The Saxo, known during its development phase as “Project S8″, was launched in 1996 to replace the Citroën AX. The AX ran along side the Saxo until late 1998 before it ceased production. The Saxo’s platform, engines and major components were a development of the AX and were shared with the Peugeot 106 of Citroën’s sister company, Peugeot.
The Saxo was one of several Citroën models from the 1990s that were criticised for looking too conservative in contrast to the avant-garde design of earlier Citroëns, such as the CX, BX and XM. In particular, the Saxo shared not only mechanical components but also its body design and appearance with the Peugeot 106, which was launched in five years earlier, much as the 1970s and 80s Citroën LNA was a badge engineered version of the Peugeot 104.
The different trim levels and engine options in the Saxo range changed many times during the model’s lifetime, although each differently-named trim level, such as the Saxo First, Saxo Forte, Saxo Scandal, Saxo Eastcoast, Saxo Desire, Saxo Executive, and Saxo Westcoast (Furio in the later MkII variant), used one of three engines; 1.0 L, 1.1 L and 1.4 L petrol engines and a 1.5 L naturally-aspirated diesel engine. There were also a number of special editions, offering extra options and equipment at a reduced price, an example of which being the Saxo Open Scandal which featured a large electric sunroof that extended towards the rear of the car.
There were also two sporting models in the range. The 1.6L eight-valve model that does 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds, the VTR, produced 90 bhp (67 kW) to begin with, and then later models from 2001 onwards produced 98 bhp (73 kW) due to emission control changes. The VTR came with 14″ alloy wheels, firmer suspension, sports seats and a Body Kit. The 120 bhp (89 kW) VTS featured a sixteen-valve version of the same engine, with a passenger air bag now as standard. Side airbags and air-conditioning were optional as well as ABS except on the VTS which was standard specification. Both models feature a rear spoiler which was later molded to fit the outside rear windscreen instead of the outer boot shell. Air-conditioning was not fitted to the UK-specification Saxo.
In late 1997, the Saxo received a minor “facelift” in the form of a new front grille. Around this time, Citroën also started fitting ignition key transponder chip immobilisers, rather than the keypad type immobilisers of previous models.
In 1999, the ‘Mk II’ or Phase II version of the Saxo was introduced, featuring an updated front end, notably the curved headlights. The rear of the car received only a minor styling change in that the light cluster coloration was slightly lighter than its predecessor. Minor changes in the engine department were made and also changes to the dials, such as the inclusion of a digital odometer. Minor adjustments to the door locks were also made.
By the beginning of 2002, the end of Saxo production was approaching. The model line-up continued alongside the new five-door C3, but Saxo sales fell dramatically. Only the Furio, VTR and VTS models remained popular. Citroën finally ceased production of the Saxo in late 2003 when the three-door C2 was launched. Its twin, the Peugeot 106, also ceased production at this time and was replaced by the 107. Their crash test results from Euro NCAP were only 2 stars, which was a poor effort by modern-day standards but back in 1996, this was considered relatively good.
