Citroën C2
Encyclopedia
The Citroën C2 is a supermini
-class car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën
since autumn of 2003, replacing the Citroën Saxo
, it was built at the Aulnay plant on the outskirts of Paris. A different model, based on the Peugeot 206
, is sold in China as the C2. The Citroën C2 was axed in late 2009 and was replaced by the Citroën DS3
in spring 2010.
Along with the Citroën C3
, the C2 successfully replaced the popular but ageing Citroën Saxo
. The two cars have relatively different designs allowing Citroën to grab different sub-markets of the supermini class. The C2 was designed by Donato Coco
. The C3 was originally designed as a larger "family friendly vehicle" being 5 doors, whereas the C2 is seen as a "young driver" image with 2 doors and flatter styling. Unlike Saxo, which had only 2 out of 5 stars on Euro NCAP, the C2 achieved 4 out of 5 stars.
and the C3
, the C2 is a victim of poor advertising. According to many Citroën enthusiasts and to the motoring press, it's the most neglected model in the Citroën lineup in terms of promotion. In comparison, the C1 and the C3, on which the C2 is based are both well-presented in the media. Despite that, the Citroën C2 was awarded the "Best European Hatchback of 2003" in September 2003.
The LX model, produced from 2003 to 2005, came with black lower bumper and door handles, CD player, rear seat modulation and no fog lamps.
The Design includes body-coloured bumpers and electric windows. The SX is the luxury spec. It features 'bumper colour coded paint' and air conditioning, the latter of which has an unfortunate effect on the 1.1 SX performance, increasing the 0–100 km/h time by 4.5 seconds to 17.2 seconds.
The Furio, VTR and VTS are the sports models which made the C2's predecessor, the Saxo, famous as an affordable, sporty-looking and very fast 'pocket rocket'. The Furio has exactly the same sports body kit as the more expensive VTR and VTS models but lacks the alloy wheels of those models.
The VTR also has an adequate 110 bhp engine, whereas the VTS is the premium sports model, with a 125 bhp engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mi/h in 8.0 seconds, seen as sluggish by modern hot hatch standards where the fastest hot hatch achieves 5.3 seconds (Clio V6), although this is obviously designed to be more insurance-friendly. Other additions which helped the VTS model achieve a low insurance rating (in the UK) were security based including deadlocks and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system which includes perimeter and volumetric detection as well as engine immobiliser.
2004's limited edition GT model offered a sporty bodykit, with bright red, blue, silver and black paintwork and unique white alloy wheels. All GTs had a number certificate to show their authenticity. Only 2250 were made exclusive to the UK.
2006 saw a number of small revisions to the C2. Externally the car looks identical save minor changes to alloy wheels (on the VTR), half colour coded door mirrors, clear side indicator lenses, and white indicator rear lenses. Internal changes saw a new electrical system, new stereo with vehicle computer integration and some cosmetic changes to the driver displays and centre console.
The VTR Sensodrive and VTS Manual are the two current petrol options available for the Australian C2.
.
A Stop & Start system was previously seen in the 1980s, with the VW Polo "Formel E" and the VW Golf MKIII "Ecomatic", although this was different in operation; in the Volkswagen
system the engine stopped automatically when placed in neutral. Selecting a gear by moving the stick to the left (for first or reverse) activated the starter motor.
has been sold by PSA
, for the Chinese
market only as the Citroën C2. With a modified front and rear body, this is similar to the way the Citroën LN was derived from the Peugeot 104
. The car has no common features with the model sold on other markets, due to the positioning of the model in the Citroën China line-up. It is produced in China at the Wuhan Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile
site. It has a length of 388 cm (153 in), width of 168 cm (66 in), height of 144 cm (57 in), with a wheelbase of 244 cm (96 in), and is powered by one of the two engine options: a 1.4 L (76 hp) and a 1.6 L (106 hp). Weight ranges from 1040 lb (471.7 kg) to 1100 lb (499 kg).
After the success of Citroën's Xsara in the World Rally Championship
(WRC), Citroën expanded their interests to achieve success not only in the WRC but in the support championship, the Junior World Rally Championship
(JWRC) in 2004. The earlier Citroën Saxo Super 1600
JWRC car was highly successful. The car won the JWRC title with Sébastien Loeb
in 2001, and brought him to the attention of Citroën Total World Rally Team
, and again with Daniel Solà
in 2002.
