CAN IT C2 THE REST?
In replacing the successful Saxo supermini, Citroen’s little C2 had a tough brief to fulfil. So far, it’s carried this off but with a C1 model slotting in beneath it, how will the car continue to stack up? Andy Enright decides…
So far so good. Citroen’s C2 is doing pretty well for Citroen just at present thank you very much. But in-house competition is always something you can do without and that’s just what this car now has in the shapely form of the little Citroen C1. Can the C2 see off this newcomer as easily as it took up the vacuum left by the demise of the old Saxo supermini. And, more importantly, will Citroen want it to?
Well, the signs are so far that the French marque wants the C2 to more than hold its own. Repositioned as less of a citycar and more as a stylish, budget three-door supermini, the range has been slightly reprofiled in recent times, with trim levels split between those wanting a more traditional value-orientated approach (with L, Design and SX trims) and those wanting a sportier package (with Furio, VTR and VTS trim levels). Fresh stand-out features in the line-up include the 1.4-litre HDi Furio model, the economical 1.4-litre Stop & Start and the introduction of an upmarket dashboard, of higher grade plastic with silver detailing, that’s also found in the C3. Prices across the range sit in the £8,395 to £13,495 bracket.
Although it shares its chassis, drivetrains and a number of body and interior parts with the larger C3, don’t think of this car as merely a scaled down version of Citroen’s spherical supermini. The styling marks a different direction with a C3-style bulbous nose allied to a far edgier, angular back end. Although to some it might look like the results of two design studies fused at the door pillars, it’s certainly distinctive. The side windows adopt a staggered line while the rear haunches blister out in a purposeful fashion. The latest C2 models can be identified by the clear section in their tail light clusters.
Four engines – all borrowed from the C3 – are offered with the C2, though the range-topping unit is available in two distinct forms. A 61bhp 1.1-litre opens proceedings but the mid-range 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol also looks good value, priced from £9,895. This unit is also available with Stop & Start technology which turns the engine off when the vehicle is stationary to save fuel, restarting it again when it’s time to move off. For ultimate economy, the 1.4-litre HDi models (from £9,595) will be the first port of call, whilst the VTS versions mark the top of the range. The petrol VTS is a 125bhp car that sits above the 110bhp VTR but has a manual gearbox where the VTR uses a SensoDrive clutchless set-up. Both of these performance models are powered by Citroen’s 1.6-litre 16v engine. The alternative is the VTS HDi which gets a 1.6-litre 110bhp diesel.
"The C2 adopts many of its bigger brother’s funkier styling touches and introduces a few of its own "
With 10bhp more than its Saxo predecessor and a whole bunch more standard equipment, the latest VTR model looks reasonable value. The petrol VTS is the quickest C2 with a 0-60mph sprint of 8.1s and a 126mph top speed but the VTS HDi isn’t far behind with a 9.4s 0-60mph sprint. Both cars emphasise their performance with an aggressive bodykit, bold ‘VTS’ badging and a set of 16" alloy wheels.
The five-speed manual transmission from the C3 is the default choice on most of the engines but many C2s are also available with the SensoDrive gearbox that Citroen claim is ‘rally style’. This four-speed sequential ‘box boasts advanced electronics that attempt to learn different driving styles, whilst a flick of the lever allows the driver to make ‘manual’ changes without the need for a clutch pedal. Although the shift responses may disappoint Colin McRae, the gearbox is certainly game enough and will blip the throttle on downchanges when you’re in the mood, defaulting back to an automatic mode when you’re not. The current models feature classier shifters with a lever slots into position rather than centring itself once each mode has been selected and steering wheel paddles with more of a solid feel.
The VTR might be over shadowed by the VTS but it certainly looks the part with colour-keyed bumpers and a subtle sill’n’spoiler kit, although if you opt for the Furio models, you’ll get the cosmetic addenda without the punchier engine. Whichever C2 model you opt for, you’ll find a car that maximises its use of available space very effectively. Despite being even shorter than the old Saxo, it’s 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 there’s 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 in all versions while plusher trims also get 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 isn’t 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. Opt for upspec models and the rear 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. All versions nevertheless get a tailgate that splits into two sections to ease loading in tight spots.
Overall, 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 still looks a decent buy. Sophisticated electronics functions like automatic wipers and headlamps, rear parking sensors and folding rear mirrors will also be available if you’re prepared to dip into the wallet. Although the styling may divide opinion and the lack of three rear seats may strike it off the list of some, the C2 remains a very welcome option in a market sector populated with a lot of mediocrity. Can it appeal to both the budget buying family and the genuine enthusiast? We suspect the answer will continue to prove to be affirmative.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Citroen C2 range
PRICES: £8,395-£13,495 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 1-8
CO2 EMISSIONS: 108g/km [1.4HDi]
PERFORMANCE: [1.4HDi] Top Speed 102mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.4HDi] (combined) 68.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/wheelbase 3660/2310mm
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- Citroen C2 Enterprise Van
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRISE
Small It May Be But Citroen’s C2 Enterprise Van Turns Size To Its Advantage. Steve Walker Reports.
You might imagine that there’s a limited market for vans that can’t match the carrying capacity of the average family estate car and to a certain extent, you’d be right. Any business with cargos of even moderate weights or dimensions to move about will find one of these diminutive models woefully inadequate. But for couriers, engineering contractors, security firms and other organisations needing to shift small loads of packages or equipment, across urban areas, they’re just the job. The market might not be big but it does exist and Citroen aren’t ones to pass up on the opportunity to pedal a few more commercial vehicle units. Hence the C2 Enterprise Van.
