Automanie.net

Citroën is unleashing its new sporty supermini, the C2 VTS, on the UK public this August. This exciting new arrival heads up the C2 range, offering real hot hatch handling and performance thanks to a specially-tuned chassis and new, uprated engine. Packed with equipment, it's also reassuringly high on safety and, above all, great value for money.



The performance supermini market is one that Citroën knows well, with a pedigree for producing lively hot hatches, most notably the Saxo VTR/VTS combination that topped the hot hatch tables for five consecutive years. This year, sporty models have already accounted for 40% of total C2 sales.



Now, the new C2 VTS is set to become the next affordable thrill-maker for a new generation of younger buyers, costing some £1,000 less than the Saxo VTS did at launch, yet featuring even more kit. Most likely stepping into a performance hatch for the first time, these buyers are looking for all the thrills offered by a sporty supermini, but without the associated bills, ruling out the premium priced and over-powered rivals.

The C2 VTS makes a very clear case for high value, performance motoring, with a group 8 insurance rating - an impressive 6 groups less than Saxo VTS - that promises to keep insurance costs right down, a recommended retail price of just £11,995, as well as a comprehensive standard equipment list. And at launch Citroen's latest hot hatch includes the valuable benefit of one year's free insurance* for buyers aged 21 to 80.

Significant work on the 125hp 1.6i 16V petrol engine ensures that it is able to rev freely to its maximum 7,200 revs, whilst also providing a good spread of torque lower down the rev range - unusual in this type of car. The 5-speed gearbox features specially developed close ratio gears which, together with the engine upgrades, give the C2 VTS a 0-62mph time of just 8.3 seconds, together with a maximum speed of 126mph.



The fun-to-drive nature of the C2 VTS is further enhanced by changes to the overall chassis design, which incorporates bigger anti-roll bars and stiffer springs and dampers, together with more direct steering and wider wheels fitted with special sports tyres. And hot hatch lovers will certainly appreciate the distinctive engine tone of the C2 VTS.

With its sharp, angular lines and purposeful stance, the C2 VTS wears the same stylish clothing as its stablemate the C2 VTR, in the same manner that proved so successful for the Saxo VTR/VTS combination. The pumped up 16” alloy wheels, front foglights, chrome tailpipe and subtle rear spoiler contribute to the distinctive, modern look, yet it is the red and silver ‘VTS' badging that really singles it out in a crowded car park.



The sporty theme continues on the inside - the two-tone black bolstered seats, aluminium gear knob and aluminium drilled pedals are all specific to the new model. Further touches designed to create a youthful, stylish ambience include translucent door grab handles, chunky chrome door handles and a black leather steering wheel.

Yet while the C2 VTS openly flaunts its sporty credentials, it comes with a specification list that takes everyday life firmly into account. Air conditioning, power assisted steering, electric windows, an alarm and a CD player are among the list of standard equipment, while sliding/folding rear seats, side window airbags and rear parking sensor are all options. Owners also obtain the benefits offered by a genuinely spacious supermini with room for four and the practicality of a split tailgate.

The C2 VTS incorporates the latest up-to-date safety technology, in keeping with the rest of the range - EuroNCAP has already rated C2 one of Europe's safest in the supermini sector. As well as four airbags, the C2 VTS also boasts ABS with EBD and EBA as standard. Further enhancing its safety credentials, it is one of very few sporty superminis to offer drivers advanced levels of grip thanks to the standard fitment of ESP.

Alain Favey, managing director of Citroën UK, comments: “Following the success of the Saxo VTR/VTS duo, Citroën has proved that it understands what real buyers want from a hot hatch. The C2 VTS is a fun, practical and highly attractive ownership experience and is sure to continue the Company's tradition for producing great value sporty superminis.”

* - Free insurance not available in Northern Ireland




CITROËN C2 VTS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Engine

Capacity (cc) 1587

Cylinders 4 in line

Max Power DIN (hp/rpm) 125 / 6500

Maximum Torque DIN (Ib ft/rpm) 105 / 3750

Fuel System Multipoint fuel injection


Transmission

Type 5-speed manual


Steering & Suspension

Number of turns lock to lock 2.6

Turning circle between kerbs (m) 10.73

Suspension - Front MacPherson type strut, anti-roll bar

Suspension - Rear Flexible transverse beam, anti-roll bar



Performance

Max Speed (mph) 126

0 - 62 mph (secs) 8.3

Fuel Consumption / Emissions

Urban cycle mpg (I/100km) 30.4 (9.3)

Extra urban mpg (I/100km) 52.3 (5.4)

Combined mpg (I/100km) 40.9 (6.9)

CO2 emissions (g/km) 163


Brakes

Front brakes Ventilated discs (diameter 266mm)

Rear brakes Discs (diameter 247mm)



Wheels and tyres

Wheels (inches) 6.5 x 16

Tyres 195/45 R16


Weights

Unladen weight (kg) 1083

Max laden weight (kg) 1394

Max towing weight unbraked / braked (kg) 450 / 625

Gross train weight (kg) 1844


Dimensions

Overall length (mm) 3666

Overall width (mm) 1659

Overall height (mm) 1451

Wheelbase (mm) 2315

Track: front - rear (mm) 1439 - 1439



Load Space

Boot: below parcel shelf (litres) 193

Rear seats folded forward - up to roof (litres) 879


Other informations

Aerodynamics: Cd 0.31

Fuel tank capacity (litres) 41

Service Intervals (miles) 20

Insurance Rating 8


CITROËN C2 VTS EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION


Styling

Sport grille

Body coloured bumpers, side skirts and side rubbing strips

Body colour rear spoiler

16” alloy wheels with 6.5” Michelin Exalto 2 tyres
Chrome tailpipe

Leather steering wheel

‘Aluminium' effect front vents

Aluminium drilled sports pedals

Aluminium gear knob

Chrome door handles

‘Translucent' door grab handles

Driver Information

Digital dashboard display

Rev counter

Digital clock

‘Black panel' night time instrument lighting

Safety & Security

ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

Driver's airbag, passenger's airbag with cut-off device and lateral airbags

Front seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiters

Height adjustable front seat belts

Four 3-point inertia reel seatbelts

Automatic activation of hazard warning lights (in case of rapid deceleration or impact)

High frequency remote control central locking with deadlocks and dashboard mounted control

Transponder immobiliser

Anti-theft alarm

Automatic door and boot locking (when car in motion)

Front fog and twin rear fog and reversing lights