Small sport / Citroen test drives

Citroen's successes in rally competitions made the C2 model well-known in sports circles. Logically, a road version inspired by racing achievements soon appeared. In 2004, the French released such a car, using classic techniques: a small but lively engine, upgraded brakes, modified suspension, and a sporty interior.

Under the hood is a 1.6-liter unit that was seriously reworked compared to the regular VTR version. Engineers installed new camshafts, changed valve lift, added a different intake manifold, and updated the fuel system and exhaust. The result is 125 hp at 6500 rpm instead of the previous 110 hp, with a maximum torque of 143 Nm at 3750 rpm. In real driving, the engine pleases with confident thrust at mid-range revs and doesn't let you down even at the very bottom. A real surge of power is felt from 4500 to 6700 rpm, with the rev limiter gently intervening at 7200 rpm. The engine sound is pure pleasure: a sporty roar is complemented by the bassy voice of the modified exhaust.

The unit works in tandem with a five-speed manual gearbox. There are questions about it: a somewhat long lever with wide throws and not always precise engagements require getting used to. However, the gear ratios are well chosen – shifts smoothly pick up each other, and the car accelerates effectively on any gear. Elasticity is confirmed by the numbers: from 80 to 120 km/h in fourth gear, the car accelerates in 8.3 seconds. The clutch works flawlessly.

The C2 VTS suspension is a separate cause for delight. Stiff and resilient, it gives the car incredible sharpness. New springs and a thicker front stabilizer bar were installed in the chassis. The steering was also not left unattended: the electric power steering was recalibrated and the steering ratio was changed. Now the wheel makes 2.6 turns from lock to lock, whereas the standard C2 has all three.

The electric power steering is generally good, but sometimes the feedback feels unnatural. This is especially noticeable in the strong self-centering action of the wheel: at speeds of 100–120 km/h during lane changes, you only need to loosen your grip, and the car sharply returns to a straight line. In corners, the steering is informative and precise. The brakes are a song! Sensitive and tenacious, they seem made for a race track or a mountain serpentine. In city traffic, such brakes also bring only pleasure.

The interior of the hot version differs little from the standard one. The seats are the same, from the VTR, with two-tone upholstery. However, there are aluminum pedal covers and a leather steering wheel. Interestingly, the spherical aluminum gear knob is exactly the same as on the Peugeot 307 Feline. The analog tachometer pleased, and the translucent door handles were memorable. Up front, the C2 is spacious, but in the back it's a bit cramped – there are two separate seats that can be slid and folded.

Externally, the C2 VTS also differs from the regular model. The main thing is 16-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Exalto 195/45 tires. A spoiler appeared at the rear, and the lower body kit, unlike the VTR, is painted in the body color. After a couple of days behind the wheel of this car, I almost fell in love with it. It's impossible to drive it slowly – it's a real provocateur. Everything is thought out to the smallest detail, everything is done for a driver who knows a thing or two about driving. The influence of Citroen Sport is felt in every detail, and the brand's sporting genes are unmistakably felt!

PRICES AND TRIM LEVELS

The Citroen C2 VTS will cost about 530,000 rubles. Standard equipment includes a steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, an onboard computer, ESP, ABS, EBD, front and side airbags for the first row, central locking with remote control, fog lights, power windows for mirrors and front windows, air conditioning with a cooled glove box, a rear spoiler, 16-inch wheels, a leather steering wheel, and aluminum pedal and gear lever covers.