Citroen Visa

Saturday 26 September 2009
In the early seventies, Citroën developed a project, named Prototype Y, to replace the Citroën Ami. In 1974, after the takeover of Citroën by Peugeot in the wake of the 1974 oil crisis, the project to replace the Ami was redefined as "Project VD", and incorporated the floor pan of the Peugeot 104, thereby permitting the use of the 104 engine and transmission. Eventually, the original design from "Project Y" became Citroën Axel, produced in Romania by Automobile Craiova, a joint venture company between Citroën and Romanian government. The Visa was the first new model under the platform-sharing policy of PSA Peugeot Citroën; the earlier Citroën LNA was just a re-engine and facelift of the Peugeot 104 "Shortcut". The Visa used much of the same mechanics as the 104, although the Visa lacked the Peugeot's three-door hatchback option, being available only as a five-door hatchback. A light van sharing much with the Visa was also produced - the Citroën C15 box van, as pioneered by Citroën, with the Citroën 2CV camionette/AK vans and the Citroën Dyane based Acadiane van.

Technical data:
- engine: 4 cylinders
- capacity: 1400 cc
- horsepower: 80 HP
- gearbox: 5+1
- top speed: 150 km/h