Citroën Saxo
| Citroën Saxo | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Citroën |
| Also called | Citroën Chanson (Japan) |
| Production | 1996–2003 |
| Assembly | Aulnay-sous-Bois, France |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Supermini (B) |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Related | Peugeot 106 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.0 L TU9 I4 (petrol) 1.1 L TU1 I4 (petrol) 1.4 L TU3 I4 (petrol) 1.5 L TUD5 I4 (diesel) 1.6 L TU5 I4 (petrol) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,385 mm (93.9 in) |
| Length | 3,718 mm (146.4 in) 3,737 mm (147.1 in) (VTS) |
| Width | 1,595 mm (62.8 in) 1,620 mm (63.8 in) (VTS) |
| Height | 1,379 mm (54.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 805–935 kg (1,775–2,061 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Citroën AX |
| Successor |
Citroën C2 Citroën C3 |
The Citroën Saxo was a supermini car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1996 to 2003. It was also sold in Japan as the Citroën Chanson. It shared many engine and body parts with the Peugeot 106 (which itself was a development of the Citroën AX), the major difference being interiors and body panels. Production ended in 2003, when it was replaced with the Citroën C2.
All engines were from the PSA TU engine series that powered the Peugeot 205 from 1988 and the Citroën AX, and had their roots before that with the OHC PSA X engine various other PSA cars used, such as the Citroën Visa, Peugeot 104 and early Peugeot 205. The range included five petrol engines and one diesel engine, all naturally aspirated.
Although the quoted power outputs are low in comparison to modern small hatchbacks, or even to other hatchbacks of the time, the kerb weight was generally very low, with even the range-topping VTS having a kerb weight of just 935 kg (2,061 lb), with other smaller engine models (except the diesel) being around 100 kg lighter than this. This meant a high power-to-weight ratio which meant for decent acceleration and made the car suitable for city driving. Aside from the VTS which had 16 valves, all engines were the older SOHC units which meant low MPG figures. Even the popular 1.1 engine would struggle to achieve more than 35-40mpg in town when driven carefully.
The early 1.0 was quite under-powered with the 1.1 being considered much better, since it was nearly 200 cc larger and had roughly 30% more torque.
There were three sport models of the Saxo:
These models included 247 mm (9.7 in) vented front brake discs, with the VTR and VTS also having rear brake discs (solid 247 mm (9.7 in) discs). Also, a different style of control arms and struts was used for the suspension. The VTS had a 22 mm (0.9 in) master brake cylinder, and the VTR and Westcoast/Furio had a 19 mm (0.7 in). The VTS had a 19 mm (0.7 in) front anti-roll bar and 22 mm (0.9 in) rear anti-roll bar, while the VTR and Westcoast/Furio had a 19 mm (0.7 in) front and 21 mm (0.8 in) or sometimes 19 mm (0.7 in) rear anti-roll bar.
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