Buy a Ford Focus hatchback, fold the rear seats down and right there you’ve got a payload capacity that exceeds the one offered by a Citroen C2 Enterprise and its contemporaries. So what’s the point? Well, the supermini-derived van does offer a number of advantages over a car with its seat backs lowered, the most salient of these being cost. Dimensionally challenged though its loadspace may be, a small van in this sector does have a dedicated loadspace. Therefore, as far as the Inland Revenue is concerned, it’s a commercial vehicle. Businesses can reclaim the VAT and employees benefiting from the use of it avoid the costly Benefit In Kind taxation levied on company car users. The C2 Enterprise costs from £7,695 without VAT and that’s cheap - a word that brings a warm glow to the cockles of fleet managers throughout the land.
While we’re on the subject of cost, it’s also worth remembering that the C2 Enterprise qualifies for the lowest possible insurance grouping. It falls into band 1E and that will pay dividends over a typical ownership period. With the option of a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty or 3-year cover that’s limited to 100,000 miles, C2 Enterprise owners should sleep soundly in their beds without the spectre of hefty repair bills hanging over them – at least for the first few years.
The supermini-derived van has other advantages over a car with its seats in load mode too, namely that the load area has been properly modified for commercial purposes. Open the tailgate of a C2 Enterprise and you’ll be confronted by a flat load bed that’s lined to protect the bodywork against knocks and spillages. Four load lashing points are provided to fasten down unruly cargo and there’s a full height steel bulkhead with mesh upper to prevent said cargo from smacking the driver in the back under sharp braking.
"…it’s also worth remembering that the C2 Enterprise qualifies for the lowest possible insurance grouping."
Otherwise, the C2 Enterprise van is very similar to an entry-level C2 supermini and therein lie its biggest strengths. The C2 may be small (in fact its compact dimensions almost qualify it for citycar status) but the design is refreshingly modern and that presents some key advantages over older rivals. Let’s look at the loadbay first, where the C2’s innovative split tailgate opens in two sections, one lifting up and the other folding down. With this set-up, less space is needed behind the car to access the load area and the bottom flap actually drops down to create a handy loading platform, capable of supporting 100kg, to rest items on while you manoeuvre them into the space beyond. This bottom section also houses a 5-litre storage compartment, which can be used to house cargo straps or other small items. The C2 supermini has a boot that’s really only capable of accommodating a few shopping bags, so even after ditching the rear seats, the C2 Enterprise was never going to provide enough space to swing a cat - with a 0.84m3 to play with, you could just about rotate a gerbil. The average for rival supermini vans is around about 1m3 though and that’s not a whole lot better. The Enterprise’s weight bearing potential is more seriously restricted with 331kg compared to around 500kg in most competitors.
The C2 is Citroen’s entry into the sporty 3-door sector of the supermini market and the C2 Enterprise inherits its dynamic looks along with its sprightly handling. It’s certainly a distinctive vehicle to look at with that smoothly domed nose and wonky window line apparently contradicting each other yet creating a cohesive all round effect. Get behind the wheel and you’ll be impressed by the van’s nimbleness. The virtually non-existent rear overhang and the ultra-tight 9.6m turning circle open up a whole world of parking and turning round opportunities. The ride is well-damped but there is still that firm edge to the suspension and the C2 corners with some composure. The 5-speed gearbox is a little sloppy and has a long throw shifting action but it’s nothing to get too worked up about. The steering is light and lacks feel but the brakes do a commendable job.
In the engine bay, C2 Enterprise buyers have just one option but fortunately, it’s Citroen’s highly accomplished 70bhp 1.4-litre HDi unit. It’s well suited to the demands of urban operators with torque measured at 160Nm on tap at just 1,750rpm to provide spirited acceleration from low speeds and give good in-gear flexibility. This small common-rail diesel engine will also return first-rate fuel economy figures with Citroen proclaiming a scarcely believable 68.9mpg on the combined cycle and a still outstanding average of over 50mpg around town.
Safety and security are excellent and both are key contributing factors to the C2 Enterprise’s class-leading insurance costs. ABS with EBD is standard as are twin front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners while remote central locking, an immobiliser and automatic locking that engages when the vehicle is in motion will help to thwart the criminal fraternity. The cabin has a pleasantly upmarket feel with tough black plastics and aluminium detailing around the air-vents - although storage is scarce thanks to the inclusion only of narrow door pockets and two small gloveboxes. The C2 van is remarkably well equipped considering the prices being asked. You’ll find a CD stereo, power steering, height and reach adjustable steering and a trip computer all on board.
There’s no escaping the fact that the C2 Enterprise has one of the smallest loadbays in any van but in splitting hairs over weights and measures we’re missing the point. The C2’s strength is its size and its modern design. It’s highly manoeuvrable, very cheap to run and is powered by an accomplished HDi engine. If you need to carry more than 331kg, it’s going to be useless but there will be more than a few operators who never approach that kind of capacity and for them, a C2 Enterprise van may be ideal.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Citroen C2 Enterprise van
PRICES: £7,695 + VAT - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 1E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 108g/km
PERFORMANCE: Top Speed 103mph 0-60 13.5s
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS with EBD, Twin front airbags
PAYLOAD CAPACITY: 331kg
LOAD VOLUME: 0.84m3