When the Saxo was replaced by the C3 in 2002, Citroën was temporarily left without a two-door saloon in its lower range. This void was filled in October 2003 with the introduction of the C2.
Donato Coco, who had already penned the C3, designed a very compact hatchback, featuring sharper lines than its larger sister in order to attract younger drivers to Citroën showrooms. With engines ranging from 1.1 to 1.6 litre, the C2 offered great economy but was far from thrilling, even if its more potent version, the 125 hp VTS, was capable of interesting performances. Nonetheless Citroën felt necessary to make the C2 a worthy successor to the Saxo in rally racing. This goal was perfectly achieved, the C2, competing in the 1600cc Junior World Rally Championship, bagging several titles, including a 2001 crown for the promising Sébastien Loeb. Despite these successes, the commercial career of the C2 remained inglorious. Often ignored by Citroën which preferred to concentrate its efforts on the more mainstream C3, the C2 fought in the same league as the Twingo, without being able to unseat the ageing Renault as the supermini champion.
Still produced today, the C2 is due to retire in 2010.
About the model
Model: Citroën C2 S1600 Sport
Year: 2004
Event: 2004 Rallye Rias Bajas, driven by Miguel Fuster, navigator José Vicente Medina (finished 3rd, thanks to interdomin and José António for their help)
Maker: Ixo
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Altaya as no.35 of its Voitures de Rallye de Collection press series
Acquired: brand new, in September 2005, in Souillac, France
After wining the Spanish rally championship with a Saxo the previous year, Fuster upgraded to a C2 for 2004. Ixo made a correct model of the Spaniard’s car, which nonetheless suffers from the flaws common to most models of this Altaya series. In particular, the all-red rear lights somewhat spoil the final result, which is a pity. On the other hand, the front end and the tiny mirrors (which “glasses” are simply painted in silver though) are well modeled. My rating is 12/20, but I have to add that this certainly is one of the best models in the Voitures de Rallye series.
Scale Model Fan 