Review of the new Citroen C2 range

So far so good. Citroen's C2 is doing pretty well for Citroen just at present thank you very much. But in-house competition is always something you can do without and that's just what this car now has in the shapely form of the little Citroen C1. Can the C2 see off this newcomer as easily as it took up the vacuum left by the demise of the old Saxo supermini. And, more importantly, will Citroen want it to?

Well, the signs are so far that the French marque wants the C2 to more than hold its own. Repositioned as less of a citycar and more as a stylish, budget three-door supermini, the range has been slightly reprofiled in recent times, with trim levels split between those wanting a more traditional value-orientated approach (with L, Design and SX trims) and those wanting a sportier package (with Furio, VTR and VTS trim levels). Fresh stand-out features in the line-up include the 1.4-litre HDi Furio model, the economical 1.4-litre Stop & Start and the introduction of an upmarket dashboard, of higher grade plastic with silver detailing, that's also found in the C3. Prices across the range sit in the £8,395 to £13,495 bracket.

Although it shares its chassis, drivetrains and a number of body and interior parts with the larger C3, don't think of this car as merely a scaled down version of Citroen's spherical supermini. The styling marks a different direction with a C3-style bulbous nose allied to a far edgier, angular back end. Although to some it might look like the results of two design studies fused at the door pillars, it's certainly distinctive. The side windows adopt a staggered line while the rear haunches blister out in a purposeful fashion. The latest C2 models can be identified by the clear section in their tail light clusters.

Four engines - all borrowed from the C3 - are offered with the C2, though the range-topping unit is available in two distinct forms. A 61bhp 1.1-litre opens proceedings but the mid-range 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol also looks good value, priced from £9,895. This unit is also available with Stop & Start technology which turns the engine off when the vehicle is stationary to save fuel, restarting it again when it's time to move off. For ultimate economy, the 1.4-litre HDi models (from £9,595) will be the first port of call, whilst the VTS versions mark the top of the range. The petrol VTS is a 125bhp car that sits above the 110bhp VTR but has a manual gearbox where the VTR uses a SensoDrive clutchless set-up. Both of these performance models are powered by Citroen's 1.6-litre 16v engine. The alternative is the VTS HDi which gets a 1.6-litre 110bhp diesel.

"The C2 adopts many of its bigger brother's funkier styling touches and introduces a few of its own "

With 10bhp more than its Saxo predecessor and a whole bunch more standard equipment, the latest VTR model looks reasonable value. The petrol VTS is the quickest C2 with a 0-60mph sprint of 8.1s and a 126mph top speed but the VTS HDi isn't far behind with a 9.4s 0-60mph sprint. Both cars emphasise their performance with an aggressive bodykit, bold 'VTS' badging and a set of 16" alloy wheels.

The five-speed manual transmission from the C3 is the default choice on most of the engines but many C2s are also available with the SensoDrive gearbox that Citroen claim is 'rally style'. This four-speed sequential 'box boasts advanced electronics that attempt to learn different driving styles, whilst a flick of the lever allows the driver to make 'manual' changes without the need for a clutch pedal. Although the shift responses may disappoint Colin McRae, the gearbox is certainly game enough and will blip the throttle on downchanges when you're in the mood, defaulting back to an automatic mode when you're not. The current models feature classier shifters with a lever slots into position rather than centring itself once each mode has been selected and steering wheel paddles with more of a solid feel.

The VTR might be over shadowed by the VTS but it certainly looks the part with colour-keyed bumpers and a subtle sill'n'spoiler kit, although if you opt for the Furio models, you'll get the cosmetic addenda without the punchier engine. Whichever C2 model you opt for, you'll find a car that maximises its use of available space very effectively. Despite being even shorter than the old Saxo, it's easily able to seat four in comfort. Lessons have been learned from the reception given to the C3 interior and the C2 adopts many of the funkier styling touches such as the ventilation system and the bar rev counter and introduces a few of its own. Interior materials quality has been improved where possible and there's a wide range of trim choices from sober monotones right up to the most extrovert two-tone designs.

The steering adjusts for rake and reach in all versions while plusher trims also get a height adjustable seat. Few will have any cause for complaint given the amount of space in the front of the cabin as it feels no smaller than the C3, a car already renowned for its spaciousness. Like the C3, the C2 gets a can holder ahead of the gear lever as well as generously proportioned door bins that can accommodate a 500ml bottle of pop. Access to the rear isn't bad and Citroen have displayed admirable pragmatism in failing to pretend that the C2 is anything other than a four seater. So many small cars cram three belts in across the back and end up trussing occupants up like a leg of lamb but the two rear seats of the C2 are well sculpted and respectable in terms of knee and shoulder room although taller passengers may feel the sloping roof impinges on their coif. Opt for upspec models and the rear seats individually slide, recline, fold and tumble. This allows the owner to optimise luggage or passenger space by sliding the seats on runners but in order to fold the rear seats fully flat, the front ones need to be run a long way forward, precluding this possibility for long legged drivers and front passengers. All versions nevertheless get a tailgate that splits into two sections to ease loading in tight spots.

Overall, with a number of safety features that include twin front and side airbags on all models and power assisted steering across the range, the C2 still looks a decent buy. Sophisticated electronics functions like automatic wipers and headlamps, rear parking sensors and folding rear mirrors will also be available if you're prepared to dip into the wallet. Although the styling may divide opinion and the lack of three rear seats may strike it off the list of some, the C2 remains a very welcome option in a market sector populated with a lot of mediocrity. Can it appeal to both the budget buying family and the genuine enthusiast? We suspect the answer will continue to prove to be affirmative.