Citroen C2 2006 Review

The second edition to the C2 range is a somewhat comical car. With bigger windows in the back, it looks like two different cars have been stuck together. The C2 VTS is priced at $23,990, $2000 dearer than the VTR model. And that's as far as the C2 range stretches.

While its heart is the same size as the VTR with a 1.6-litre, four cylinder engine, it gives even more, delivering an extra 10kW, producing 90kW at 6500rpm and 143Nm at 3750rpm.

But there's a big hurdle to conquer before you can enjoy the ride. While the first thing you notice is the character, jump behind the wheel, start the engine and you'll soon find it is very entertaining or frustrating, depending on your mood. The culprit is the clutch, as it takes some getting used to.

The first couple of times you take off, it feels like you're back on your L plates, and in this case, perhaps it stands more for loser than learner. Drive it like a normal manual and you'll find yourself reaching 5000rpm, 6000rpm with little movement, but lots of revs, which is somewhat daunting.

Once you get over it, there are other features of the car to enjoy. Such as the plain, simple, but chic interior. The dash has a sense of style and the seats, which wrap around your body, are quite comfortable and supportive.

Leg room in the back of this four-seater is limited, but it feels as if there is plenty of space around the top half of your body, perhaps a result of the large windows.

In keeping with its comical nature, the C2 has a blinker that brings back memories of playing space invaders on the Sega Megadrive or Pub Pong (for those who are older) with its electronic ponging noise. The headlights on and door open electronic warning alerts have a similar arcade-game sound.

The five-speed manual transmission is quite smooth once you figure out the quick release of the clutch and how to engage it, when you can feel the benefit of good pick-up in the lower gear range.

Tall drivers will suffer as they find their knees reaching their ears. A slight exaggeration perhaps, but the seat feels lower than usual. The C2 is also easy to park and while the steering is a little light, it's quite a nifty little car for getting around town.

Unloading the boot is made easy with a split tailgate, although you would have to keep shopping to a minimum. It handles and corners well and for such a little car, it gives out a huge roar, with a rather noisy engine.

As well as extra power, the VTS has a slightly stiffer suspension than the VTR, making it more sporty and the gear ratio is significantly lower, which gives a quicker 0 to 100km speed, 8.3 seconds compared with the VTR's 10.9 seconds.

The C2 lacks storage inside the car, with cup holders that don't hold drink bottles, slightly impractical and little space for accessories. The glovebox is also very tiny. The speedometer is digital, so you can't see the top speed, only how fast you're going, and the tachometer is also different and hard to see, as it's a curved line sitting above the speedo.

The claimed fuel consumption of 6.9-litres wasn't achieved, instead sitting more around the 8-litres per 100km mark, but this was mainly on city driving.

The C2 comes with a leather steering wheel, CD-player, air conditioning, rain sensing wipers and a four star NCAP safety rating.

According to VFacts, the C2 sits in the light segment putting it up against the Hyundai Getz, Holden Barina and Toyota Yaris, all of which have models well below the starting price of the base VTR. Perhaps it's closer to its other competitors such as the Suzuki Swift and Volkswagen Polo, but it doesn't seem to offer as much for the price tag.

Fast facts

Price: $23,990

Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, 90kW@6500rpm, 143Nm@3750rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Fuel: 6.9L/100km (claimed), around 8L/100km (tested)

Body: 3-door hatch

Verdict: A lot of character to this sporty VTS, but it takes time to adjust to a different driving style.

ALTERNATIVES

Volkswagen Polo Match

Price: $19,990

Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, 77kW@5600rpm, 153Nm@3800rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Fuel: 45-litre tank, 7.1L/100km (claimed)

Body: 5-door hatch

Verdict: Volkswagen's small car offers less power than the VTS with a much cheaper price tag. But, the Polo also has sporty character.

Suzuki Swift Sport

Price: $23,990

Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinders, 92kW@6800rpm, 148Nm@4800rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Fuel: 43-litre tank, 7.5L/100km (claimed)

Body: 5-door hatch

Verdict: The Swift was CARSguide's Car Of The Year for 2005 and the new Sport model offers better performance figures than the C2, for the same price.