Citroen C2 VTR Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: Citroen C2 VTR range
Prices: £11,045-£11,845 - on the road
Insurance Group: 3
Emissions: 113-143g/km
Performance: [1.4 HDi] Max Speed 103mph / 0-60mph 13.5s
Fuel Consumption: [1.4 HDi] (combined) 65.7mpg
Safety: Twin front and side airbags / ABS with EBD and EBA
Dimensions: Length/wheelbase 3660/2310mm

Top of Class Performance at a Good Price

Our Rating: No Rating Available

For years Citroen made a good business by selling the Saxo VTR to consumers who were looking for performance without the high insurance rates. As time passed the Saxo grew obsolete. Saxos decline caused Citroen to go back to the drawing board and design and other performance and budget friendly car. They came up with the C2 VTR which at first glance is an awkward mix of economy and style. Upon further exploration one realizes the unique design is actually rather pleasing and far more striking than the standard family version of the C2.

The C2 comes with a chunky sill and spoiler kits that sits around impressive 16-inch alloy wheels and colour-keyed bumpers. The C2 does an amazing job of walking the line between immaturity and aggression. Many companies go too far with their stylings that no self-respecting adult would even consider putting themselves in that type of car.

NO one is saying that the C2 VTR belongs in the premiere class of hatchbacks, but for the cost of around £11,000 the C2 VTR offers a great deal of performance. Most consumers will opt for the 1.4-litre petrol powered engine that delivers 75bhp and takes the driver from 0-60mph in 12.2 seconds while reaching a top speed of 105mph. This engine will deliver an estimated 47mpg combined urban and extra urban. Someone looking to keep the performance levels high with a little bit better mileage can opt for the 1.4-litre HDi diesel powered engine for about £800 more.

Even though the C2 VTR is shorter than the previous Saxo it is replacing it still has plenty of room for four passengers of most shapes and sizes. Citroen has cleverly utilized all interior space. Citroen ahs also made it very clear that this car tops out at four passengers by not including a third seat belt in the back seat. The VTR model of the C2 come with backseats that fold, tumble, size and recline to a variety of shapes to suit most needs of a regular city dweller.

The interior of the VTR comes with up-market materials that include nicer plastics, a high-end ventilation system and a neat looking bar-style rev monitor. The interior comes in a huge range of monotone and two-tone colour choices. Each C2 comes with a rake and reach capable steering column.

Citroen has also included some higher-end type safety features that include anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, front and side airbags, power assisted steering, sport seats and cruise control. People looking for top of the line trim can opt to upgrade the car with Citroens RT3 system which includes a voice activated phone, satellite navigation and a five-disc CD auto-changer. The VTR also comes with a Thatcham-approved anti-theft alarm standard on the VTR trim lines.

Drivers looking for a nicely performing car that will not break the bank with the monthly payments, gas consumption or insurance cost will be very pleased with the C2 VTR with either the 1.4-litre petrol or diesel power options. Both power plants offer great speed combined with awesome fuel mileage.