With the new C2 replacing the aging Saxo, Citroën concentrated upon making their new car a winner. Using a heavily modified C2 to create the Citroën C2 S1600, the works team and Dani Sordo
succeeded in winning the championship in 2005. The C2 S1600 has continued to compete in the championship with privateer teams, and remains successful despite newer machinery from Suzuki, Renault and Fiat works teams. In the 2008 season
, Sébastien Ogier
brought the Citroën C2 its second junior title, and in 2009
, the C2 was again the title-winning car, with Martin Prokop
taking the championship.
Supermini car
A supermini is a British term that describes automobiles larger than a city car but smaller than a small family car. This car class is also known as the B-segment across Europe, and as subcompact in North America....
-class car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën
Citroën
Citroën is a major French automobile manufacturer, part of the PSA Peugeot Citroën group.Founded in 1919 by French industrialist André-Gustave Citroën , Citroën was the first mass-production car company outside the USA and pioneered the modern concept of creating a sales and services network that...
since autumn of 2003, replacing the Citroën Saxo
Citroën Saxo
The Citroën Saxo is a supermini produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1996 to 2003. It was also sold in Japan as the Citroën Chanson. It shares many engine and body parts with the Peugeot 106 , the major difference being interiors and body panels...
, it was built at the Aulnay plant on the outskirts of Paris. A different model, based on the Peugeot 206
Peugeot 206
The Peugeot 206 is a supermini car, manufactured by the French automaker Peugeot from 1998 to 2010.Even though the 206 has finished production in most markets as of 2010, in Europe since 2009, it is available the 206+, with a back and especially a front design that resembles the Peugeot 207.-The...
, is sold in China as the C2. The Citroën C2 was axed in late 2009 and was replaced by the Citroën DS3
Citroën DS3
The Citroën DS3 is a supermini, produced by French manufacturer Citroën from 2009. This is the first car in the new DS range from Citroën. It was first hinted by the concept car Citroën DS Inside. This range of vehicle shares no common feature with, and is in no way the successor to, the Citroën DS...
in spring 2010.
Along with the Citroën C3
Citroën C3
The Citroën C3 is a supermini car equipped with a range of inline-four engines that has been produced by the French automaker Citroën since 2002. It was designed by Donato Coco and Jean-Pierre Ploué, previously known for designing the first generation Renault Twingo; the former has been the head of...
, the C2 successfully replaced the popular but ageing Citroën Saxo
Citroën Saxo
The Citroën Saxo is a supermini produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1996 to 2003. It was also sold in Japan as the Citroën Chanson. It shares many engine and body parts with the Peugeot 106 , the major difference being interiors and body panels...
. The two cars have relatively different designs allowing Citroën to grab different sub-markets of the supermini class. The C2 was designed by Donato Coco
Donato Coco
-References:...
. The C3 was originally designed as a larger "family friendly vehicle" being 5 doors, whereas the C2 is seen as a "young driver" image with 2 doors and flatter styling. Unlike Saxo, which had only 2 out of 5 stars on Euro NCAP, the C2 achieved 4 out of 5 stars.
Marketing and advertising issues
Unlike its sister models, the Citroën C1Citroën C1
The Citroën C1 is a city car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën since 2005.The C1 was developed as part of the B-Zero project by PSA Peugeot Citroën in a joint-venture with Toyota. The Peugeot 107 is identical to the C1 other than the front bumper and front and rear lights, while the...
and the C3
Citroën C3
The Citroën C3 is a supermini car equipped with a range of inline-four engines that has been produced by the French automaker Citroën since 2002. It was designed by Donato Coco and Jean-Pierre Ploué, previously known for designing the first generation Renault Twingo; the former has been the head of...
, the C2 is a victim of poor advertising. According to many Citroën enthusiasts and to the motoring press, it's the most neglected model in the Citroën lineup in terms of promotion. In comparison, the C1 and the C3, on which the C2 is based are both well-presented in the media. Despite that, the Citroën C2 was awarded the "Best European Hatchback of 2003" in September 2003.
Versions
The L model is the "no-frills" version of the C2 and comes with basic equipment, including black plastic bumpers and no fog lamps.The LX model, produced from 2003 to 2005, came with black lower bumper and door handles, CD player, rear seat modulation and no fog lamps.
