Skip advert
Advertisement
Long-term tests

Citroen C2

Oh no, I've turned into a boy racer - and it's all Citroen's fault. There I was, finally beginning to act my age, and then I get a C2 VTS to run as a long-term test car. Now, I'm wearing tracksuits and checked caps, and I've started hanging out down at the seafront on a Sunday night with the rest of the teenage cruisers.

Pros
  • Had to fit spare after kids deflated back tyre. Parking sensors don't always work
Cons
  • Sharp handling, styling, fun to drive, practical split tailgate, simple folding seat layout, easy to park
Find your Citroen C2
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Oh no, I've turned into a boy racer - and it's all Citroen's fault. There I was, finally beginning to act my age, and then I get a C2 VTS to run as a long-term test car. Now, I'm wearing tracksuits and checked caps, and I've started hanging out down at the seafront on a Sunday night with the rest of the teenage cruisers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

I never used to be like this. In fact, when I first heard Auto Express was getting a C2, I hoped it would be the 1.4 HDi - as with most people over 30, I was more interested in mpg than bhp.

But not any more! And it's a good job, too, as despite its small size the VTS has a large thirst. The city car is returning only 28mpg - although to be fair it's mainly used around town. And it's here where the little Citroen makes most sense.

The compact dimensions and light steering make it perfect for London's busy streets. The C2 fits in spaces other drivers have to pass by - but squeezing in isn't as easy as it should be, as the optional parking sensors are playing up. Still, you needn't worry about leaving room to access the boot, as the split rear hatch means you can load even in tight spots.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Ioniq electric

2021 Hyundai

Ioniq electric

21,647 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £11,697
View Ioniq electric
Corsa Electric

2021 Vauxhall

Corsa Electric

16,616 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £10,697
View Corsa Electric
Fiesta Active

2019 Ford

Fiesta Active

30,066 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,497
View Fiesta Active
Astra

2019 Vauxhall

Astra

35,448 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £9,997
View Astra

Practicality is boosted further by the optional modular rear seats, which can be slid forward, backwards, reclined and even folded up if you need to carry large items. This is included with the parking sensors as part of the £450 convenience pack.

Other things I love about the VTS are its automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers, plus the easy-access CD multichanger built into the dash - although none of this is standard. But that's not to say the Citroen is perfect; while I like the digital speedo, the rev counter is hard to read. Also, even after two months, I am still not happy with the seating position; unless you've got long arms and short legs, getting comfortable proves difficult.

On the plus side, the driver's seat is adjustable for height, as is the steering wheel - although this doesn't extend enough for reach, as I'd like. True, a lot of rivals don't even have this feature; but they do have more progressive brakes. In the C2, the middle pedal is more like an on-off switch. Citroen's EBA system is to blame for this.

Yet the VTS's edgy styling and go-kart handling more than make up for these failings. The 125bhp 1.6-litre engine is feisty, too, but to get the best out of it you have to rev it. Also, the C2 attracts a lot of attention - wherever I drive, teenagers in hooded tops make gang signs at me. But you know what they say: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em...

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,413 off RRP*Used from £16,298
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,873 off RRP*Used from £9,000
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £8,981
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,426 off RRP*Used from £11,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Fire risk prompts 72,000-car Stellantis UK recall
Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Turbo GS front cornering

Fire risk prompts 72,000-car Stellantis UK recall

28 models across Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lanica, Peugeot and Vauxhall are impacted by the recall
News
8 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: rapid Audi S3 for a tempting £391 per month
Audi S3 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: rapid Audi S3 for a tempting £391 per month

The Audi S3 is a powerful but understated hot hatch that is great value right now. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 8
News
8 Aug 2025
Lucky 13 more cars confirmed for Electric Car Grant… but there’s a catch
Renault 5 - full front

Lucky 13 more cars confirmed for Electric Car Grant… but there’s a catch

The Renault 5 is one of a number of cars to qualify for the Government's new Electric Car Grant, however none of them get the higher £3,750 amount
News
9 Aug 2025