Citroen C2

Our verdict

The Citroen C2 is a small three-door supermini that was supposed to replace the Saxo as the object of affection of the nation’s youth. Never quite managed it, but this is cheap and cheerful motoring.

Comfort

You'll get a fair bit of bump-thump in a C2 thanks to that tautness that makes it fun to drive in the first place. It's small, can be noisy and isn't the best motorway car. Stick local and it makes sense. The ‘Sensodrive' doesn't make for a great auto.

Performance

The C2 is perky rather than fast in all guises. Three petrols and one diesel make up the range with 61bhp 1.1, 75bhp 1.4 and 1.6-litre (the latter in two versions; 110bhp VTR and 125bhp VTS ) and a 1.4-litre Hdi turbo diesel. The VTR comes with a ‘Sensodrive' paddle shift that's OK, but not earth shattering. As a guide, the 1.1 will hit 62mph in 14.4 seconds and top 98mph, the diesel manages 15.1 seconds and the VTR 10.9 and 121mph.

Cool

Cheap and good-looking, so cool if you're young and this is your first car. Less so if you're pushing 40.

Quality

The door-slam test makes the C2 feel a bit like an old Renault 5 - made of tin foil. Then again, it feels sturdy enough inside and on the dash - if you can get past all the ‘yoof' orientated bits and bobs like the see-through gear knob and seats that look like a radioactive cat has puked on them.

Handling

Based on the C3's chassis, the C2 feels substantially sportier; little body roll and decent grip make this one of the funnier cars to punt along at modest speeds.

Practicality

You can get four in it, at a push, mainly thanks to a sliding rear bench that can choose between legs and luggage. The tailgate is split too, so that helps with the odd bit of shopping - but this is not a big car. Easy to park and use though, especially in town.

Running costs

Cheap to insure, which was surely the point from Citroen - even the sporty-sounding VTR is only Group 6. Residuals aren't helped by Citroen's constant discounting, but deals like free insurance and credit mean that you can get a cracking deal on a new C2 if you're prepared to work.