Steamed green

The slightly soporific Cult of BlueMotion is taking over the world, but Citroen reckons there's a more exciting way to go green.

Without the aid of low rolling resistance tyres, gutless gearing and more aerodynamic tricks than a flying squirrel, Citroen has managed to produce a sub-120g/km diesel hatch that, on paper at least, looks fun to drive.

The 110bhp C2 1.6 HDi VTS joins the burgeoning group of cars desperately limboing the 120g/km exemption category in the proposed changes to London's congestion charge. 

Spearheaded by the Polo BlueMotion, an entirely new genre has emerged employing technological trickery, such as the stop-start software seen on the BMW 120d and Mini Cooper D, as well as remapped engines and skinny tyres, to coax down emissions figures to what Ken sees as acceptable. 

But the C2 looks a livelier prospect. It produces 110bhp, gets from 0-62mph in an are-you-sure-I'm-saving-the-planet 9.4 seconds and returns 64mpg on the combined cycle. 

On top of this, it's the first diesel supermini to bear Citroen's sporty VTS badge, broadening its appeal beyond just the eco-conscious. The spec is shared with the petrol VTS, and includes aircon and 16-inch alloys as standard.

If all this tickles your fancy, make sure you're quick, because for the rest of September, the diesel C2 VTS is on offer at £10,995.