Citroen SAXO (1996 - 2003)
MODELS COVERED: (1.1i 3and5dr [LX,X,SX] / 1.4i 3and5dr [SX,VSX] / 1.6i 3and5dr [SX,VSX,VTR,VTS] / 1.5D 3and5dr [DX,DSX,DVSX])
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
Citroen decided to take a more conservative route in designing the Saxo as indeed they were forced to do, given that the car had to be based largely on Peugeots 106. For British buyers, the Saxo emerged as probably the better bet. It shared all the little
Peugeot superminis virtues fine handling, good performance and strong packaging but was generally better equipped. The same holds true on the used market.
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Here, the Saxo is a far more reliable bet than its AX predecessor.
From a practical perspective, whether you choose three or five doors, it has to be said that rear
seat passenger space, though adequate, isn't the best in the class.
Citroen intentionally traded it for boot space, maintaining (with some validity) that superminis rarely carry more than two people. So it is that the Saxo's boot capacity is substantially larger than rivals, with a generous 9.9 cubic feet - the Fiesta has 8.8 and the VW Polo only 8.6.
Any Citrophile will feel at home behind the wheel, for the switchgear comes straight from Xsara and Xantia models of similar age. Everything falls pretty easily to hand, though the wheel isn't adjustable and the electric window switches are rather fiddly to find. At least Citroens ridiculous keypad immobiliser was replaced by a transponder built into the ignition key. It's also pretty safe, with substantial crush safety zones and side impact protection that, until the Saxos time, you simply wouldn't have found on such a small car. Pre-tensioned seatbelts and a driver's airbag are also included. That stiff bodyshell has also produced impressive levels of refinement, enabling the Saxo to be one of those small cars you could conceivably live with on a long journey.
The earliest 1.1i N-plate based LX models in three-door form cost from around £1,300, with more typical P-reg X models at around £1,500. Pay a premium of around £150 for five doors and around £200 more for plusher SX trim. The earliest 1.
4i N-plate based SX models in three-door form cost from around £1,700 and the earliest 1.6i SX automatic models in P-reg three-door form cost from around £1,800. Pay a premium of around £100 for five doors and around £200 more for plusher VSX trim (five-door only). For diesels, the earliest P-reg DX models in three-door form cost from around £1,500.
Pay a premium of around £125 for five doors and around £300 more for plusher VSX trim. As for the hot hatch VTR and VTS models (P-reg onwards), expect to pay from £2,100 for a VTR and from £2,200 for a VTS. Face-lifted models arrived in 2000 on a W-plate. Youll pay as little as £2,400 for an entry level 2000X First and £8,000 will be needed for a 54-plate VTS with 120bhp.
Poor panel fit, notchy gear selection in second, ex-driving school cars, rattly trim, poor RDS radio functions, thrashed VTR and VTS models and engine clatters signifying a hard life. The 1.6-litre unit has been known to suffer poor throttle response and engine management problems.
(based on a 1996 1.4SX approx excl VAT) A clutch assembly is around £240. Front brake pads are around £70, a full exhaust about £190, a catalyst about £270 and an alternator around £230. A headlamp lens is about £70.
Fun to drive. Just like a
Peugeot 106.
The Saxo may not have been as interesting a Citroen as the purists would have liked, but the simple mechanicals and reliability make it a lot more interesting to the used car buyer. As a Peugeot 106 with more equipment for no more money, it makes a lot of sense.
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