Citroen’s all-new C2 Plus is the French firm’s first entry into the highly competitive and fast growing supermini-MPV market.

Based on a stretched platform borrowed from sister company Peugeot’s 1007, the flexible people carrier is aimed at buyers who think the regular C2 is too small and the C4 too large. Styling for the C2 Plus’s headlights and grille were first seen on the C-Buggy study (image).

Rivalling the upcoming Ford B-MAX, Vauxhall Meriva and Nissan Note, it is set to go on sale next year, and will be the first Citroen to adopt the company’s new nose which was initially seen on the C-Airplay and C-Buggy concepts.

Our pictures in this week’s issue are the result of exclusive inside information from our colleagues in France, and show how the rest of the newcomer looks. As well as the striking nose with its large headlights and oversized bumpers the C2 Plus gets some other neat details.

The see-through A-pillars not only look great, but aid visibility, too, while the chunky wheelarches and beefy rear pillars give the car a bold profile. At the back, distinctive lights extend to meet the roofline, while a split tailgate similar to the C2 hatch aids practicality.

Inside, the boxy shape means lots of headroom, while a sliding rear bench allows owners to maximise space. The seat also splits and folds flat, leaving a vast luggage area, which is enhanced by under-floor storage. Up front, the dashboard draws inspiration from the C-Airplay, with high-quality soft-touch materials, while the rest of the cabin makes greater use of bright colours for its trim and upholstery.

Under the bonnet, the Plus will feature engines from the current C2 line-up, including 1.4-litre petrol and diesel units. It will also make use of the new 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine co-developed with BMW. Most models will use a manual gearbox, but the C2 Plus may also have the firm’s all-new clutchless manual transmission, which replaces the unloved SensoDrive semi-auto.

With an official launch likely to take place at one of Europe’s major motor shows next year, UK buyers can expect to see the C2 Plus in showrooms towards the end of 2007, with a starting price of around £9,500.

(this article was taken from autoexpress.co.uk)

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