And the C2 has largely done a good job. It's more interesting to look at than the Saxo, with styling that's adventurous in place of the Saxos rather bland Euro box design.
The Saxo became a favourite of the youngsters who like to tart up their cars with bodykits, chromed rear lights, and big stereos and given time the C2 is going to go the same way. It has that look about it which begs to have an individual touch applied but at the moment the cars are coming along relatively unscathed and so still looking as their maker intended.
Citroen launched the C2 in September, 2003, and the car has sold well, so there's a good number around to choose from after more than five years of sales. It also makes a very sensible alternative to the little C1, especially as it costs less.
To research this piece I took command of a C2 VTS 1.6 diesel for a week and thoroughly enjoyed it in some ways. It seemed far more compliant than the harsh and sporting suspension in the previous C2 VTS I tried. Allied to the short wheelbase, the sporty set-up can make the ride a little uncomfortable.
Enthusiastic buyers of the petrol engined VTS, and lesser powered VTR which gets 110 bhp in place of the VTS's 125, will be prepared to sacrifice the ride comfort in order to enjoy the roller skate handling. This car goes exactly where its directed when you stuff it along a country lane with some enthusiasm and thats exactly what buyers demand.
If you want a ride that's a little more cosseting then the less overtly sporting versions of the C2 which will oblige. These all have a softer ride although their short wheelbases still give the car and its occupants a bit of a bouncy time.
There are several engine choices with the C2, starting with a 1.1 litre petrol unit. Other petrol motors are the 1.4 of the mid range cars and the 1.6 of the VTR and VTS so most people will probably opt for the 1.4. Other than these, theres also an excellent 1.4 litre diesel and in the used market that could well be my personal choice although the 1.6 in the test car, which was added to the range in 2007, proved very appealing.
When it comes to choosing a gearbox, I've always said to make sure you avoid the Sensodrive sequential box at all costs. I've always found this gives the car a really jerky shift quality that's too uncomfortable to be tolerated for long. With its paddles behind the steering wheel and flick changes on the lever it sounds great but there's too much of a pause as the ratios change and this makes smooth progress impossible.
The 1.6 diesel had a delightful manual gearbox and its combination of 120 mph top speed and 9.4 second 0-62 mph time together with an easy 60 mpg makes for cheap motoring. Even the road tax is only £35 a year.
There are always bargain used cars around on Citroen forecourts but the usual caveat with Citroens applies as the company offers such stupendous deals on new cars you have to watch that you dont pay too much for late plate used ones.
Many of the C2s around at the moment will still be within their Citroen warranty unless they are wearing high miles so take advantage of it. Service intervals are 20,000 miles on the petrol cars, 12,500 on the diesels, and insurance starts at Group 1, which makes these excellent cars for drivers who have just passed their test.
The C2 only comes as a three door (if you want five doors go for the bigger C3). Prices now start at £2,800 for a 1.1 L on a 53 plate, which is a big saving on the new price. Even an 08 car is only £6,000. If you want a diesel for economy, be prepared to pay from £3,250. The 1.6 VTS diesel on an 07 is still £8,100 while an 08 is £9,375 which reflects their appeal.
Maurice Hardy
