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Citroën's C2/C3 range reaches out to all types of supermini buyers, writes Dr Peter Swinyard
To look at, you would never believe that the three small Citroëns I have recently tested were related. They are as disparate as you could want, reaching out to all types and fashions of supermini buyers.
Citroën C2 VTS
The first taste I had of the Citroën C2/3 family was the C2 VTS. Following on from the success of the Saxo VTS, the C2 has quite a reputation to uphold for spirited performance on a budget.
With subtle styling and performance tweaks to the C2 VTR, the VTS has all the ingredients of a stunning hot hatch. The otherwise unremarkable 1,600cc engine has been breathed on to provide 125bhp and a rev range to 7,200rpm.
The gearbox has close-ratio gears to allow the enthusiast to keep the engine spinning along the country lanes for which the C2 is ideally suited.
The suspension has suffer springs and dampers and more direct steering than the VTR. Inside come sports seats, aluminium gearknob and pedals and translucent door grabhandles. Equipment levels verge on the generous, with air conditioning, CD player, alarm, side airbags, ABS and electronic brake distribution.
The Citroën brand has come to stand for value, and this package costs £1,000 less than the Saxo VTS did.
I had the chance to find out...