Citroen C2 – For the young & young at heart
Citroen C2 – For the Young & Young-at-Heart
The all-new Citroen C2, launched two weeks ago by Directional Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the importers and distributors of the Citroen brand in Malaysia, is an exciting little car packed with goodies for the young and the young at heart. The C2 is Citroen’s latest offering in the 3-door B segment market, and is meant to rejuvenate the Citroen image with its modern, original and racy style. Rally inspired, the C2 is a promising package that would appeal to the young. Already, the C2 is combat ready for competing in the Super 16 Class in the junior World Rally Championships.
Viewed from any angle, the C2 looks mean and ready to go. We saw both silver and black colours; my head tells me silver is best, but my heart goes for the black. I guess this best matches the black interior, with its black techno-seats with the red centre linings. An interior obviously designed with the driving enthusiast in mind.
In fact the whole car is made for the driver. The engine, for instance, is a powerful 1.6 litre, 16-valve engine producing 110 bhp at 5750 rpm, and 147 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. Translated to performance, this gives the C2 a top speed of 195 kilometres per hour, and a zero to hundred acceleration of 10.9 seconds. Paddle shift levers behind the steering wheel make this the dream car for the F1 aspirer.
The transmission is a sporty close-ratio manual gearbox featuring ‘Sensodrive’, a ‘clutchless’ system that allows the gearbox to be used like an automatic, but minus the transmission slip. There is no direct connection between the shift lever and the gearbox. Electronic signals are sent to the gearbox computer every time a gear is selected, and an actuator depresses the clutch while another actuator changes gear. It’s like having two little leprechauns standing by at the gearbox, doing your gear changes for you. One benefit of the ‘Sensodrive’ would be outstanding fuel economy.
Handling is helped by that fact that the C2 is shod with 16-inch low profile tyres, and a built-in Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a suspension that is tuned for sporty performance, yet is supple enough to have enough cushioning against the minor undulations and bumps on the road. Front and rear anti-roll bars keep the C2 on an even keel, and discs on all four wheels (ventilated in front, and solid discs at the rear) work with ABS and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) for positive stopping power
The steering system is electrically powered, and is speed variable, a feature found mostly on more expensive cars. This minimizes power loss from the engine, easily contributing at least 5 more usable horses, and the great news is that the steering ratio of 2.8:1 is very short, similar to that found only in race and rally cars, and makes the C2 very versatile on twisty roads.
For such a little car, the C2 is really packed with plenty of goodies, many of which are only found on more expensive or higher end cars. Electric windows, electric rear view mirrors, reversing radar, cruise control and automatic air conditioning are standard features. What I particularly like is the height and reach adjustable leather bound steering wheel, plus a sports seat that also allows for seat height adjustments up to 50 mm. Effectively, this means everybody, irregardless of height and size can find a comfortable driving position.
In addition, little thoughtful features such as automatic headlights rain sensing wipers, and auto-locking doors when the car is in motion, add value to your investment. Safety is not forgotten, as the C2 comes equipped with two front airbags.
On the road, the C2 is a cheeky little car, out-dragging most cars double its size and capacity. The ‘Sensodrive’ system is easy and fun to use, especially the two shift paddles located behind the steering wheel. The short steering ratio means you can drive the car F1 style; you can plant your hands onto the steering wheel in the ten-to-three position, and never have to shift positions even through the sharpest of bends.
Steering feel is good. A high caster setting keeps the steering stable at all speeds, and the 16-inch wheels provide great handling, working well with the sporty suspension. The ride is surprisingly very supple, with just enough ‘give to be classified as ‘comfortable’, yet stiff enough to provide first class handling.
In the final analysis, the C2 is a real fun car to drive. It will outperform most cars in the 1600 cc class, and is so far the best-equipped car in this class. Of course there is a price to pay for all the goodies – RM135k, and a bit of change.
