The Citroen Saxo

Introduction

The Citroen Saxo replaced the AX, and is the sister to the Peugeot 106. Both the Saxo and the 106 essentially share the same bits, but both are different cars.

Engines

The Saxo shares an identical line up to the Peugeot 106, so it gets a 950cc petrol engine in the base model. This donk - sold as the 1·0 - is no longer sold, and as far as I know, was only released in very cheap special edition models. In any event, it is very much the poor mans’ engine of the range, being rough, raucous, and mated to a four speed gearbox.

The next one up is perhaps the best petrol engine of the line up. The 1·1 is smooth, quiet, economical and performs well for its small capacity.

The 1·4 is not quite so smooth, and has 75 PS compared with the 1·1’s 60 PS. In the lightweight Saxo, the 1·4 pulls very well and is also almost as economical as the 1·1.

The Saxo VTR originally used a 90 PS 1·6 (which was upped to 95 PS) which gives the little car sprightly - if not tearaway - performance, together with the prospect of reasonably economy approaching 40 mpg.

The Saxo VTS uses a sixteen valve 1·6 engine producing 120 PS. This engine is not without its problems - notably starting difficulties - but when it works, it is quick, if peaky. Just how quick the VTS is the subject of much debate.

Finally, the Saxo also uses the PSA 1·5 litre diesel. Whilst the performance is nothing special, the engine is well suited to the Saxo, and is capable of excellent fuel economy.

Handling & Ride

The Saxo is not unlike the Peugeot 106 in that it’s smooth, fluid and drives well. The Saxo feels a little softer than the Peugeot, giving it a superior ride (at least, in cooking models). The lesser models have lots of body roll in tight corners and the nose dips alarmingly under heavy braking. However, overall, the Saxo acquits itself well in this respect for most drivers. Many models have power steering, using electric augmentation rather than a hydraulic system, which makes low speed driving much easier as well as helps high speed agility.

The fly in the ointment is only revealed when you grasp one by the scruff of its neck and start to hustle – the chassis is good, but the PSA Group still had not engineered the snappy lift off oversteer trait that afflicted the larger Peugeot 205. For the more experienced driver, this is a bit more of a challenge, but to most people it’s something they can live without – especially on a slippery wet or icy bend in the middle of nowhere. The sportier the model, the snappier the car gets – thanks to the stiffer suspension set up.

Interior

The Saxo’s driving position is truly awful - given how well the car drives this is a particularly damning criticism of the car. You have to be a strange shape to find the Saxo comfortable to drive – the major controls are quite cramped together, and the centre console catches knees, whilst the steering wheel is off centre.

Otherwise, it’s useful - interior space is adequate, the boot is larger than that of the Peugeot 106, and the dashboard layout is useable, too. Build quality is a little bit suspect, and I would expect the car to be rattling and squeaking after just a few thousand miles.

Exterior

The Saxo has some traces of the AX is you look hard enough. Unfortunately, Citroen have managed to make the car look even more bland - even as the VTS model - but at least it is inoffensive. Too many models have front fog lights, too, so the car is open to front fog lamp abusers.

Almost everybody who modifies their Saxo goes out and gets themselves a set of clear, or Lexus-style, rear lights – so much so that the general consensus is that these lights will be renamed “Saxo style” and Lexus may be issued a writ for copying the design! /note: that last bit was sarcasm/

Verdict

It’s easy to see why the Saxo sells well. It’s cheap to buy, most versions are frugal and cheap to insure. Citroen dealers will do good deals on the car and offer free insurance, and it drives well enough to impress on a short test drive.

It is a pity that the haphazard interior build quality and dreadful driving position mar what would otherwise be a competitive little car.