City takeover

Now, it boasts it has the car to do it, the C2, which has just gone on sale.

Well, time will tell. But it will not be an easy ride because the choice that is now available is so wide and varied that you need the fingers of more than two hands to tick them off, from the fairly pricey Audi A2 to the more affordable Volkswagen Polo, with a choice from 15 or so other models just begging to be sitting on someone's driveway.

The supermini market is the UK's major success story. With more space, more refinement, more technology and higher safety levels than ever before, small car sales in this country have already surged by some six per cent this year, heading towards a total of about 900,000 for the full year.

Citron already has two new offerings in this supermini sector - the largest in the UK representing about 35 per cent of the total car market - with its five-door C3 and uniquely versatile C3 Pluriel. Now Citron offers its third supermini, the three-door C2, which is especially important considering that 56 per cent of all small car sales are of three-door models, with the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Clio pretty-well dominating the market.

So what is so special about the C2 that gives Citroen such confidence. It certainly isn't in the name, C2 certainly doesn't have the same ring as Saxo, the car it succeeds.

Citroen says the C2 is exciting, is not only cool but also extremely clever, with wicked styling and an ingenious interior. Proving that it needn't be expensive to be trendy, the range offers competitive pricing, especially now with a special cash-back scheme. For example the entry-level 1.1-litre L is £6,995 (later it will be £7,495) while the LX is £7,695 (£7,995) and the SIX £8,295 (£8,595). Incidentally, that £7,495 price tag is less than the equivalent, less well-equipped Saxo model at its launch seven years ago. Similar price savings continue throughout the range, except for the sporty Furio and VTR models, which cost £8,995 and £10,995 respectively.

Equipment levels for the four-seater C2 are admittedly impressive. It is boldly-styled and quite dynamic looking, and features large square headlamps, a sharply-curved and creased bonnet, a swooping roofline and an eye-catching side window design.

The modern styling cues continue inside with funky touches such as coloured translucent door grab handles and gear knob, aluminium effect air vents and door handles, plus bright and stylish fabric designs.

It is surprisingly roomy, enough for four adults, despite it being shorter than the Saxo. There is excellent headroom and front and rear elbow room, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

Making the best use of this space, the C2 introduces an innovative and highly practical rear seat concept. This sliding and split-folding rear seat design gives buyers the flexibility of either more boot space - up to 879-litres - or extra legroom in the back. Another unique feature is the handy split tailgate, ideal when loading up in tight spaces. The lower section even contains a compartment offering an additional five litres of storage space.

The C2 is ideal for urban life. The standard variable power-assisted steering makes for one of the tightest turning circles in its class. Unlike most rivals, a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel is standard, with driver's seat height adjustment also available.

Equipment levels are also good: automatic digital air conditioning, leather seats, CD player, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers, one-touch electric windows and cruise control are all available. To help keep criminals at bay, all models feature remote control central locking with deadlocks and automatic door and boot locking as standard, while the flagship VTR model is also equipped with an alarm.

Built on the same platform as Europe's safest supermini, the Citron C3 Pluriel, the C2 can come with up to six airbags, anti-lock brakes with emergency braking assistance and electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme and automatic illumination of the hazard warning lamps, depending on the model.

The new range features nine models and four engines across five trim levels. The L, LX and SX models will appeal to regular supermini buyers looking for a value-for-money urban car, while the Furio and VTR models are aimed more specifically at those younger buyers after a trendy, sporty-looking alternative.

The C2 has the best fuel economy (almost 70mpg on the combined cycle) and CO2 (108g/km) figures of any mainstream car in the UK, thanks to the 70hp 1.4-litre HDi clean and economical common rail diesel engine. There are three petrol units to choose from: the 61hp 1.1-litre, the 75hp 1.4-litre and the 110hp 1.6-litre, all injected 16V units, with the 1.6-litre fitted to the sporty VTR model. Both 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre are mated to the rally-style SensoDrive gearbox.

Price and running costs are particularly important to the private customers who will make up the majority of C2 buyers. The cars arrive with the lowest insurance group ratings possible, service intervals of up to 20,000 miles and a three-year/60,000 mile warranty. Recommended retail prices start at £7,495 for the 1.1-litre L, rising to £10,995 for the 110hp VTR.

The entry-level L will appeal to buyers for whom low running costs and price are of particular concern, but who don't want to sacrifice practicality, style, safety or comfort.

Its specification includes four airbags, automatic door and boot locking when on the move, variable power-assisted steering, split opening tailgate, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, on board trip computer, remote central locking/deadlocks, split folding rear seats and black panel night time instrument lighting.

The LX features the added practicality of the C2's unique independent sliding and folding rear seat design. LX models come with electric front windows, a CD player, driver's seat height adjustment, front seat back pockets and rear head restraints.

The SX adds air conditioning (with climate control on 1.4i SensoDrive models), electric door mirrors, front fog lights, chrome effect exterior door handles, translucent colour-keyed gear knob and door grab handles, while cruise control, heated leather seats, rear parking sensors and heated, power folding mirrors can all be added from the options list, according to the version.

Furio and VTR models feature body colour-painted bumpers, skirts and rear spoiler, while the two-tone sports seats provide extra support.

Over and above the Furio, the VTR comes with anti-lock braking and electronic brake distribution and braking assistance, cruise control, leather steering wheel, alarm, heated/power folding door mirrors and 16-inch alloys. Optionally, buyers can add side window airbags, electronic stability programme, a voice-activated phone/CD player/colour satellite navigation system, air conditioning as well as independent sliding/folding rear seats.

Updated: 09:35 Friday, October 10, 2003