- Chic styling (inside and out)
- Competent dynamics
- Steering is light and accurate…
- … but lacks feel
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Semi-automatic ‘Sensodrive’ transmission provides abrupt gearshifts
- Cramped rear seats and tiny boot
- Cheap interior plastics
Review: Citroën C2 (2004-08)
Review: Citroën Mk.I C2 (2004-06)
Overview
Released in February 2004, the Citroën Mk.I C2 was a three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Aulnay-sous-Bois, France, the front-wheel drive C2 was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a five-speed semi-automatic transmission (‘SensoDrive’) which had both fully automated and paddle-shift manual modes. The 1.6-litre TU5 four-cylinder petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. The Mk.I C2 range consisted solely of VTR variants.
Designed by Donato Coco, the C2 was 3666 mm long, 1659 mm wide, 1451 mm tall and had a 2351 mm long wheelbase. The C2 had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension (both with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars).
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTR | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 5sp semi-auto | 83 kW at 5750 rpm | 147 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Citroën C2 included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and load limiting outer rear seatbelts.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , the C2 received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 28.82. In the frontal offset impact test, protection for the driver’s legs was marginal as the steering column and ignition lock presented hazards to the knees. In the side impact test, protection for the driver’s chest was also rated as marginal.
Features
Standard features for the C2 VTR included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, contoured sports seats, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and front windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.
Related links
Review: Citroën Mk.II C2 (2006-08)
Overview
Released in January 2006, the Citroën Mk.II C2 represented a minor update. Inside, there was an updated dashboard and instruments for improved ergonomics; mechanically, the SensoDrive transmission and suspension were also revised.
In July 2006, the range was expanded with the introduction of the VTS variant which was powered by a more powerful version of the TU5 engine, though peak torque was reduced.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTR | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 5sp semi-auto | 80 kW at 5750 rpm | 150 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| VTS | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 90 kW at 6500 rpm | 143 Nm at 3750 rpm |
Features
For the Mk.II C2 VTR, features were substantially the same as its Mk.I counterpart. The VTS was similarly equipped to the VTR, but distinguished by its conventional five-speed manual transmission and more powerful engine (though peak torque was lower).
Related links
- Press Kit: Citroën Mk.II C2 (January 2006)
- Specifications: Citroën Mk.II C2 (October 2006)
- Press Kit: Citroën Mk.II C2 VTS (July 2006)
- Wikipedia.org: Citroën C2
