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Citroën Saxo (96-03) Hatchback 1.6i VTR



Price: £10,000 For: Cheap, cheerful and plentiful. Hot-hatch models provide plenty of low-cost thrills.
Against: Space is tight in the cabin and equipment levels are low. Dreadful driving position and cheap plastics.



Performance Ride Handling Refinement
Peppy engines in all models Excellent handling in all models Wind and road roar intrude

Performance

The Saxo’s engines are happy to rev and give a feeling of greater performance than they usually deliver, although the VTS model is very swift. The diesel musters a leisurely pace but is relaxed and offers decent pace and good economy.


Handling

Given its basic nature, the Saxo delivers a fine blend of handling and ride comfort. It is upstaged by some newer rivals, but it is still among the better cars in this class for soaking up poor surfaces. Its handling is top-drawer, and is particularly sharp on the hot hatch models. The steering could do with more feel, though.


Refinement

While the Saxo’s engines are happy to settle into the background when cruising at faster speeds, there is a cacophony of wind and road noise all around the cabin, a situation worsened by minimal sound-proofing. The controls feel very substantial and gearbox has a notchy action, further hindered by a clutch that can feel sticky in use.

• Body type Hatchback
• Number of doors 3
• Number of seats 5
• Engine (cc/type) 1587/4
• Fuel type Unleaded
• Max power (bhp/rpm) 98/5700
• Max torque (lb ft/rpm) 100/3500
• Max speed (mph) 115
• 0-60mph (sec)
• 30-70mph (sec) 9.7
• In Gears 30 to 50 (sec) no data/no data/no data
• In Gears 50 to 70 (sec) no data/no data/no data
• Braking distance (m) 8.2/54.2
• Engine position F
• Driven wheels Front
• Length (mm) 3737
• Width (mm) 1620
• Height (mm) 1360
• Front headroom (mm) no data
• Front legroom (mm) no data
• Rear headroom (mm) no data
• Rear kneeroom (mm) no data
• Boot space (min ltr) 280
• Boot space (max ltr) 953
• Turning circle (m) 10.5
• Turning circle lock to lock(m) not available
• Towing weight (kg) 700
• Kerb weight (kg) 920
  
  Buying Quality Safety and Security
  No-frills small car transport Diesel is a sound bet Feel for sticky clutch pedal
  Buying
  
  The Saxo comes in either three- or five-door hatch shapes. Trims started with LX, X, SX, VSX and Exclusive in ’96, later being simplified to First, Forte, Desire and Furio. VTR and VTS hot hatch models were introduced in ’97. Petrol engines of 1.0, 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 are offered, as well as a 1.5 non-turbo diesel.
  
  
  Quality
  
  The best buys sit at opposite ends of the range. At one end, there’s the frugal but sluggardly 1.5 diesel and at the other is the VTS with 120bhp. However, those watching the pennies may prefer the 98bhp VTR, which offers brisk performance at a much more insurance-friendly price. All Saxos ride and handle well to make excellent urban runarounds.
  
  
  Safety and Security
  
  The clutch pedal action on Saxos can become sticky, feeling as if the pedal does not want to return to its place after being depressed. This is not terminal but can mean a new clutch cable. The suspension can also g
• Urban 28.5
• Extra Urban 48.7
• Combined 38.7
• Tank Capacity 9.9
• CO2 Rating 159
• Insurance Group 7
• Typical Quote 345
• Retained Value 44
• Contract Hire Rate no data
• Cost per mile no data
• Service Cost no data
• Servicing 12,500
• Warranty 3yr/60 000 + 3 yr Paint + 12 yr Perforation
• Behind the Wheel Space and Practicality Equipment
• Cramped footwell isn’t for large shoes
• Limited rear-seat space No frills means just thatBehind the Wheel
  
  The Saxo’s pedals are grouped tightly together and the footwell is cramped, which can mean people with big feet may find themselves pressing two pedals at once. The driving position is awful and induces lower back pain in most drivers on long trips. The steering wheel is non-adjustable. The dash is clearly laid out and all-round vision is good.
  
  
  Space and Practicality
  
  The Saxo is best regarded as a town car if you intend to carry four people, because longer journeys will be very uncomfortable for those in the rear. Space for knees and feet is limited and headroom isn’t generous, either. The boot is a reasonable size for this class of car, but not exceptional.
  
  
  Equipment
  
  The Saxo was introduced with just a driver’s airbag as standard. Try to find a car with optional anti-lock brakes fitted. The VTR and VTS models have alloy wheels, deeper bumpers and different cabin trim, and the VTS has twin front airbags. This model gained side ’bags in October ’00. A face-lift ’99 added a CD player to Forte models.
• Central Locking standard
• Remote Locking standard
• Adjustable Steering Reach not available
• Adjustable Steering Rake not available
• Electric Steering Adjustable no data
• Seat Height Adjustable not available
• Power Seats Adjustable not available
• Air Conditioning not available
• Climate Control not available
• Seat Belt Tensioners standard
• Driver Airbag standard
• Passenger Airbag 600
• Side Airbag 600
• Side Impactbars standard
• Centre 3 Pointbelt not available
• Traction Control not available
• Antilock Brakes 600
• Auto Gearbox not available
• Alloywheels standard
• Deadlocks not available
• Immobiliser standard
• Alarm 160
• Visible Vin not available
• Secure Spare Wheel not available
• Marked Parts not available
• Etched Windows not available
• Satellite Navigation not available
• Handsfree Phone not available
• Leather Seats not available
• Locking Wheelnuts not available
• Metallic Paint 300
• Split Fold Rear Seats not available
• Electric Front Windows standard
• Electric Mirrors not available
• Heated Mirrors not available
• Manual Sunroof standard
• Electric Sunroof not available
• Cruise Control not available
• Multi CD not available
• Radio not available
• RDS Radio standard
• Unique Fit Radio not available

sweet i'd have one as long as it was all blacked out an the car was black

good cars but let down by the fact they're gettin quite common and they're the typical "chav choice" i was looking at buying one for my first car but decided against it when i seen so many modified ones.

you can pick up a 2nd/3rd/4th hand VTS buttons these days and you do get a lot for your money

must admit i still wud hav one of these cant beat a good saxo slammed on 15s but ur right adam are gettin common but thats rich cumin from a corsa owner. overal nice car

saxo's r gettin a bit common now but i'd still have one but i'd have to do summit that makes it different from all the resrt of them!!

Saxo's are fantastic little cars for first time owners and modifying, true they lack a bit of refinement, but are fun to drive.

Nope wouldnt have one I dont like them. Never have. Never will

been there, done that, loved it

gud but i wud get a 106 gti insted! basically gti is vts but better cos its different!!!!!