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 with over 50,000 sold in the UK to date. But in-house competition is always something you can do without and that's just what this car has in the shapely form of the little Citroen C1. Can the C2 continue to sell at decent levels alongside its smaller stablemate? The latest package of revisions should help.

These run to a minor restyle which has brought what Citroen hope is a smarter and more 'distinctive' front radiator grille and an 'imposing' one-piece front bumper. There are also 'cooler' trim colours and equipment upgrades that now include lateral airbags on many models and features like an MP3-compatible stereo even on the entry-level C2 VT. Prices across the range sit in the £10,000 to £14,000 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.

Four engines are offered with the C2. A 61bhp 1.1-litre opens proceedings but the mid-range 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol VTR also looks good value. For ultimate economy, the 70bhp 1.4-litre VTR HDi model will be the first port of call, whilst the 125bhp 1.6-litre petrol VTS version marks the top of the range. The petrol VTS is of course the quickest C2 with a 0-60mph sprint of 8.1s and a 126mph top speed.

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

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. 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 original C3 model's 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 MK1 C3, a car already renowned for its spaciousness. Like this 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.