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Clarion and Citroen tempt music-mad youth market
With the Citroen C2 GT firmly aimed at the music-driven youth market, the world's biggest car audio specialist, Clarion, has limbered up with a one-off, in-car audio system install in a press car that demonstrates how further fire can be breathed on this limited-edition scorcher, without breaking the bank.
Recent research suggests that the youth market is crazed by upgrading their car audio, with a whopping £774 on average per year being spent by those in the market.
The accent is generally on features, looks, power output and, in particular, a gutsy bass response. With this in mind, the C2's original equipment audio system - also manufactured by Clarion - has been replaced with a sizzling custom upgrade that features additional equipment, boasting significantly increased power and audio presence.
A double-DIN Clarion RDS FM/MW/LW Radio/CD combination unit - with a spectrum analyser providing a visual feast - is the focal point of the C2's dashboard...
It's fuelled by a beafy, add-on 600W, 4-channel amplifier, which feeds a six speaker arsenal. This includes two 120w active sub-woofers with built-in amplifiers, nestling under the driver and front passenger seats, to deliver that deep-down base response. A hide-away 6-stack CD autochanger completes the picture.
Clarion specialist dealers, Ultimate Car Audio, in Bromsgrove carried out this £1,500 one-off C2 GT install.
There are no plans to offer it as a Citroen customer option, but all products are available over the counter, plus fitting, at Clarion specialists nationwide. more...
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The Citroen C2 GT audio upgrade comprises: Clarion ADZ628R, double DIN-sized 4x45w RDS FM/MW/LW Radio/CD/ CD-R/Cassette combination with spectrum analyser.
- Clarion SRS 1324, 120w 13cm co-axial front door speakers (2 off)
- Clarion SRC 1063, 100w 10cm custom fit co-axial rear side panel speakers (2 off)
- Clarion APA4300HX, 4-channel 600w high power amplifier with built-in cooling fan
- Clarion SRV303, 120w 20cm active sub woofer with built-in amplifier under front seats (2 off)
- Clarion DXZ628 6-disc CD autochanger
Source: In-magazine survey, Max Power magazine, 2002 Notes: Clarion manufactures and supplies original equipment audio to over 23 vehicle manufacturers worldwide, including Citroen.
A buoyant presence in the aftermarket - via a specialist dealer network - includes audio, multimedia and accessories, plus satellite navigation systems.
Clarion manufactured the first OE radio in Japan 50 years ago Today, even the most affordable head unit in the Clarion range provides FM/MW radio and CD, a thumping 4 x 51watt output and a host of functions besides. At a typical selling price of £129, it offers astonishing value compared with the high price and humble specification of the original Clarion OE unit of half a century ago.
