Citroen Saxo (Phase II, 1999) 3-door 1.6 (98 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.1 / 10
Safety 2.0 / 5
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 2.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Citroen Saxo:

The Citroën Saxo is a supermini car which was produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1996 to 2003. It was sold in Japan as the Citroën Chanson, because Honda had registered the "Saxo" name. The Saxo was a development of the Citroën AX and Peugeot 106, which shared a platform and running gear. It was discontinued in 2003, when it was replaced with the Citroën C2 and Citroën C3 which launched a year earlier. Both models were developed alongside the Peugeot 206....(Read more on Wikipedia)

(Phase II, 1999) 3-door Overview:

Citroen Saxo ((Phase II, 1999) 3-door). With 135 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.8 l/100km). Weighing only 920 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.5 s). The top speed reaches 193 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.6 (98 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers a good balance of performance for both city and highway driving, feeling much more capable than smaller engines.

Fuel Economy

Reasonable fuel economy for its power output, a good compromise for mixed driving.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / Enthusiast

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Nimble and engaging handling, especially in sportier trims.
  • • Excellent fuel economy on most non-sporting petrol and diesel variants.
  • • Compact size makes it ideal for city driving and parking.
  • • Affordable to buy and maintain as a used vehicle.
  • • VTS model offers genuine hot hatch thrills.

Cons:

  • • Basic safety features and a low Euro NCAP rating.
  • • Interior quality is rudimentary, with hard plastics.
  • • Limited space for rear passengers and luggage compared to rivals.
  • • Underpowered entry-level engines struggle outside urban areas.
  • • Age-related reliability issues are common on older examples.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((Phase I, 1996) 3-door: 1997 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Citroen
Model:Saxo
Generation:(Phase II, 1999) 3-door
Modification (Engine):1.6 (98 Hp)
Start of production:2001
End of production:June, 2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:98 Hp @ 5700 rpm. [0hp less]
Power per litre:61.8 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:135 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:NFT TU5JP4 More details about the engine NFT TU5JP4
Engine displacement:1587
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.5 l
Coolant:6.1 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:78.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:82 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.6:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):6.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):8.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):5.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.5 sec
Maximum speed:193 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.4 kg/Hp, 106.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.8 kg/Nm, 146.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:920
Max. weight:1360
Max. roof load:50 kg
Max load:440
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:953 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:280 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):700 kg
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:495 kg
Permitted towbar download:50 kg
Size:
Length:3718 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1620 mm mm [25mm more]
Height:1360 mm mm [30mm less]
Wheelbase:2385 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1401 mm
Rear (Back) track:1321 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.9 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size185/55 R14
Wheel rims size6J x 14
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionTrailing arm, Torsion

Does the Citroen Saxo live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!