(Fri 06 Jun 08)

Citroen has streamlined its C2 and C3 hatchback ranges, and has also given the C2 a minor facelift.

That facelift involves a new radiator grille and front bumper, as pictured above. The C2 now also comes in four trim levels - Vibe, Rhythm, VTR and VTS - and the 1.4-litre petrol Rhythm gets the fuel-saving Stop & Start system which switches off the engine when the car is stationary. All C2s now have increased levels of equipment and new colour choices, while the VTR and VTS are available with optional leather front seats and a height-adjustable front passenger seat.

The C3 range has also been simplified, with three trim levels called Vibe, Rhythm and Exclusive. As with the C2, there's a 1.4 petrol Rhythm with Stop & Start. In fact, the Rhythm gets the bulk of the improvements in this range, including side airbags, foglights, body-coloured bumpers and side strips, new interior trim, an optional powered glass sunroof and a 92bhp 1.6 HDi turbo diesel engine with tax-friendly CO2 emissions of 118g/km.

The cheaper C3 Vibe also gets new engines - a 70bhp 1.4 diesel and 1.1- and 1.4-litre petrol units - and now has an MP3-compatible audio system as standard.

The C3 Pluriel Cote d'Azur gets a lot of metal-effect treatment both inside and out, and comes with cruise control and a speed limiter as standard. Three engines are now available: in ascending order of expense, a 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol, a 110bhp 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol and a 1.4 HDi turbo diesel. The Pluriel Code special edition remains unchanged.

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