ZIPPING around town in the Citroen C2 VTS makes you feel like a teenager again.
The stylish French three-door supermini gave me street cred I thought I'd left behind in the last century.
My teenage daughter demanded one even though she can't drive yet, while all her friends seemed entranced by the Wicked Red metallic bodywork.
Obviously Citroen are hoping for a bigger market than just a lot of pimply youths, so instead pitch the C2 at what they call the 'young at heart' - which obviously includes those older motorists who wish to delay the descent to decay.
Thus the styling both inside and outside is fun and modern with the VTS model sporting aluminium pedals, an aluminium-effect gearknob, comfortable sports seats, efficient air conditioning, a snazzy CD player, stability aids and an alarm.
There's also electric folding door mirrors, front fog lights that make the C2's face even more distinctive, plus a number of other baubles such as alloy wheels, chrome tailpipe and colour coding.
It's also a reasonable price for a top of the range three-door hatchback - especially when you factor in great fuel economy, cheap insurance, and low carbon dioxide emissions.
But for those who view the £13,895 price tag as a tad expensive for the VTS, the entry level 1.1i Vibe petrol model starts from £8,795.
And as Citroen dealers have a well earned reputation for offering healthy discounts and special offers, it is likely there is an even better deal to be done.
On the road the C2 is a hoot to drive thanks to a stiffened suspension and crisp, informative steering. The supermini offers the agility of a ballerina and absorbs the impact of uneven surfaces with ease.
There's loads of grip which means corners can be taken aggressively in a chassis that treats body roll with disdain.
The cabin is surprisingly airy with good leg and headroom. The steering adjusts for height and reach while the driver's seat is fully adjustable.
Access to the rear seats can be tricky in three-door superminis but the C2 has front seats that slide forward easily offering a good opening. The VTS model has two individual rear seats that can be slid fore and aft or tilted forward to provide more space.
The boot is fine for small loads and the tailgate divides cleverly with the upper half lifting to reveal the boot, while the lower section drops to allow heavier items to be loaded without fuss.
The warm performance, 0-62mph in under ten seconds, ensures you're rarely left standing when the lights go green. As well as the 1.6 diesel engine the C2 is also available with 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 petrol power units as well as a 1.4 oil burner.
Overall the car is a must for the shortlist if you want a funky supermini that isn't going to cost the earth to buy or run.
FAST FACTS
Citroen C2 1.6 HDi VTS 3dr
Price: £13,995
Mechanical: 110bhp, 1,560cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 120mph
0-62mph: 9.4 seconds
Combined mpg: 64.2
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
BiK rating: 13%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles