Citroen C2 1.4 Rhythm Stop and Start

Costs

The low running costs are the key to the C2 Rhythm Stop and Start's appeal, and for those who regularly drive around town or face a stop-start commute it's a very sensible choice. Insurance ratings are low and there's a considerable amount of equipment included in the competitive purchase price. Residual values have been known to suffer with Citroen models, however.

Space and practicality

The C2's four-seat layout makes the most use of the available space. It also makes the small boot almost irrelevant - one or both rear seats can fold to make even more room available. The split rear tailgate is a useful addition, while there are enough cabin storage areas to make the C2 a viable everyday car for anyone with a busy life and a lot of clutter.

Controls and display

Featuring a rather funky digital display the C2 Rhythm Stop and Start communicates well with the driver. 'Black panel' light time illumination is a nice touch and the compact interior means the important controls are never very far away. There's a button on the centre console that lights up when Stop and Start is activated, although visual indication in the binnacle would be useful. The steering is light and the brakes very sharp, while the transmission controls are self explanatory with useful manual shift paddles located behind the wheel.

Comfort

Comfortable in a basic sense, the C2 has supportive and adjustable seats and a pleasant ride that errs on the firm side but pays off in responsiveness. The engine can be a little grumbley but is far from intrusive and road noise is kept to an acceptable level. A lack of refinement from the combination of Sensodrive and Stop and Start can be wearisome after a while, but automatic air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors and automatic wipers and headlights help make up for it. The steering column is also height and reach adjustable.

Car security

Although immobilised, the C2 Rhythm Stop and Start lacks an actual alarm. Doors and boot automatically lock once the car is in motion though, and remote central locking is standard.

Car safety

The C2 Rhythm Stop and Start does not feature ESP, but does benefit from both ABS and EBD. Seat belt pretensioners are standard as are twin front and side airbags. Hazard lights flash automatically in the event of emergency braking and crumple zones have been built into the body.

Driver appeal

A 1.4-litre petrol engine in a car this small is always going to offer a reasonable amount of fun, and the C2's limited body roll and sprightly handling mean it's an enjoyable little car to drive. Around town it's light and easy with a quick pick-up from the engine. The Sensodrive system takes a little getting used to, as changes need to be pre-empted with a throttle lift to avoid lurching progress. Combined with the Stop and Start system this can need to a lack of refinement, particularly in traffic. On the open road the pause between changes can be dealt with by using the excellent wheel mounted paddle shift.

Family car appeal

As a second car the C2 scores highly, but it's too small to be a main family car in its own right. Limited access to the two small rear seats and a very cramped boot with a full capacity of four makes it a little impractical for some family outing.

First car appeal

An ideal choice, the C2 Stop and start makes a great first car. It's cheap to buy and run, features decent equipment, is easy to drive and park and is practical and versatile enough for a couple to use as their only car.

Quality and image

The general standard of the C2 interior is high, but it's not the best available. Some of the plastics feel a little hard but there are no sharp edges to worry about. The odd rattle is noticeable over rougher surfaces, but it's a far from unpleasant place to be. The production of some better quality cars of late has seen Citroen claw back some confidence from buyers and it's well regarded as a producer of excellent small cars.

Accessibility

A tall body means tall doors, which limits the amount of stooping required to entire and exit, but as a small car and with a low ride height it's not a case of simply sliding in. The rear seats are only suitable for small children, an issue compounded by the limited access to the rear.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

The standard fit combined radio and CD unit delivers a good performance and is undemanding to use. Steering column-mounted remote controls also make life easier for the driver.

Colours and trim

Trim levels have been simplified meaning that most models benefit from an improvement equipment. There's a wide palette of colours available for the model, but the C2's shape makes it very sensitive to colour choice, so choose carefully. A new radiator grille and chunky front bumper have given the C2 a more impressive appearance and the Stop and Start model gets an aluminium effect trim for the centre console.

Parking

The C2's compact proportions, with a flat rear and short bonnet mean it's a breeze to park. High levels of steering assistance, good visibility and a neat turning circle also help. Even nervous parkers should find it a very simple car to park.

Spare wheel

Steel spare wheel fitted beneath the boot floor.