1992 Citroen AX TGE 1.0 petrol

Summary:

Crap

Faults:

Battery.

Brakes.

Dashboard lights.

Starting problems.

Gearbox didn't get in reverse anymore.

Clutch.

Locks broke.

Faulty fuel gauge.

General Comments:

Acceleration is not bad for such a little engine, but it lacks top speed.

The tires lack grip, especially in the wet. In sharp corners I hear strange sounds. Handling isn't good.

The bodywork is very thin so dents and scratches are the result.

It only has 4 gears and the gearbox is noisy.

I give one piece of advise: Never buy an AX!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd January, 2003

1996 Citroen AX Image 1.5 diesel

Summary:

A unique, still very advanced design

General Comments:

The Citroen AX 1.5 diesel is a small car with the feel of a larger car. It has excellent roadholding, extremely economic diesel engine and excellent gearbox.

It's design, which started as one of the "3 litre / 100 km" projects back in 1980, was and still is quite advanced. The design combines relatively low weight, excellent streamlining, excellent comfort and excellent mechanics, especially for a car of this size.

This diesel car should never have been taken out of production (in 1997). Although it lacks airbags and other things considered "safety enhancements" which only add to weight and hence fuel consumption, it has an enormous amount of built-in safety because of it's behaviour on the road, once you understand how to drive it.

The BX diesel I have owned was a very satisfactory car, but the AX certainly has a uniqueness the BX lacks.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 2000

2nd Dec 2000, 16:02

This totally reliable AX 1.5 diesel has now travelled 120,000 km and has just undergone a major 60,000 km service including a camshaft belt change and full adjustment of everything.

Over the last 10,000 km it has remained ultra-economic with an average fuel consumption of 4L/100km = 75 mpg or better (with the driver only).

Worst fuel consumption has been 4.7L/100km on a faster (70-80 mph) motorway run and 4.3L/100km with one passenger on a fast country road trip.

24th Oct 2001, 14:48

Unfortunately my Citroen dealer has let me down on so many occasions that I must add a comment on the appalling standard of workmanship in Citroen workshops. I have friends with Citroens in various European countries. They all like their cars, but they all complain about their Citroen workshops.

Although at not-so-low hourly rates, the standard of workmanship appears to be well below the acceptable, and when commenting on this low standard, the customer is made to feel unimportant (unless he buys a brand new C5 of course). I hope Citroen management will wake up one day.