as a clutchless manual, with gearchanges made via paddles behind the steering wheel. The diesel option is a 70bhp, 1.4-litre HDi unit, with a five-speed manual gearbox.
How fast does it go?
The manufacturer's claims are as follows:
(first figure - 0-62mph, second figure - top speed)
1.1i - 14.4secs - 98mph
1.4i - 14.1secs - 105mph
1.6i 16v - 10.9secs - 121mph
1.4HDi - 13.5secs - 103mph
What does it cost?
The C2 is shaping up as a bit of a bargain. Including £500 cashback, you can put a base 1.1i on the road for £6,995. The 1.4i checks in at £9,595, while the testosterone special, the 1.6i 16v VTR, will set you back £10,995. There's also a diesel option: the 1.4HDi ranges from £7,995 to £9,295, depending on spec. Insurance is also affordable; the 1.1i is Group One, and the VTR falls into Group Six.
Any special features?
Citroen is making much of the C2's practicality. It showcases a new sliding and split-folding rear seat mechanism, so owners can choose between extra rear leg-room or a larger boot depending on their daily requirements. The C2 also features a split rear tailgate for ease of loading.
Who's going to buy it?
Citroen's target audience is realistic: the young and the old. The VTR and Furio models are likely to be bought by young males who want to screech away from the traffic lights, whilst the less hairy models will appeal to young couples and new drivers who want something stylish and affordable. Value for money will be the key to the C2's success, and this is likely to snare older or retired buyers looking for a cheap, practical shopping car.
The Top Gear verdict: favourite or failure?
Favourite. The C2's good looks and good value should make it a deserved success. The only sticking point may be the lack of a manual transmission option for the sportier models.
from:
http://www.topgear.com/content/news/cars_coming_soon/10/Sets the new standards for Compact GTi, replacing the Suzuki GTi for good
