Manufacturer Citroën Designer Donato Coco Body style 3-door hatchback | Production 2003–2009 Class Supermini (B) | |
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Assembly Aulnay-sous-Bois, France | ||
The Citroën C2 was a supermini produced by the French manufacturer Citroën, with production starting August 2003. It replaced the Citroën Saxo, and was built at the Aulnay plant, on the outskirts of Paris. A different design of the C2, based on that of the Peugeot 206, is sold in China. The Citroën C2 was discontinued in October 2009, and replaced by the Citroën DS3 in January 2010.
Contents
- Marketing and advertising issues
- Versions
- Safety
- Facelift
- Technology
- Engines available
- 20032008
- 20082009
- Chinese version
- C2 in motorsport
- References
Along with the Citroën C3, the C2 successfully replaced the popular, but ageing Citroën Saxo. The two cars have relatively different designs, allowing Citroën to grab different sub-markets of the supermini class. The C2 was designed by Donato Coco. The C3 was originally designed as a larger "family-friendly vehicle", with its 5 doors, whereas the C2 was to project a "young driver" image with 2 doors and flatter styling. Unlike the Saxo, with 2 of 5 stars from Euro NCAP, the C2 achieved 4 out of 5 stars.
Marketing and advertising issues
Unlike its sister models, the Citroën C1 and C3, the C2 was seen as a victim of poor advertising. According to many in the motoring press, it was the most neglected model in the Citroën lineup in terms of promotion. In comparison, the C1 and the C3, on which the C2 is based, were both well-presented in the media. Despite that, the Citroën C2 was awarded the "Best European Hatchback of 2003" in September 2003.
Versions
The LX model is the "no-frills" version of the C2 and comes with basic equipment, including black plastic bumpers and no fog lamps. The L model, produced from 2003 to 2005, came with black lower bumper and door handles, CD player, rear seat modulation and no fog lamps. The Design includes body-coloured bumpers and electric windows. The SX is the luxury spec. It features 'bumper colour-coded paint' and air conditioning, the latter of which increases the 1.1 SX's 0–100 km/h time by 4.5 seconds to 17.2 seconds.
The Furio, VTR and VTS are the sports models which made the C2's predecessor, the Saxo, famous as an affordable, sporty-looking and very fast 'pocket rocket'. The Furio has the same sports body kit as the more expensive VTR and VTS models but lacks their alloy wheels. Earlier models of the Furio had 15" Coyote alloys, but these were later replaced with wheel trims from the end of 2003 onwards.
The VTR also has a 110 bhp (82 kW; 112 PS) engine, whereas the VTS, the premium sports model, has a 125 bhp (93 kW; 127 PS) engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.0 seconds, seen as sluggish by modern hot hatch standards where the fastest contemporary hot hatch achieved 5.3 seconds (Clio V6), although this is designed to be more insurance-friendly. Other additions which helped the VTS model achieve a low insurance rating (in the United Kingdom) were security based including deadlocks and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system which includes perimeter and volumetric detection as well as an engine immobiliser.
The 2004 limited edition GT model offers a sporty bodykit, with bright red, blue, silver and black paintwork and unique white alloy wheels. All GTs have a number certificate to show their authenticity. Only 2,250 were made, exclusive to the United Kingdom.
In 2006, there were a number of small revisions to the C2. Externally the car looks identical save minor changes to alloy wheels (on the VTR), half colour-coded door mirrors, clear side indicator lenses, and white indicator rear lenses. Internal changes saw a new stereo with vehicle computer integration and some cosmetic changes to the driver displays and centre console. The previous models ran two integrated electrical systems. The popular CAN BUS (Controller Area Network, by Bosch) and PSA's proprietary VAN BUS (Vehicle Area Network). In 2006 PSA dumped the VAN BUS system for an all CAN BUS system, giving it better functionality and compatibility with more component manufacturers. This required some of the electrical components to be replaced, explaining why the displays, radio/CD and some other electronic equipment were changed.
The VTR Sensodrive and VTS manual were the two petrol options available for the Australian C2.
Safety
Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, three-door hatchback variant on a 2003 registration:
Facelift
April 2007 saw Citroën Europe announcing a facelift for its C2 model, which had received a minor update in 2006. The 2009 model year C2 featured a larger front bumper and restyled grille with a chrome surround. The trim specifications remain in-line with the 2008 range. Levels remained unchanged.
Technology
The Citroën C2 brings with it two key new technologies, the Stop & Start environmental system, and the SensoDrive five speed semi-automatic transmission.
A Stop & Start system was previously seen in the 1980s, with the VW Polo "Formel E" and the VW Golf MKIII "Ecomatic", although this was different in operation; in the Volkswagen system the engine stopped automatically when placed in neutral. Selecting a gear by moving the stick to the left (for first or reverse) activated the starter motor.
Engines available
2003–2008
2008–2009
Chinese version
From October 2006, the Peugeot 206 has been sold by PSA, for the Chinese market only as the Citroën C2. With a modified front and rear body, this is similar to the way the Citroën LN was derived from the Peugeot 104. The car has no common features with the model sold on other markets, due to the positioning of the model in the Citroën China line-up. It is produced in China at the Wuhan Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile site. It has a length of 388 cm (153 in), width of 168 cm (66 in), height of 144 cm (57 in), with a wheelbase of 244 cm (96 in), and is powered by one of the two engine options: a 1.4 L (76 hp or 57 kW) and a 1.6 L (106 hp or 79 kW). Weight ranges from 1,040 kg (2,290 lb) to 1,100 kg (2,400 lb).
C2 in motorsport
After the success of Citroën's Xsara in the World Rally Championship (WRC), Citroën expanded their interests to achieve success not only in the WRC but in the support championship, the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) in 2004. The earlier Citroën Saxo Super 1600 JWRC car was highly successful. The car won the JWRC title with Sébastien Loeb in 2001, and brought him to the attention of Citroën Total World Rally Team, and again with Daniel Solà in 2002.
With the new C2 replacing the aging Saxo, Citroën concentrated upon making their new car a winner. Using a heavily modified C2 to create the Citroën C2 S1600, the works team and Dani Sordo succeeded in winning the championship in 2005. The C2 S1600 has continued to compete in the championship with privateer teams, and remains successful despite newer machinery from Suzuki, Renault and Fiat works teams. In the 2008 season, Sébastien Ogier brought the Citroën C2 its second junior title, and in 2009, the C2 was again the title-winning car, with Martin Prokop taking the championship.