Citroën Saxo
| Company type | Car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën AX |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Defunct | 2003 |
| Successor | Citroën C2, Citroën C3 |
| Products | Supermini cars |
| Owner | Citroën |
The Citroën Saxo is a supermini model manufactured by the French car company Citroën between 1996 and 2003. In the Japanese market, it was sold under the name Citroën Chanson because the "Saxo" trademark was held by Honda. This model was developed as a successor to the Citroën AX, sharing its chassis and mechanical components with the Peugeot 106, with primary differences found in the interior layout and exterior styling. Production concluded in 2003, giving way to the Citroën C2 (three-door) and Citroën C3 (five-door), both created in collaboration with the Peugeot 206.
Engines and performance
The entire engine range consisted of units from the PSA TU engine family, initially introduced in vehicles such as the Peugeot 205 and Citroën AX. These engines trace their design lineage to the earlier OHC PSA X engine used in models like the Citroën Visa and early versions of the Peugeot 206. The lineup featured five naturally aspirated petrol engines alongside a single diesel option.
Although power figures were modest compared to contemporary small hatchbacks or modern counterparts, the Saxo’s lightweight construction—approximately for the highest-spec VTS variant and around 100 kg lighter for smaller engines—ensured a competitive power-to-weight ratio and respectable acceleration, particularly advantageous for city driving. Aside from the 16-valve VTS model, all engines were older SOHC designs, which resulted in average urban fuel efficiency; even the widely favored 1.1i struggled to achieve more than 35–40 mpg during city use.
Fuel economy differences between smaller engines and the 1.4i Westcoast/Furio versions were negligible, although insurance costs varied considerably. The initial 1.0i engine was underpowered, while the 1.1i delivered roughly 30% more torque along with improved driving dynamics.
Three sporty trims were available:
- Westcoast, later succeeded by Furio: equipped with a 1.4L 8-valve engine producing , capable of reaching a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph) and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds.
- VTR MK1 (1997–1999): fitted with a fuel-injected 1.6L 8-valve engine generating , achieving a maximum speed of 187 km/h (116 mph) and a 0-100 km/h time of 10 seconds. The VTR MK2 (1999–2003) was upgraded to , increasing top speed to 193 km/h (120 mph) and reducing acceleration time to 9.4 seconds.
- VTS 16V: powered by a 1.6L engine producing , capable of reaching up to 205 km/h (127 mph) and accelerating from 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Both MK1 and MK2 versions offered similar performance, though the MK2 was marginally heavier and slightly slower.
Sport variants featured enhanced braking systems with vented front discs measuring ; both VTR and VTS models included rear disc brakes as well. Their suspension setups incorporated unique control arms and strut configurations. The VTS utilized a master brake cylinder, whereas VTR and Westcoast/Furio models employed a smaller unit.
Anti-roll bars differed among trims: the VTS had thicker front () and rear () bars; meanwhile, VTR and Westcoast/Furio featured front bars at , paired with either or occasionally thinner rear bars (). All sport editions were distinguished by a specific "VT" body kit.
In 1997, a three-speed automatic transmission was introduced alongside the 1.6i 8V engine on Saxo SX and VSX versions. By late that year, this setup was replaced by a less powerful automatic variant paired with the 1.4i engine. Manual gearbox options remained available until production ceased in 2003, while automatic transmissions were discontinued in March 2002 due to overlap with the Citroën C3's automatic models.
Engine specifications:
- 1.0 L (954 cc) TU9 I4, producing ,
- 1.1 L (1124 cc) TU1 I4, delivering ,
- 1.4 L (1360 cc) TU3 I4, outputting ,
- 1.5 L (1527 cc) PSA TU engine#TUD5 diesel I4, generating ,
- 1.6 L (1587 cc) PSA TU engine#TU5 I4 variants:
- , with torque up to .
Interior and Features
The Saxo's standard specification was mostly modest. Base versions came equipped with essentials such as a driver's airbag, seat belt pretensioners, cassette players, heated rear windows, tinted glass, keypad immobilisers, and three-stud wheels resembling those on the AX. Higher-level trims offered additional amenities including sunroofs, power-assisted steering (PAS), electric window controls, ultrasonic alarms, passenger airbags, CD players, tachometers, front fog lamps, body styling kits, color-matched mirror covers, and alloy wheels.
While the Mark II Saxo models introduced enhancements in equipment, their interiors still appeared somewhat outdated compared to rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa, retaining numerous center console controls from the older Citroën AX.
The best outfitted versions were the 1.6L VTR and VTS, which featured rear disc brakes instead of drum brakes. ABS was standard on the VTS and available as an option on other 1.6-liter variants.
Limited special editions included the "Open Scandal," notable for its full-length sliding canvas roof. The Westcoast (available until 1999) and Furio (until 2003) models combined the sporty VTR/VTS bodykit with a more insurance-friendly 1.4-liter engine. Conversely, the Eastcoast model offered only 1.0L or 1.1L engines without the "VT" styling package.
Right-hand drive Saxos never featured factory-fitted air conditioning due to spatial limitations caused by the blower motor's location. Aftermarket air conditioning kits were generally noisy and inefficient since relocating components was impractical.
In September 1999, the Saxo underwent a facelift (Mark II), which introduced updated headlights, bonnet, grille design, and replaced single-point fuel injection with multipoint injection on 1.1-liter engines. Power steering became standard except on entry-level trims. Rear lights were redesigned to include larger white indicator sections, and the engine control unit changed from a single plug to three plugs. The previous three-stud wheel configuration was discontinued.
Despite these exterior modifications, interior changes were minimal; dashboards and glove compartments remained largely intact with passenger airbags available only on higher trim levels.
By 2003, consumer preference shifted towards the more spacious five-door C3 model; however, the 1.6 VTR and VTS variants of the Saxo maintained their appeal. Production ceased in September 2003 coinciding with the launch of the three-door C2 model; its counterpart, the Peugeot 106, also ended production at this time. At this point, the Saxo's design was seven years old.
Aerodynamics
The Saxo features a drag coefficient of , paired with a frontal area measuring 1.83 m2, resulting in a combined drag area (CdA) of 6.68 ft².
Rally Competition
From 1997 through 2007, the Citroën Saxo competed in rallying within the S1600/Kit Car category, including appearances in the World Rally Championship. By 2025, it had secured over 700 podium finishes and more than 200 victories.
Endurance Racing
Throughout the period between 1997 and 2007, the Saxo frequently took part in endurance racing events held in Germany and the Netherlands, notably including the Nürburgring 24 Hours. It also achieved a 30th place finish at the Spa 24 Hours race in 1998.
Junior Saloon Car Championship
The Saxo forms the foundation for the Junior Saloon Car Championship—a racing series designed for drivers aged between 14 and 17 that has been active since 2014 (formerly known as the SAXMAX Championship from 2006). Notable champions such as James Dorlin (2014) and Max Hall (2022) have advanced to compete in the British Touring Car Championship by 2025.