Facelift and price cut for little Citroën

French marque Citroën has facelifted and upgraded its C2 VTR hot hatch for model year 2006. The changes include a fresh look, new suspension and a revised gearbox says importer Ateco. In addition, the rrp of the littlest Citroën has been reduced.

Formerly $23,490, the VTR is now priced from $22,990.

Says Citroën's local honcho Miles Williams: "Demand for the C2 has always run ahead of our ability to supply. But that hasn't stopped us working hard with Citroën to get an even sharper price. With the changes and the new, lower price, we fully expect the C2 to go as quickly out of our showrooms as it does round corners!"

Changes for 2006 kick off with a revised dashboard featuring upgrade finishes and controls as well as a redesigned instrument pack. According to Citroën, the VTR's suspension settings have been refined (read: softened) for a smoother ride "without losing the go-cart (sic) handling that has made the C2 so popular."

The C2's SensoDrive sequential automatic gearbox -- that in the past has come in for its fair share of criticsm -- is now in a second generation form, says the maker. It claims to offer smoother gearchanges and shorter shift times.

The VTR has won praise for its sporty looks. The 2006 model retains its 16-inch alloys, low-profile 45-series rubber and aggressive front and rear bumpers.

Citroën says equipment levels are well above the class benchmark, including: ABS brakes, four airbags, power steering, electric windows, electric mirrors, climate control AirCon, trip computer, height and reach adjustable steering, automatic rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and integrated digital audio system.