Citroën LNA
| Company type | Car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Peugeot 104 (platform) |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Successor | Citroën AX |
Area served | Southern Europe, United Kingdom, France, Italy |
| Products | Compact city cars (three-door hatchbacks) |
| Parent | Citroën (part of PSA Peugeot Citroën) |
The Citroën LN (also known as Hélène) and Citroën LNA (Hélèna) are compact city cars featuring front-mounted engines and front-wheel drive, designed as three-door hatchbacks seating four passengers. Produced by Citroën between 1976 and 1986, these models were introduced shortly after Peugeot took over Citroën, serving as badge-engineered versions of the Peugeot 104.
The letter "A" in LNA represents Athlétique (Athletic). The vehicle's noise output was recorded at 69 decibels.
Citroën LN (1976–1978)
Launched in July 1976, the LN utilized the shortened chassis from the Peugeot 104 Z combined with the fuel-efficient 602 cc two-cylinder petrol engine sourced from the Citroën 2CV. It was offered with minimal features but maintained an attractive price point alongside low operational costs.
Manufactured at a Citroën facility and equipped with a Citroën engine, the LN bore a strong resemblance to its Peugeot equivalent. This approach to badge engineering marked a departure from earlier commitments to keep Citroën and Peugeot distinct. The expedited introduction was justified by Citroën as a strategy to bolster its presence in the entry-level market segment and support its dealer network. The LN complemented existing models such as the Citroën Ami, Dyane, and the long-standing 2CV. Citroën asserted that such cross-brand engineering would remain limited—a position largely maintained until the later debut of the Citroën Saxo, which shared its platform with the Peugeot 106, itself derived from the Citroen AX.
Citroën LNA (1978–1986)
Primarily targeted at Southern European markets, Citroën unveiled the more powerful LNA on 6 November 1978. This version incorporated the advanced 652 cc two-cylinder engine from the Citroën Visa, featuring electronic ignition. In December 1982, a 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine was introduced for the LNA 11E and 11RE variants, capable of reaching speeds close to 90 mph, gradually replacing two-cylinder models across many regions. Additionally, an intermediate LNA 10E equipped with a 954 cc Peugeot engine was available specifically in Italy and France.
By 1980, Citroën offered the "LNA Entreprise" in France—a two-seat configuration achieved by removing the rear seats to qualify for lower value-added tax rates.
Following the LNA’s release, the badge-engineered Talbot Samba debuted, sharing mechanical components and an evolved version of the Peugeot 104 floorpan utilized in both the LNA and Citroën Visa models introduced in 1978. The facelift in 1983 brought updates such as molded black plastic bumpers, redesigned C-pillar trim, repositioned rubber side moldings, larger rear lights set against a black panel, blacked-out chrome window surrounds, and upgraded wheels identical to those on the Visa Super E. Interior improvements included a parcel shelf and rear seats that folded in two sections. For the 1986 model year starting July 1985, grey grills and bumpers replaced previous black elements. Production ceased in mid-1986 alongside that of the Talbot Samba, with both being succeeded by the Citroën AX.
The British market saw the LNA’s arrival only in early 1983 amid competition from vehicles like the Austin Metro and Ford Fiesta. Despite launching alongside rivals such as the Fiat Uno, Nissan Micra, Peugeot 205, and Vauxhall Nova, it struggled to establish itself and was withdrawn after just two years.
While largely supplanted by the Peugeot 205 as an entry-level model from 1983 onward, production of the Peugeot 104 continued until 1988. The Visa also remained available until that year. Among all derivatives of the Peugeot 104 platform, the Visa-based Citroën C15 van enjoyed the longest production span, incorporating mechanical components from both Peugeot 205 and 206 models until its discontinuation in 2005.
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 capacity | 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 timing values (at 1 mm lift) | ||||
| 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 Full Exhaust / Return of Full Exhaust) | 6° before TDC | 3°30 after TDC | ||
| Gearbox specifications | ||||
| 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 | ||
| Final transmission ratio | 8/33 | 8/35 | 9/35 | |