Citroën is now unveiling the cool new C2 GT, hot on the heels of the launch of the stunning C2 supermini. An individually numbered, rally homologation special, the C2 GT's entire road-going production run of 2,250 models is destined exclusively for the UK.

On sale from the beginning of December, the C2 GT is set to wow drivers looking for urban styling and a fun-to-drive experience at a truly affordable price. If the recommended retail price of £10,495 wasn't value enough, a special offer of one year's free insurance is also available.

A lively performer, the C2 GT features a 110hp 1.6i 16V engine with five-speed manual transmission, and also incorporates special weight-saving measures, giving it a rapid 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 121mph.

Exciting to look at, the C2 GT really stands out from the crowd with its unique Citroën Sport inspired front end design and eye-catching white 16" alloys, all rounded off by a rear spoiler. Add in the C2's sharp lines and prominent curves, topped off with neat touches like the chrome tailpipe, chrome GT badging and availability of a special Citroën Sport red body colour, and the GT really does have bags of character.

Inside, the C2 GT cabin design reflects its fun and sporty nature, with supportive and attractive two-tone sports seats, carbon-fibre look trim around the instrument panel and vivid translucent colour-keyed gear knob and door grab handles. And, underlining the GT's individuality, a badge showing each car's unique edition number is located on the central console.

Helping drivers to find their ideal position, the steering wheel alters for rake and reach whilst the driver's seat is height adjustable. Like all C2s the GT seats four, with especially impressive space in the front, and offers plenty of storage areas throughout the cabin, while the generously sized boot is easily accessible via the split tailgate.

The C2 GT certainly doesn't scrimp on kit, with an equipment list that features variable assistance power steering, electric one-touch front windows with anti-pinch function, a trip computer, programmable overspeed warning and a Radio/CD Player for banging out tunes while cruising around with friends.

Safe as well as fun, the GT, along with the rest of the C2 range, has just achieved a 4-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. It comes with four airbags and ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Braking Assistance) as standard, and is also equipped with remote central locking with deadlocks and an alarm.

The exciting C2 GT joins the VTR and Furio models in the footsteps of the legendary Saxo VTR and VTS which, as the UK's most popular hot hatch for five consecutive years, appealed right to the heart of the young, sporty-minded supermini buyer. For these customers, the low cost of ownership of the GT, with its Group 6 insurance rating, low fuel consumption and 20,000 mile service intervals, will be particularly appealing.

Alain Favey, Managing Director of Citroën UK, comments, "Britain has a long tradition for buying superminis that are fun to drive, as witnessed with the success of the Saxo. The C2 GT offers even more, bringing an exciting new player to the sporty small car market."

The public had its first chance to see the C2 in the metal at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2003, when the C2 Citroën Sport concept broke cover and impressed with its tough lines, beefy wheels and aggressive stance. The stunning new C2 hit the UK's streets six months later, still bristling with all the character and presence that won it so many admirers in its concept form in Geneva.

Now making its entrance is the C2 GT, the road-going homologation special that paves the way for Citroën's entry into the Super 1600 and Challenge Cup rally competitions. The Super 1600 has already been graced by the likes of Sébastien Loeb who won the Junior World Rally Championship in a Saxo Super 1600 in 2001 before playing a major part in this year's WRC championship winning Citroën Sport team.

To meet FIA homologation regulations, Citroën will produce 2,500 models based on the competition version. Of these 250 will be turned into competition cars, with the rest exclusively destined for UK buyers. So the exciting new GT, alongside the dynamic C2 VTR and Furio, is perfectly placed to continue the tradition set by the Saxo VTR/VTS - Britain's most successful hot hatch for five consecutive years.

C2 GT: PERFORMANCE THAT'S FUN TO HANDLE
Every bit the urban sports supermini, the C2 GT benefits from a punchy 110hp 1.6i 16V petrol powerplant and a responsive five-speed manual gearbox, all designed to guarantee a fun driving experience whether cruising around town or going for a cross-country blast.

Helping it to feel eager and agile, the GT incorporates a number of weight-saving measures. The spare wheel is replaced with a puncture repair aerosol, features such as the foglamps, electric mirrors, side skirts and cruise control, all available on the VTR, are removed, and there is even a smaller, lighter screenwash bottle.

All of which helps the new model to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 9.5 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 121mph. Slowing back down to standstill is also reassuringly safe thanks to the standard fitment of disc brakes all round - ventilated at the front - as well as ABS with EBA and EBD. Lower suspension and stiffer anti-roll bars, compared to regular C2 models, serve to further enhance the GT's fun-to-drive nature.

