Citroen C2

This small Citroën carries on where the Saxo left off with a stylish, affordable and credible package. C2 is well equipped, looks good, is well priced and - with cashback incentives and free insurance - is within reach of most buyers. And there are some ingenious touches, like a split-opening rear tailgate and paddleshift gearchange option that give it the edge over some of its rivals.

L, LX, DESIGN, SX,FURIO, VTR, HDI

Five trim levels to choose from; L, LX, SX, Furio and VTR. All models come with faux-aluminium front vents, tinted windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power steering, a split folding rear seat, height-adjustable front head restraints, a rev counter, digital dashboard display, twin rear fog and reversing lights, front door- and rear storage pockets, a lockable glovebox, driver, passenger and front lateral airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, height adjustable front seat belts, four three-point inertia reel seatbelts, automatic hazard warning lights, high frequency remote central locking with deadlocks, an immobiliser and automatic door and boot locking. In addition, all but L models get aluminium effect door handles, electric front windows, driver’s seat height adjustment, rear head restraints and a stereo radio/CD with steering mounted controls. All SX models get chrome effect exterior door handles, air conditioning (including glovebox), velour upholstery and a push-pull tray on the central fascia. SX and above also come with body colour bumpers and side rubbing strips, a translucent gear knob and door grab handles plus front fog lights. VTR models are available with body colour side skirts, front bumper and rear spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome tail pipe, cruise control, heated and power folding mirrors, sport seats, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and an anti-theft alarm. Options on all models include metallic or black paint. Independent sliding rear seats are standard on LX and SX but also available as an additional extra on Furio and VTR, while ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution & Emergency Braking Assistance was optional on LX, SX and Furio until June 2004 when it became standard.

1.6 16V VTR