Citroën C2 (03-09) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 13 November 2008
The Citroen C2 carries on where its predecessor, the Saxo, left and is a neatly packaged, easy to drive and affordable small hatchback. It's also well equipped and cheap to run, so makes an ideal choice as a first car. Unfortunately build quality and refinement are in short supply and the plasticky interior isn't particularly pleasant or comfortable. There are some neat touches though, like a split-opening hatch and a paddleshift gearchange option on certain models, but on the road the C2 is outclassed by similarly priced alternatives. In 2008 the model was facelifted with a new front bumper and grille while equipment levels were upped.
3 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£7,995 - £12,295

Used price range:

£1,439 - £6,614

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Cheap to buy and run, funky styling, easy to manoeuvre into small spaces

Lacklustre engines, sloppy gear change, some cheap interior plastics, overly light steering

The Citroen C2 carries on where its predecessor, the Saxo, left and is a neatly packaged, easy to drive and affordable small hatchback. It's also well equipped and cheap to run, so makes an ideal choice as a first car. Unfortunately build quality and refinement are in short supply and the plasticky interior isn't particularly pleasant or comfortable. There are some neat touches though, like a split-opening hatch and a paddleshift gearchange option on certain models, but on the road the C2 is outclassed by similarly priced alternatives. In 2008 the model was facelifted with a new front bumper and grille while equipment levels were upped.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    2.5 out of 5

    "The C2 comes with a decent engine line up, starting with the 60bhp 1.1-litre. This entry-level model..."

  • Handling

    2.5 out of 5

    "The small Citroen is an easy car to drive, with light, accurate steering and a tight turning circle..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "The C2 is really only ideal as a two-seater for the majority of the time as space in the back is..."

  • Practicality

    2.5 out of 5

    "Boot space is extremely limited, especially with the rear seats slid back for maximum legroom but..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "Originally there were five trim levels to choose from - L, LX, SX, Furio and VTR. All models come..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3 out of 5

    "Forward visibility is good but small wing mirrors and a limited rear screen mean that rear..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4.5 out of 5

    "Running costs are low across the range. It's cheap to buy in the first place which means that..."

  • Green credentials

    5 out of 5

    "The C2 performs remarkably well on the eco front. With an average of 135g/km CO2 across the line-up,..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "The C2 scored a reasonable four stars in the official Euro NCAP crash tests, which was a high score..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "Nothing major reported by owners, although the engine management system has caused some problems, as..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    4.5 out of 5

    "Citroën is known for its generous cashback and free insurance offers, so it is unlikely that you'll..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "There are plenty around - both on the private market and in Citroen dealers, so you can afford to be..."

  • Selling

    3.5 out of 5

    "There will always be a strong market for small and cheap to run cars. At the right price, you should..."

Gallery

  • Interior Citroën C2 (03-09)
  • Exterior Citroën C2 (03-09)
  • Exterior Citroën C2 (03-09)
  • Exterior Citroën C2 (03-09)

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Owners' reviews