When Citroën set about replacing the successful Saxo model it developed not one but two cars. For those wanting five doors there was the C3, and those happy with three could opt for the C2.

At just 12ft long the C2 is a genuine supermini in stature, and despite being 7in shorter than the C3 does not offer a cramped driving environment. By lopping length off the rear of the car the C2 retains the same airy interior up front as the C3. Both front seats come with a generous range of adjustment, allowing the tallest of occupants to get comfy.

Of course the downside is that space in the back is severely limited: legroom for rear passengers is tight, and at 193 litres the luggage space is well down on the 282 litres available in the C3. But for many buyers neither issue will be of much concern in a car that more often than not is destined to carry just one or two people, and when the rear seats are folded flat there is a generous 879 litres of luggage space.

Under the bonnet the Citroën C2 offers a choice of three petrol engines and one diesel. Of the petrol engines it is the 1.4 litre 75bhp unit that strikes the best balance between power and economy, returning 47mpg in mixed motoring and reaching 60mph in a touch over 12sec. By comparison the 61bhp 1.1 litre works hard and manages barely 2mpg more.

For those wanting extra performance there are the VTR and VTS models. These hot-hatch versions share the same basic 1.6 litre petrol engine but the VTR unit is tuned to 110bhp and linked to the Citroën SensoDrive gearbox, while the VTS has 125bhp and a traditional five-speed manual box.

Unfortunately the VTR’s SensoDrive transmission does little for the C2’s performance, making it take 11.7sec to hit 62mph. For most buyers it is economy rather than performance that will attract them to the C2, in which case they should look no further than the 1.4 HDi diesel model. At tickover the diesel makes itself heard but once under way it is smooth and refined and can return over 65mpg. Even with a modest 41-litre fuel tank that sort of economy could mean nearly 600 miles between fill-ups. This engine produces 70bhp and allows the C2 to hit 60mph in just over 13sec.

While most C2s are destined for urban motoring they can happily stretch their legs on the open road. Engine and wind noise are pretty well suppressed and the ride is good — set up more for comfort than cornering.

All cars have remote central locking, antilock braking, variable-assistance power steering and four airbags. Move up to the LX and you add a CD player and electric front windows; the SX gains air-conditioning and a split-opening tailgate — useful for loading and unloading shopping.

The Citroën C2 and C3 have more than filled the gap left by the old Saxo model, and if you only need three doors rather than five, the C2 could be your perfect used supermini.


Bumpers
Colour-coded bumpers are made from an impact-resistant plastic material that absorbs minor impacts well but is prone to being scratched

Equipment
Base L model misses out on height-adjustable driver’s seat and split-fold rear seat

Insurance
Group 2-3 on all but the VTR and VTS models make the C2 an attractive proposition for new or younger drivers

Safety
Four-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating is good for a supermini





Tailgate
Split-opening tailgate on SX models allows rear screen to be opened for loading and unloading





Gearbox
Manual five-speed gearbox is precise with a light clutch action. SensoDrive automatic gearbox comes with steering-wheel mounted paddle shift but is not convincing





Servicing
Every two years or 20,000 miles with an annual lights and levels check





Wheels
Alloys standard on sporty models only; check the wheel trims for signs of kerbing and the tyre treads for uneven wear





Air-conditioning
Standard on SX and VTS models only

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Citroën C2 1.4HDi SX
Engine 1398cc, four cylinders
Power 70bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption 68.9mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 13.5sec
Top speed 103mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Citroën C2 1.4HDi SX 2003 53 with 40,000 miles and full service history. Pay £5,375 at a Citroën dealer or £4,750 privately

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