C2 – Another New Number from Citroen
While Malaysians are just beginning to become aware of the Citroen C3, the French carmaker has already progressed with an additional supermini – the C2 – which will go on sale in Europe in the last quarter of 2003. Designed to carry four people in comfort, the C2 rounds out Citroën’s compact vehicle range, alongside the C3 and the C3 Pluriel, all of which have appeared within the past 18 months.
The C2 shares the same platform as the C3/C3 Pluriel but has its own distinct personality. It uses a version of the Citroen’s Platform 1 with a short wheelbase of 2.31 m (2.46 m for the C3 and C3 Pluriel). 3.66 m wide and 1.66 m high, thus positioning it in the middle of the compact 3- door vehicle segment.
The exterior styling of the C2 is specific to this vehicle, even though it uses many parts from the shared Platform 1. The front end is dynamic with strong curves while the rounded bonnet, large vertical headlamps and radiator grille built into the bumper underline its modern, robust character. From a 3/4 front view, the curves of the wheel arches highlight its good on-road stance.
Viewed from the side, the C2 breaks with habit to reveal a ‘turbulent character’, expressed primarily by the marked break in the body line between the side windows. This styling feature underlines the personality of the car and offers remarkable side vision for passengers at the rear. The sizing of the rear lights, the volume of the wheel arches and the deep-chinned bumper give the rear end an elegant, well-balanced appearance.
 |
A VTR version with specific body parts conveys a particularly sporty image. It can be recognised by the additional painted parts on the lower part of the front bumper and by its sills. A spoiler positioned above the rear window completes the trim.
Daring to be different, the C2 innovates with a range of bright and original interior design schemes. The amber, blue, green or grey of the seat upholstery is matched by the trim on the front door panels. The translucent gear lever knob and interior handles add an original touch of colour. The single-colour dashboard sets off the brighter colours of the interior design schemes.
The C2 features an ingenious design concept through which the rear part of the vehicle can be adapted to the needs of the moment. The two independent rear seats, controlled by a support strap, slide or fold “portfolio style” without any effort on the part of the user. The rear seats pivot and fold up against the back of the front seat at the press of a button. This unique system provides the basis for a wide range of configurations, enabling the C2 to carry three adults in the car while ensuring generous load space. Practical and easy to use, the rear seats can also be folded and removed from the boot.
The two-part tailgate was designed to ensure easy and convenient access to the boot. The upper tailgate, which is smaller, can be opened easily in a tight space. In situations frequently encountered in the city (car parked near a wall or bumper to bumper, for example), this design makes it possible to open and access the boot – a problem with top-hinged rear doors. This feature, identical to that of the C3 Pluriel, is a new idea in this segment though it is used in a number of SUVs (especially American ones). Opening the window also draws out the parcel shelf to offer complete access to boot space. The electrically-controlled opening mechanism can be activated with a fingertip. The tailgate is light enough to be opened and closed easily.
Opening the lower tailgate makes it possible to place heavy objects, to provide support for loading or to even sit down on (loads of up to 100 kgs). Closing the tailgate makes it possible to use the entire height of the boot and thus to gain significantly greater loading space than with a conventional tailgate. It also features a neat closed stowage compartment with a capacity of 5 litres, which can be used to hold personal belongings or a vehicle tool kit. This compartment is accessible in both the open and closed position of the lower tailgate.
The C2 offers a range of comfort equipment usually reserved for segments further up the market, eg adjustable steering wheel adjustable; height-adjustable driver’s seat; an on-board computer; cruise control; automatic illumination of lights; and automatic activation of wipers.
The C2 range comprises three petrol engines (1.1 litres to 1.6 litres) and one turbodiesel 1.4-litre HDI engine. Power outputs rang from 44.1 kW (61 bhp) to 80 kW (110 bhp). The turbodiesel, with a 2nd generation common rail design, develops 50 kW (70 bhp) at 4000 rpm with 150 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm. Particularly quiet and economical, this second-generation HDi common-rail engine also offers an excellent level of performance for an engine of this capacity.
The launch of the C2 gives Citroen an opportunity to extend the use of the SensoDrive gearbox to the 1.4i engine, alongside the 1.6i 16V engine. The SensoDrive is a robotised manual gearbox with two modes of use: manual and automatic. The driver can choose either automatic, by a button on the central console, or manual, using the paddles behind the wheel or the manual gear lever.
The running gear is similar to that of the C3, but has been adapted to the characteristics of the C2, including weight and aerodynamics. The C2 also offers a high level of active safety equipment including ABS with electronic brakeforce assistance, emergency braking assistance, automatic illumination of hazard warning lights, ESP and traction control. The driver can therefore undertake long journeys with complete peace of mind. The wheel size ranges between 14 and 16 inches, depending on the engine and the level of trim.
The C2 has an electric power steering system that varies power continuously as a function of vehicle speed and guarantees a high level of driving pleasure on all types of road and at any speed. An electronic unit provides smooth and gradual control of the level of assistance. The power steering combined with the small turning circle (9.6 m between kerbs with 14-inch wheels) should make this a very nice car to use in the city.
 |