C2 GT: REAL SPORT STYLING
The C2 GT has real road presence, combining its own styling cues with the bold curves and sharp lines that make the C2 range so distinctive. Particularly striking are the white 16" alloy wheels and Citroën Sport inspired front grille, incorporating larger air intakes designed specifically for competition, which perfectly match the Citroën Sport Red finish that is exclusive to the GT. Blue, black and silver are the three other available colours.

The sporty look continues with a stylish rear spoiler and chrome tailpipe, topped off by the chrome GT badging on the sides and tailgate, which complement the dynamic styling common to all C2 models - the short front and rear overhangs, the imposing large square headlamps, the swooping roofline and the eye-catching side window design.

The unique nature of the C2 GT is further underlined on the inside - each GT has its own limited series number located prominently on the central console. The cabin comes with bolstered, two-tone front sports seats, carbon-fibre look trim on the dash as well as aluminium-effect air vents and matching translucent gear knob and door handles.

Like the legendary Saxo VTR and VTS before it, the C2 GT is also likely to appeal to those who really want to personalise their car. The range of available accessories includes a Bodystyling Kit, with front, side and rear skirts, door mouldings and a 'sport style' tailgate spoiler, that perfectly enhances the GT's look.

C2 GT: SPACE AND PRACTICALITY
Like the rest of the C2 range, the GT offers generous space and numerous practical touches that owners will find particularly useful, especially around town.

The C2 GT provides an ideal driving position, with a fully adjustable steering wheel and seat, plenty of leg and headroom, and excellent all-round visibility thanks to the large windscreen. In the rear, both passengers can enjoy more elbowroom than in rivals such as the Toyota Yaris and Vauxhall Corsa.

It isn't just about looking cool - the GT is rather adept at gathering up luggage or shopping as well. In addition to the lockable glovebox and numerous storage compartments dotted around the cabin, there are 193 litres of boot space with the split-folding rear seats up, and some 879 litres with the seats folded.

The GT, like the rest of the range, offers the convenience of a split tailgate making loading up in tight spaces easy, whilst the lower tailgate drops down to support heavy or cumbersome objects of up to 100kg and conceals a handy, five litre stowage compartment.

C2 GT: FULLY LOADED
The C2 GT certainly doesn't skimp on kit, even though it is stripped out in some areas to help enhance performance.

Making life as easy as possible for the driver, the GT boasts variable assisted power steering, a steering wheel that is adjustable for rake and reach, and a height adjustable driver's seat. Life on-board is also made easy, with electric, one-touch front windows with anti-pinch feature, RDS radio and CD player with steering wheel mounted controls and a 12V socket on the centre console.

The GT benefits from multiplexing technology that offers clever touches like a trip computer, 'black panel' instrument lighting, a programmable overspeed warning, speed indexing of the volume control and automatic door and boot locking on the move.

C2 GT: SAFETY AT ITS HEART
Reassuringly well protected, the C2 has already been awarded an impressive 4-star crash test rating by Euro NCAP, and is built using the same platform as the C3 Pluriel, which Euro NCAP recently rated Europe's safest supermini.

The toughened structure incorporates built-in crumple zones and cross-beams manufactured from very high-yield strength steel, mounted on shock absorbers, at the front and rear, while the doors are reinforced with twin high tensile steel tubes.

Further protecting occupants, the C2 GT comes with driver's, passenger's and lateral airbags as standard. Active safety is taken care of with ABS with EBA (Emergency Braking Assistance) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) also standard, while in the event of rapid deceleration or an impact, the hazard warning lights come on automatically to warn drivers behind.

And to help prevent jealous criminals from getting their hands on Citroën's newest model, the GT features remote central locking with deadlocks and dash-mounted control, a Thatcham-approved anti-theft alarm, a transponder immobiliser and automatic locking of the doors and the boot when the car is moving.

C2 GT: TARGETING THE YOUNG
With its combination of great handling, modern sporty looks and good levels of equipment, the Citroën C2 GT will appeal to the heart of the young urban supermini buyer, as well as to those who feel young at heart.

The latest in a line of successful 'hot' Citroën superminis, most recently the Saxo VTR and VTS, the C2 GT will particularly appeal to young, sporty-minded, males who value performance, good looks and owning a car that can be easily customised.

In addition, and equally importantly, these young buyers will be attracted by the GT's low cost of ownership, helped by a highly competitive list price and launch offer, an impressively low group 6 insurance rating, excellent fuel consumption figures for the type of car of 42.8mpg on the combined cycle and service intervals of 20,000 miles.

On top of that, buyers receive a three year / 60,000 mile warranty plus a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty and a three-year paint warranty as standard. Basic maintenance requirements have been kept to a minimum, while Citroën also carried out in-depth research with leading authorities to ensure that repair costs are also kept right down.

Citroen news release - 4 Dec 2003