What Car? Q&A - What's a Citroen C2 GT?

Q: I'm looking for a Citroen C2 GT, and I have been told that the GT is quite different to the VTR and VTS. Is this true?
Ross Hutchman

A: The C2 GT was a limited-production, stripped-out, manual gearbox version of the VTR, yet shares its 110bhp 1.6i 16v engine. Production was limited to only 2250 made for the road, with another 250 assigned rally car duties. To obtain official approval to rally, Citroen was obliged to build a certain number of these cars – the GT marks their entry into the Super 1600 category.

The C2 GT was given distinctive white 16-inch alloy wheels, but in a bid to save weight, the washer bottle was shrunk, and the car is devoid of electric mirrors, air-conditioning, side skirts, cruise control and spare tyre. However the GT still received a CD player, four airbags and emergency brake assistance as standard.

This small Citroen was made almost entirely with the enthusiast in mind – creature comforts were a low priority. In terms of outright performance, these measures improve the 0-60mph time by 1.4secs to 9.5secs. The top speed is identical at 121mph.

It is, however, the stiffer suspension and gearbox that set this car apart from other sporting C2s. Its VTR sibling is available only with a semi-automatic gearbox which Citroen calls Sensodrive. This system has been criticised for its lethargic operation, so the GT's trump card is that it has a manual shift as standard.

The interior has a colour-coded door handle and gear knob, and the number of the car, between one and 2250, is on a plate mounted on the centre console. The car should average 44mpg and attracts a group six insurance rating.

Outside, the front bumper is markedly more pronounced, and a spoiler finishes the rear end.

We forecast that the residual values of the C2 GT would be in line with the rest of the range, retaining 46% of its original value after three years.

The VTS is markedly quicker and better equipped, however it does attract group 8 insurance rating and fuel economy is down to 40mpg.

In the long term, if you can live without the gadgets, the C2 GT could be what you are looking for.