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.
3.5 out of 5

Safety

The C2 scored a reasonable four stars in the official Euro NCAP crash tests, which was a high score when the car was launched in 2003. It comes with decent safety kit for the price, including seatbelt pre-tensioners, four three-point seatbelts and dual front airbags. ABS was optional on some models, until 2004, when it was fitted to every car as standard. Security is taken care of with remote central locking, deadlocks and an immobiliser.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    3 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
3 out of 5

Reliability

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

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

Engine management problems and SensoDrive Gearbox issues.

Other

Recalls for break hoses, suspension springs, loss of braking efficiency and a slow returning accelerator.