Thursday 4th December 2003

Citroën C2 GT

Hot new mini hatch or ugly little lump?

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Citroën are hoping to build upon the immense success they had with the stylish little Saxo with their new sharp edged C2. Where the Saxo had flowing lines and a pretty little face, the new C2 features disjointed orthogonality and a bus like face. Are they ahead of the curve or is this the new aggressive chic?

Now making its entrance is the C2 GT, the road-going homologation special that paves the way for Citroën’s entry into the Super 1600 and Challenge Cup rally competitions. The Super 1600 has already been graced by the likes of Sébastien Loeb who won the Junior World Rally Championship in a Saxo Super 1600 in 2001 before playing a major part in this year’s WRC championship winning Citroën Sport team.

To meet FIA homologation regulations, Citroën will produce 2,500 models based on the competition version. Of these 250 will be turned into competition cars, with the rest exclusively destined for UK buyers.

The C2 GT is loaded with a 110hp 1.6i 16V petrol engine and a five-speed manual gearbox. The GT incorporates a number of weight-saving measures. The spare wheel is replaced with a puncture repair aerosol, features such as the foglamps, electric mirrors, side skirts and cruise control, all available on the VTR, are removed, and there is even a smaller, lighter screenwash bottle.

All of which helps the new model to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 9.5 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 121mph. Disc brakes are fitted all round – ventilated at the front – as well as ABS with EBA and EBD. Lower suspension and stiffer anti-roll bars are all there to give a sportier driving experience.

Price is £10,495.

[dougc]

Wot no foglamps? Wot iz I gonna blind people wiv in Maccy D's carpark innit?

[Mr E]

Manual box. Hurrah!

[danhutton]

got mine today!

[cyberface]

The success of the Saxo was due in no small part to the fact you could get a VTR with a year's free insurance, if you were over 21 (?).

I bought one for my girlfriend. No doubt they were popular with the 21-25 crowd, all the money saved on insurance could go on blue washer LEDs and big wheels

If they repeat the insurance deal, it'll sell well...

[Griffmeister]

Seems a bit too tame to me, I used to have the 120bhp VTS as my daily drive and I tell you what, it would well and truly wop this pussy car into oblivion.

Saying that, if its in a single figure insurance group then its bound to sell to the max (min) power brigade.