Citroën Saxo

Lore & Background

The Saxo's engines were from the PSA TU series, which had roots in the OHC PSA X engine used in earlier models like the Citroën Visa and Peugeot 104. The range included five petrol engines and one diesel, all naturally aspirated. Despite low power outputs compared to contemporaries, the car's low kerb weight—935 kg for the range-topping VTS, with smaller models around 100 kg lighter—gave a high power-to-weight ratio suitable for city driving. The early 1.0i was underpowered, while the 1.1i offered 30% more torque and was considered much better.

Three sport models were offered: the Westcoast (later Furio) with a 1.4L 75 hp engine; the VTR with a 1.6L 8-valve engine (90 hp in MK1, 98 hp in MK2); and the VTS 16V with a 1.6L 120 hp engine. These sport models featured 247 mm vented front brake discs, with the VTR and VTS also having rear disc brakes, and unique suspension components. The VTS had a 22 mm master brake cylinder and 19 mm front/22 mm rear anti-roll bars. All sport models wore the 'VT' bodykit.

In 1997, a 1.6i automatic was offered, replaced later that year by a 1.4i automatic. The automatic was discontinued in March 2002, while manual models sold until end of 2003. An electric version, the Saxo Electrique, was produced in larger numbers than its AX predecessor, with 2,174 units made. It used a 20 kW brushed DC motor and 20 liquid-cooled 6V batteries, with a diesel heater for winter range. A prototype series hybrid, the Saxo Dynavolt, was shown at the 1998 Paris Auto Show, using a 200cc two-stroke range extender under the rear seat.

Reader's Guide

The Citroën Saxo's significance lies in its role as a lightweight, affordable supermini that offered genuine performance variants. The VTS and VTR models became popular for their low weight and responsive handling, making them a common choice in entry-level motorsport and among enthusiasts. The Saxo also demonstrated Citroën's early commitment to electric vehicles with the Saxo Electrique, produced in relatively large numbers (2,174 units) and sharing technology with the earlier AX Electrique. The prototype Dynavolt hybrid foreshadowed later range-extender concepts. The Saxo's platform and running gear were shared with the Peugeot 106, and its replacement by the C2 and C3 marked the end of a model line that had been a staple of Citroën's small car range for seven years. Its legacy includes a strong following in the used car market, particularly for the sporty VTS, and its role as a stepping stone in electric vehicle development.

Did You Know?

• The Saxo was sold in Japan as the Citroën Chanson because Honda had registered the 'Saxo' name.
• The VTS 16V had a kerb weight of just 935 kg and a 0–60 mph time of 7.8 seconds.
• The Saxo Electrique used a 20 kW brushed DC motor and had an estimated range of 80 km.
• A prototype series hybrid, the Saxo Dynavolt, used a 200cc two-stroke engine as a range extender under the rear seat.