The Design includes body-coloured bumpers and electric windows. The SX is the luxury spec. It features 'bumper colour coded paint' and air conditioning, the latter of which has an unfortunate effect on the 1.1 SX performance, increasing the 0–100 km/h time by 4.5 seconds to 17.2 seconds.
The Furio, VTR and VTS are the sports models which made the C2's predecessor, the Saxo, famous as an affordable, sporty-looking and very fast 'pocket rocket'. The Furio has exactly the same sports body kit as the more expensive VTR and VTS models but lacks the alloy wheels of those models.
The VTR also has an adequate 110 bhp engine, whereas the VTS is the premium sports model, with a 125 bhp engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mi/h in 8.0 seconds, seen as sluggish by modern hot hatch standards where the fastest hot hatch achieves 5.3 seconds (Clio V6), although this is obviously designed to be more insurance-friendly. Other additions which helped the VTS model achieve a low insurance rating (in the UK) were security based including deadlocks and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system which includes perimeter and volumetric detection as well as engine immobiliser.
2004's limited edition GT model offered a sporty bodykit, with bright red, blue, silver and black paintwork and unique white alloy wheels. All GTs had a number certificate to show their authenticity. Only 2250 were made exclusive to the UK.
2006 saw a number of small revisions to the C2. Externally the car looks identical save minor changes to alloy wheels (on the VTR), half colour coded door mirrors, clear side indicator lenses, and white indicator rear lenses. Internal changes saw a new electrical system, new stereo with vehicle computer integration and some cosmetic changes to the driver displays and centre console.
The VTR Sensodrive and VTS Manual are the two current petrol options available for the Australian C2.
Safety
Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, 3-door hatchback variant on a 2003 registration:| Test | Score | Points |
| Overall: | N/A | N/A |
| Adult Adult An adult is a human being or living organism that is of relatively mature age, typically associated with sexual maturity and the attainment of reproductive age.... occupant: |
29 | |
| Child Child Biologically, a child is generally a human between the stages of birth and puberty. Some vernacular definitions of a child include the fetus, as being an unborn child. The legal definition of "child" generally refers to a minor, otherwise known as a person younger than the age of majority... occupant: |
29 | |
| Pedestrian Pedestrian A pedestrian is a person traveling on foot, whether walking or running. In some communities, those traveling using roller skates or skateboards are also considered to be pedestrians. In modern times, the term mostly refers to someone walking on a road or footpath, but this was not the case... : |
12 | |
| Safety assist: | N/A | N/A |
2008/9 facelifted C2
April 2008 saw Citroën Europe announcing a facelift for its C2 model, which had received a minor update in 2006. The 2009 model year C2 featured a larger front bumper and restyled grille with a chrome surround. The trim specifications remain in-line with the 2008 range. Levels remained unchanged.Technology
The Citroën C2 brings with it two key new technologies, the Stop & Start environmental system, and the SensoDrive five speed semi-automatic transmissionSemi-automatic transmission
A semi-automatic transmission is an automobile transmission that does not change gears automatically, but rather facilitates manual gear changes by dispensing with the need to press...
.
- The Stop & Start is a hybrid system, with the internal combustion engine being supplemented by a small electric motor. The "Stop & Start" system automatically disengages the engine when you bring the vehicle to a complete stop, with pressure being applied to the brake pedal. The engine quickly restarts when pressure on the brake pedal is relieved. The technology has been developed by ValeoValeoValeo is a French automotive components manufacturer.-History:The Société Anonyme Française du Ferodo was founded in 1923 in Saint-Ouen, a suburb of Paris...
and results in lower urban fuel consumption. The system, however, requires pressure on the brake pedal when stationary for the system to work - holding the vehicle on the handbrake (parking brake) alone will not be sufficient for the system to operate. The Stop & Start system is mounted to the SensoDrive gearbox.
A Stop & Start system was previously seen in the 1980s, with the VW Polo "Formel E" and the VW Golf MKIII "Ecomatic", although this was different in operation; in the Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer and is the original and biggest-selling marque of the Volkswagen Group, which now also owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, and Škoda marques and the truck manufacturer Scania.Volkswagen means "people's car" in German, where it is...
system the engine stopped automatically when placed in neutral. Selecting a gear by moving the stick to the left (for first or reverse) activated the starter motor.
