Citroen C2 review | CarNews

The Citroën C2 was a supermini produced by the French manufacturer Citroën, with production starting August 2003. It replaced the Citroën Saxo, and was built at the Aulnay plant, on the outskirts of Paris. A different design of the C2, based on that of the Peugeot 206, is sold in China. The Citroën C2 was discontinued in October 2009, and replaced by the Citroën DS3 in January 2010.

Along with the Citroën C3, the C2 successfully replaced the popular, but ageing Citroën Saxo. The two cars have relatively different designs, allowing Citroën to grab different sub-markets of the supermini class. The C2 was designed by Donato Coco. The C3 was originally designed as a larger "family-friendly vehicle", with its 5 doors, whereas the C2 was to project a "young driver" image with 2 doors and flatter styling. Unlike the Saxo, with 2 of 5 stars from Euro NCAP, the C2 achieved 4 out of 5 stars.

Unlike its sister models, the Citroën C1 and the C3, the C2 was a victim of poor advertising.[citation needed] According to many Citroën enthusiasts and the motoring press, it was the most neglected model in the Citroën lineup in terms of promotion. In comparison, the C1 and the C3, on which the C2 is based, were both well-presented in the media. 

Despite that, the Citroën C2 was awarded the "Best European Hatchback of 2003" in September 2003.