Review of the new Citroen C2 Enterprise Van

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.

It's been improved in recent times with what Citroen calls 'a new, more assertive look'. This has been achieved though a redesigned bonnet, front bumper and fresh grille design with larger Citroen chevrons and black lacquered surround. These changes to the front end appearance aim to give the C2 Enterprise van a more sporty and stylish appearance. Inside, drivers get an upgraded RDS stereo radio/CD player which now incorporates MP3 compatibility. Plus there's an upgraded (£500 ex VAT) optional air conditioning pack that most operators will go for that now also includes electric front windows and electric door mirrors.

Aside from this, very little else has changed. OK, so it's still small. 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 £7,945 without VAT and that's cheap - a word that brings a warm glow to the cockles of fleet managers throughout the land.

".it's also worth remembering that the C2 Enterprise qualifies for the lowest possible insurance grouping."

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.

Otherwise, the C2 Enterprise van is very similar to an entry-level C2 supermini and therein lie its biggest strengths. 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.