- The SensoDrive five speed semi-automatic transmissionSemi-automatic transmissionA semi-automatic transmission is an automobile transmission that does not change gears automatically, but rather facilitates manual gear changes by dispensing with the need to press...
is an electronically controlled manual gearbox, with the clutch and gear-change functions electronically managed. As a result, the vehicle has no clutch pedal and the gear lever - which remains present - has no mechanical link with the gearbox. The SensoDrive gearbox is managed by a control unit, which controls two actuators. One actuator changes gears while the other, which is equipped with a facing wear compensation system, opens and closes the clutch. The gearbox control unit also dialogues with the engine control unit. The SensoDrive gearbox has two shifting options of either the fully automated mode, or the paddle-shifted/gear-shifted manual mode.
Engines available
- 1.1 L TU1PSA TU engineThe PSA TU engine is a family of small four-cylinder engines used in the Peugeot and Citroën range of cars. It was introduced in 1986 with the Citroën AX, replacing the X family, although it shared many components with its predecessor...
(1124 cc) I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 60 PS (59 hp/44 kW) - 1.4 L TU3PSA TU engineThe PSA TU engine is a family of small four-cylinder engines used in the Peugeot and Citroën range of cars. It was introduced in 1986 with the Citroën AX, replacing the X family, although it shared many components with its predecessor...
(1360 cc) I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 75 PS (73 hp/55 kW) - 1.4 L ET3PSA TU engineThe PSA TU engine is a family of small four-cylinder engines used in the Peugeot and Citroën range of cars. It was introduced in 1986 with the Citroën AX, replacing the X family, although it shared many components with its predecessor...
SensoDrive Stop & Start (1360 cc) I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 90 PS (88 hp/66 kW) - 1.4 L DV4Ford DLD engineThe Ford DLD engine is an automobile engine family - a group of compact straight-4 Diesel engines developed jointly by Ford Motor Company and the PSA Group . The Ford/PSA joint-venture for the production of the DLD was announced in September, 1998...
HDi Diesel (1398 cc) I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 68 PS (67 hp/50 kW) and 111 ft·lbf (150 N·m) - 1.6 L TU5PSA TU engineThe PSA TU engine is a family of small four-cylinder engines used in the Peugeot and Citroën range of cars. It was introduced in 1986 with the Citroën AX, replacing the X family, although it shared many components with its predecessor...
SensoDrive VTR (1587 cc) I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 110 PS (108 hp/80 kW) - 1.6 L TU5PSA TU engineThe PSA TU engine is a family of small four-cylinder engines used in the Peugeot and Citroën range of cars. It was introduced in 1986 with the Citroën AX, replacing the X family, although it shared many components with its predecessor...
VTS (1587cc) I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, 125 PS (123 hp/91 kW)
Trim levels
UK trim levels 2003—2008
- L
- Airplay
- LX
- Design
- Cool
- SX
- Stop & Start
- Furio
- VTR
- VTS
- GT (Limited Edition 2004)
- Loeb (Limited Edition 2007)
- Code (Limited Edition 2007)
UK trim levels 2008—2009
- Vibe 1.1i and 1.4HDi.
- Rhythm 1.1i, 1.4i and 1.4HDi.
- Cachet 1.1i and 1.4i.
- Stop & Start 1.4i 16v 90 bhp SensoDrive.
- VTR 1.4i, 1.6i 16v 110 bhp SensoDrive and 1.4HDi. All Now With Air Con.
- VTS 1.6i 16v 125 bhp and 1.6HDi 16v 110 bhp.
- Code 1.6i 16v 125 bhp.
Chinese version
From October 2006, the Peugeot 206Peugeot 206
The Peugeot 206 is a supermini car, manufactured by the French automaker Peugeot from 1998 to 2010.Even though the 206 has finished production in most markets as of 2010, in Europe since 2009, it is available the 206+, with a back and especially a front design that resembles the Peugeot 207.-The...
has been sold by PSA
PSA Peugeot Citroën
PSA Peugeot Citroën is a French manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles sold under the Peugeot and Citroën marques. Headquartered in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, PSA is the second largest automaker based in Europe and the number eight in the world.-History:In December 1974 Peugeot S.A....
