Citroën is about to release a souped-up version of its C2 supermini.

The VTS heads up the C2 range with a new chassis and uprated engine. Recommended retail price is £11,995 with one year's free insurance offered to buyers aged 21 to 80.

Compared with the 'warm' VTR, the VTS has another 15bhp. Its 125bhp 1.6-litre 16-valve engine also has a close ratio five-speed manual gearbox. Zero to 62mph acceleration time is 8.3 seconds and maximum speed 126mph.

Air conditioning, power assisted steering, electric windows, an alarm and a CD player are standard equipment, while sliding/folding rear seats, side window airbags and rear parking sensor are all options.

In keeping with the rest of the Euro NCAP 4-star range, the C2 VTS has four airbags, ABS with EBD and EBA as standard.

Read Tim Rose's report in AM, August 27.