Citroen’s superminis - shiny and new for the summer

Citroen has revealed details about exciting changes to its C2, C3 and C3 Pluriel line up which introduce fresh style features and a choice of upgraded trims with new equipment and body colours. The entire C2 range gets a fresh new face for summer, including the green hot hatch 1.6 HDi 110bhp VTS which produces less than 120 g/km CO₂ whilst still achieving an impressive 0-62 mph in less than 10 seconds. The versatile C3 supermini also boasts a streamlined range, with a host of improved equipment, whilst the multi – faceted convertible C3 Pluriel boasts a stylish new interior and subtle changes to the front. As part of Citroën's strategy to rationalise its range, the C2 and C3 ranges, in line with their smaller sibling the Citroën C1, will include the Rhythm and Vibe models in their ranges.

C2 Range
Hot for the summer is a dynamic facelift, taking inspiration from consumer demand for performance styling. The C2 update brings a distinctive new radiator grille and an imposing one-piece front bumper and will be available with a choice of cool trims and equipment upgrades.

One of the marque's most popular models, the C2 has sold over 50,000 units in the UK alone, over a quarter of which have been more sporty variants. Now, in line with Citroën's supermini spring clean, the C2 line-up has been simplified to four trim levels - Vibe, Rhythm, VTR and VTS.

Citroens superminis (2008)

The smart option for the environmentally conscious, the C2 Stop & Start now comes in the Rhythm trim and, together with the Cachet special edition, gains lateral airbags as standard as well as an aluminium effect surround on the centre console.

Combining performance, economy and environmental credentials, the C2 VTS 1.6 HDi 110hp returns 64.2mpg on the combined cycle and is fitted with a particulate filter system (DPFS) that virtually eliminates particle emissions. It can also run on 30% bio-diesel which means that it combines low emissions with the ability to utilise a renewable energy source.

Updates on the VTR and VTS models will have drivers sitting in the lap of luxury, with the option of heated front leather seats and passenger seat-height adjustment. Complementing the fine-tuning, models across the C2 range will benefit from increased equipment levels, including new and exciting paint colours and MP3-CD compatibility as standard on the entry level C2 Vibe.

C3 Range
Citroën's family hatch line-up – the C3, also receives a strategic summer streamlining to three stylish trim levels - Vibe, Rhythm and Exclusive - with equipment upgrades and updated colours. As with the C2 range, environmentally friendly ‘Stop & Start' technology is now available on the C3 Rhythm model, which also feature air conditioning, rain sensitive wipers, automatic headlamps, front folding armrests, front seat back pockets and aluminium effect exterior door handles.

The Rhythm also benefits from new equipment, including lateral airbags, fog lights, body-coloured front and rear bumpers and side rubbing strips, new interior trim and the option of a full size electric glass sunroof, perfect for those sunny summer days.

With the popularity of diesel engines in the C3 range at an all-time high, Citroën has also introduced the powerful 1.6HDi 92bhp into the Rhythm trim level, delivering enhanced performance with CO₂ emissions of only 118g/km. Upgraded engines are also available on the C3 Vibe - 1.1i 61bhp, 1.4i 75bhp and a 1.4 HDi 70bhp, which also benefits from MP3-CD compatibility as standard.

C3 Pluriel Range
Citroën's fun and funky convertible C3 Pluriel also has a new look and the range is simplified to the Code special edition, which remains unchanged, and Côte d'Azur which has been refreshed in time for the summer with stylish exterior and interior changes as well as increased standard equipment, an expanded engine choice and a new ‘Burlat' body color.

Giving the C3 Pluriel Côte d'Azur a stylish and contemporary look for 2008, are aluminium effect roof arches, bumper inserts and side rubbing strips. Completing the exterior changes is a metallic front grille and revised front and rear lights. The interior of the Côte d'Azur has also been revamped, with a polished chrome effect on the door handles and new upholstery.

In addition to the standard equipment which includes, front fog lights, leather steering wheel, electric front and rear windows and electric door mirrors, the Côte d'Azur also gains Cruise Control with Speed Limiter. And offering Pluriel drivers even more choice, the Côte d'Azur is now available with three engines – the 1.4i 75bhp, 1.6i 16V 110bhp SensoDrive and the 1.4HDi 70bhp which combines excellent fuel economy of up to 67.3 mpg out of town and CO₂ emissions as low as 125 g/km.