, for the Chinese
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
market only as the Citroën C2. With a modified front and rear body, this is similar to the way the Citroën LN was derived from the Peugeot 104
Peugeot 104
The Peugeot 104 is a supermini motor car designed by Paolo Martin and produced by the French car manufacturer Peugeot between 1972 and 1988.- Production history :Saloon launch 1972...
. The car has no common features with the model sold on other markets, due to the positioning of the model in the Citroën China line-up. It is produced in China at the Wuhan Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile
Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile
Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile is a joint venture between the Dongfeng Motor Corporation and the French PSA Peugeot Citroën. Based in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, it manufactures Peugeot and Citroën models for sale in China...
site. It has a length of 388 cm (153 in), width of 168 cm (66 in), height of 144 cm (57 in), with a wheelbase of 244 cm (96 in), and is powered by one of the two engine options: a 1.4 L (76 hp) and a 1.6 L (106 hp). Weight ranges from 1040 lb (471.7 kg) to 1100 lb (499 kg).
C2 in motorsport
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
(WRC), Citroën expanded their interests to achieve success not only in the WRC but in the support championship, the Junior World Rally Championship
Junior World Rally Championship
The FIA Junior World Rally Championship is a complementary series to the World Rally Championship as is the Production World Rally Championship , and the Super 2000 World Rally Championship . As JWRC was originally envisioned as a series for developing drivers, it is limited to drivers below the...
(JWRC) in 2004. The earlier Citroën Saxo Super 1600
Super 1600
Super 1600 is a rally car formula that is primarily used in the Junior World Rally Championship, as well as various national rally championships. Any automobile manufacturer that has a suitable road-going production model in its range may develop a specification for use in this formula...
JWRC car was highly successful. The car won the JWRC title with Sébastien Loeb
Sébastien Loeb
Sébastien Loeb is a French rally driver currently driving for the Citroën World Rally Team in the World Rally Championship...
in 2001, and brought him to the attention of Citroën Total World Rally Team
Citroën Total World Rally Team
The Citroën Total World Rally Team is the Citroën factory backed entry into the World Rally Championship, run by Citroën Racing.-Management:* Olivier Quesnel – team director* Xavier Mestelan-Pinon – technical director-1990-1998 Seasons:...
, and again with Daniel Solà
Daniel Solà
Daniel Solà Villa is a Spanish rally driver. He won the Junior World Rally Championship in 2002 and the Spanish Rally Championship in 2006....
in 2002.
With the new C2 replacing the aging Saxo, Citroën concentrated upon making their new car a winner. Using a heavily modified C2 to create the Citroën C2 S1600, the works team and Dani Sordo
Dani Sordo
Daniel "Dani" Sordo Castillo is a Spanish rally driver. He competes in the World Rally Championship for the Mini WRC Team...
succeeded in winning the championship in 2005. The C2 S1600 has continued to compete in the championship with privateer teams, and remains successful despite newer machinery from Suzuki, Renault and Fiat works teams. In the 2008 season
2008 World Rally Championship season
The 2008 World Rally Championship season was the 36th season of the FIA World Rally Championship. The season consisted of 15 rallies and began on January 24, with the 2008 Monte Carlo Rally....
, Sébastien Ogier
Sébastien Ogier
Sébastien Ogier is a French rally driver. He won the Junior World Rally Championship in 2008 and last drove in the World Rally Championship for the Citroën World Rally Team. His co-driver is compatriot Julien Ingrassia. They are set to join Volkswagen's WRC team when they enter the championship in...
brought the Citroën C2 its second junior title, and in 2009
2009 World Rally Championship season
The 2009 World Rally Championship season was the 37th season of the FIA World Rally Championship. The season consisted of twelve rallies and began on 30 January, with Rally Ireland and ended with Rally GB on 25 October. Sébastien Loeb won the World Drivers' championship at Rally GB by one point...
, the C2 was again the title-winning car, with Martin Prokop
Martin Prokop
Martin Prokop is a Czech rally driver. He won the Junior World Rally Championship in the 2009 season.-Career:...
taking the championship.
External links
- C2 at Citroënët
- Citroën Crash Test C2
- Index of Citroën C2 links
- UK Citroën C2 information website