Citroen superminis ready, steady and going for summer 2008

The new Citroen C2 has the most to shout about, as its range is flush with a host of new trims, equipment and tweaks, whilst the Citroen C3 debuts the eco-friendly Stop and Start technology, and the Citroen C3 Pluriel has its models streamlined and improved.

CITROEN C2

New for summer 2008 in the Citroen C2 range are a distinctive new radiator grille and an aggressive-looking one-piece front bumper.

The C2 Stop and Start now comes in the Rhythm trim for the first time, and is joined by the special-edition C2 Cachet. Both newcomers bag lateral airbags and aluminium-effect surround on the centre console as standard.

Performance, economy and environment make agreeable bed-fellows in the 110bhp C2 VTS 1.6-litre HDI. Capable of returning 64.2mpg on the combined cycle, the VTS can also run on 30% bio-diesel. Combining this with its Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS) the VTS almost consigns particle emissions to history, while emitting less than the magical 120g/km CO2 benchmark, it hits 62mph in under ten seconds.

Elsewhere, and both VTS and VTR customers will benefit from leather seats, a plethora of exterior paint jobs and MP3 and CD-compatibility provisions.

Base model Citroen C2 1.1-litre Vibe start from £8,795.

Citroen C3

The C3 Vibe, Rhythm and Exclusive grab some new colour and equipment sparkle. Firstly Citroen's Stop and Start technology finds its way into the family hatch range on the C3 Rhythm model, which also features air-con, rain-sensitive wipers, lateral airbags, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, full-size electric glass sunroof and auto headlamps amongst other items.

Diesel engines are far less sporadic in the new C3 range too, again a result of public demand conscious of both environmental concerns, and those fiscal ones closer to home.

Available in entry-level 1.6-litre HDI diesel form from £11,895.

Citroen C3 Pluriel

The C3 Pluriel range remains largely unchanged. Now there's the C3 Pluriel Code special edition and the existing Cote d'Azur which has had a bit of a re-fit more than an overhaul. Aluminium-effect roof arches, bumper inserts and side rubbing strips change the character of the exterior – along with a new Burlat body hue – as well as the introduction of a metallic front grille and updated front and rear lights.

The interior welcomes new upholstery and polished chrome effect on the door handles.

In addition to the standard kit, front fogs, leather steering wheel, 'leccy windows/doors/mirrors/etc and Cruise crop up. The Cote D'Azur now benefits from the three power plants - the 1.4i 75bhp, 1.6i 16V 110bhp SensoDrive and the 1.4HDi 70bhp which combines excellent fuel economy of up to 67.3 mpg out of town and CO2 emissions as low as 125 g/km.

Prices for the Citroen C3 Pluriel kick off at £14,395 for the 1.4-litre HDI diesel model.