Citroën · 1996–2003

Citroën Saxo

The Citroën Saxo is a supermini car which was produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1996 to 2003. It was sold in Japan as the Citroën Chanson, because Honda had registered the "Saxo" name. The Saxo was a development of the Citroën AX and Peugeot 106, which shared a platform and running gear (the major difference being interiors and body panels). It was discontinued in 2003, when it was replaced with the Citroën C2 and Citroën C3 which launched a year earlier. Both models were developed alongside the Peugeot 206.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Citroën AX · Successor: Citroën C1|Citroën C3|Citroën C2

All Citroën Saxo data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Overview

=== Engines and performance === 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 and the predecessors of the Peugeot 206 (Peugeot 104 and 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 resulting in 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 relatively low city MPG figures. Even the popular 1.1i engine would struggle to achieve more than 35 to 40mpg in town when driven carefully. The real world consumption between the smaller engines and the nippy 1.4i Westcoast/Furio variant was hardly noticeable, however the insurance premiums were. The early 1.0i was quite under powered, with the 1.1i being considered much better, since it was nearly 200cc larger and had roughly 30% more torque. There were three sport models of the Saxo: The Westcoast, later replaced by the Furio which featured a 1.4I 8V 55 kW (75 hp) engine with a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph), and a 0-62.5 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 11.2 seconds. The VTR MK1 (1997–1999) featured a fuel injected, 1.6-liter 8-valve 66 kW (90 hp) engine with a top speed of 187 km/h (116 mph) and a 0-62.5 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 10.0 se

Motorsport

=== Rallying === The Citroën Saxo has competed in the S1600/Kit Car class in Rally events since 1997. The car notably appeared in the World Rally Championship between 1997 and 2007. As of 2025, the car has racked up over 700 podiums and 200 wins. Endurance Racing. The Citroën Saxo competed in endurance racing events in Germany and the Netherlands regularly between 1997 and 2007, mostly in the Nurburgring 24 Hours. A Citroën Saxo notably competed in the 1998 Spa 24 Hours and finished 30th. Junior Saloon Car Championship. The Citroen Saxo is the basis for the Junior Saloon Car Championship for young racing drivers aged 14 to 17 that has run since 2014. Prior to 2014, the series was called the SAXMAX Championship and had run since 2006. 2014 Champion James Dorlin and 2022 Champion Max Hall went on to race in the British Touring Car Championship in 2025. == References ==

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Citroën Saxo
Manufacturer: Citroën
aka: Citroën Chanson (Japan, 1997–1999)
Production: 1996–2003
Assembly: France: Aulnay-sous-Bois (PSA Aulnay-sous-Bois Plant), Portugal: Mangualde (Mangualde Plant)
Predecessor: Citroën AX
Successor: Citroën C2 (three-door), Citroën C3 (five-door)
Class: Subcompact Car (B)
Body style: 3/5-door hatchback
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Engine: Petrol:, 954 cc TU9 I4, 1124 cc TU1 I4, 1360 cc TU3 I4, 1587 cc TU5 I4, Diesel:, 1527 cc TUD5 I4
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2385 mm
Length: 3718 mm, 3737 mm (VTS)
Width: 1595 mm, 1620 mm (VTS)
Height: 1379 mm
Kerb weight: 805 –
Related: Peugeot 106, Citroën AX
Designer: Donato Coco
sp: uk