The Citroen AX

Introduction

Citroen’s AX was introduced around 1986. The car sold well, and is renowned for being very economical with petrol, even if rather flimsy. All AX models are light, which has important benefits including good performance and economy, and decent handling. The later models are the ones to have - they have better sound insulation, an improved ride and - most importantly - improved build quality.

Engines

It comes as no surprise that the AX had access to the usual PSA engines, ranging from a 950cc petrol to a 1·5 litre diesel.

The 950cc does fairly well in the lightweight AX. It performs quite well for a 950cc and is reasonably economical, if handicapped by only having a four speed gearbox which makes it noisy on the motorway.

Early 1·1s also came with a four speed gearbox, but later ones have five ratios which helps fuel economy - but note that the later cars with fuel injection are slightly thirstier than the 950cc models. In a car that weighs round 700 kg, the 60 PS 1·1 litre engine gives it good performance with 60 appearing in under thirteen seconds.

Citroen used a number of 1·4 litre engines, up to and including the 95 PS engine of the GTi. All AX petrol 1·4s are quick for the price, with the carburettor GT offering the best compromise between power, economy, and price. The quickest model, the GTI, used the 95 PS 1·4 litre engine from the Peugeot 106 XSi, but in reality is little quicker than the GT and thirstier, heavier, and was much more expensive new.

The AX used two diesels during its lifetime, including the earlier 1·4 litre unit, and the more modern (and altogether a much better donk, too) 1·5 litre one. The later 1·4 diesel is notable for the combined economy figure of over 67 mpg, making it one of the most economical cars ever sold in the UK, but it also reaches 60 in under fifteen seconds; one of the quicker “atmo” diesel superminis. All Citroen AX diesels are a good compromise between performance and economy, but the later 1·5 litre engine is the one to have.

Ride & Handling

At launch, the AX scored well in this respect, but later models do seem to have a slightly smoother ride at no detriment to handling. Lesser models are a little bit soft but avoid the sloppy feeling that the mark three Fiesta has. I’ve not pushed an AX all that hard, but I’m led to believe that it will oversteer if provoked.

Interior

The AX is a little bit cramped compared to modern cars, but it does have a better driving position compared to the Peugeot 106. The boot is also rather small, but it is of a reasonable shape.

More damning, though, is the interior build quality which is a little bit suspect (but later models are improved). Items such as stalks seem rather fragile and the seats do not seem to wear all that well.

Later models are better build, and also have improved sound insulation, making them quieter to drive and ride in.

Exterior

The AX is another Citroen car which manages to look bland and rather characterless, even if the sportier Forte, GT and GTi look better than standard. One notable feature is the squared off spoiler on the hatchback which is designed to reduce aerodynamic turbulence as much as to house the rear wiper motor.

Verdict

It’s a bit tinny, it’s a bit fragile, but the AX is a good choice if you’re wanting an economical little runner. The 950cc models (badged 1·0 litre) are good for town use, but the five speed 1·1 would be a better bet if you make motorway trips. The later 1·5 litre diesels offer reasonable performance, good economy and a refined drive, and can be bought for peanuts these days. Of the sportier models, the original, carburettor-fed GT is almost as quick as the later GTI, but I would still prefer the later model.