Citroën LN
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Peugeot 104 (platform) |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | City cars (hatchbacks) |
The Citroën LN (also known as Hélène) and Citroën LNA (Hélèna) are front-wheel-drive, front-engine hatchbacks with three doors, designed to accommodate four passengers. These city car models were manufactured by Citroën between 1976 and 1986. They represent badge-engineered versions of the Peugeot 104, introduced shortly after Peugeot's acquisition of Citroën.
The letter "A" in LNA signifies Athlétique (Athletic). The vehicle's noise output was measured at 69 decibels.
Citroën LN (1976–1978)
Launched in July 1976, the LN combined the shortened Peugeot 104 Z body with a fuel-efficient 602 cc two-cylinder engine derived from the Citroën 2CV. With minimal standard equipment, its primary appeal lay in its affordability and low operating expenses.
Although it closely resembled its Peugeot 104 counterpart, the LN was assembled at a Citroën facility and equipped with a Citroën powertrain. Peugeot’s takeover of Citroën raised concerns about maintaining brand distinction, as the LN diverged from earlier commitments to keep both brands separate. Citroën explained that the LN was rapidly developed to provide customers and dealerships with an affordable option in the entry-level market segment. This tactic was intended to bolster Citroën’s presence in the small car category while preserving its traditional offerings like the Ami, Dyane, and 2CV. This philosophy persisted until later badge-engineered models such as the Citroën Saxo, which was based on the Peugeot 106 platform.
Citroën LNA (1978–1986)
Primarily sold in Southern Europe, Citroën introduced the more potent LNA on 6 November 1978. The LNA incorporated the advanced 652 cc two-cylinder engine from the Citroën Visa, featuring electronic ignition, and was distributed throughout Europe, including right-hand-drive versions for the UK market where it debuted in early 1983. In December 1982, a 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine was introduced for the LNA 11E and 11RE models, enabling speeds close to 90 mph and gradually replacing the two-cylinder variants in several regions. An intermediate LNA 10E model equipped with a 954 cc Peugeot engine was available exclusively in Italy and France.
By 1980, Citroën offered the "LNA Entreprise" in France—a two-seater version without rear seating to qualify for reduced value-added tax under local legislation.
Following the LNA’s release, a badge-engineered sibling called the Talbot Samba appeared, distinguished by square headlights and a slightly extended rear section. The mechanical components and an updated version of the full-length Peugeot 104 floorpan were also utilized in the Citroën Visa, which launched in 1978. A facelift introduced in July 1982 (model year 1983) brought molded black plastic bumpers, redesigned C-pillar trim, repositioned rubber side strips, larger rear lights set within a black panel, blackened chrome window surrounds, and more sophisticated wheels shared with the Visa Super E. Interior enhancements included a parcel shelf and a split-folding rear seat. In July 1985 for the 1986 model year, bumper and grille colors shifted from black to grey. Production ended in mid-1986 alongside that of the Talbot Samba, with the Citroën AX succeeding it shortly thereafter.
The LNA entered the British market only in early 1983, competing against popular small cars such as the Austin Metro, Ford Fiesta, Fiat Uno, Nissan Micra, Peugeot 205, and Vauxhall Nova. It failed to capture significant market share and was withdrawn after two years.
Despite launching its successor—the Peugeot 205—in 1983 as an entry-level offering, Peugeot continued producing the 104 until 1988. The Visa model also remained available until that year. Among all derivatives of the Peugeot 104 platform, the Visa-based box van Citroën C15 had the longest production run, continuing until 2005 while incorporating mechanical components from both the Peugeot 205 and 206.
Technical specifications
| Model | V 06 / 630 | R 06 / 630 | V 06 / 644 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder bore | 77 mm (3.0 in) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 77 mm (3.0 in) |
| Piston stroke | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Engine displacement | 652 cc | 602 cc | 652 cc |
| Compression ratio (volumetric) | 9 / 1 | 9.5 / 1 | 9.5 / 1 |
| Operating compression pressure | 11 bars | 11 bars | 11 bars |
| Peak power output | 36 PS (26 kW; 36 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 32 PS (24 kW; 32 hp) at 5,750 rpm | 34.5 PS (25 kW; 34 hp) at 5,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 5.3 kg⋅m (52 N⋅m; 38 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm | 4.2 kg⋅m (41 N⋅m; 30 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm | |
| Torque (daN.m) | 5.1 daN.m | 4.8 daN.m at 3,500 rpm | |
| Maximum engine speed (rpm) | 5,850 rpm | 6,000 rpm | |
| Camshaft specifications (for a lift of 1 mm) | |||
| R.O.A (Rotation Opening Angle) | 7° after TDC | 0°5' after TDC | |
| R.F.A (Rotation Full Advance) | 42° after BDC | 49°15 after TDC | |
| A.O.E (Angle of Exhaust Opening) | 35° before BDC | 35°55 after TDC | |
| A.F.E / R.F.E (Angle of Fuel Entry / Rotation Fuel Entry) | 6° before TDC | 3°30 after TDC | |
| Gearbox details | |||
| First gear ratio | 11/50 | 11/50 | |
| Second gear ratio | 18/45 | 18/45 | |
| Third gear ratio | 28/46 | 28/46 | |
| Fourth gear ratio | 34/39 | 34/39 | |
| Reverse gear ratio | 11/46 | 11/46 | |
| Overall transmission ratio | 8/33 | 8/35 | 9/35 |