The Citroën Saxo 1.5D, specifically the Phase II 5-door model produced between 1999 and 2002, represented an economy-focused variant within the broader Saxo range. Positioned as the entry-level diesel offering, it catered to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and low running costs over outright performance. The Saxo itself was a supermini, developed as a replacement for the aging Citroën AX, and shared its platform (A3/1HX) with the Peugeot 106. This particular 1.5D variant aimed to provide practical transportation for urban and rural drivers alike, offering a five-door configuration for enhanced accessibility.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | Saxo |
| Generation | Saxo (Phase II, 1999) 5-door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 D (57 Hp) |
| Start of production | September, 1999 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 138 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 18.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 18.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 17.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 158 km/h (98.18 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 57 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 2250 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | VJZ TUD5 |
| Engine displacement | 1527 cm3 (93.18 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 23:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 905 kg (1995.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1368 kg (3015.92 lbs.) |
| Max load | 463 kg (1020.74 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 280 l (9.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 953 l (33.65 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 700 kg (1543.24 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3718 mm (146.38 in.) |
| Width | 1595 mm (62.8 in.) |
| Height | 1368 mm (53.86 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2385 mm (93.9 in.) |
| Front track | 1370 mm (53.94 in.) |
| Rear track | 1305 mm (51.38 in.) |
| Turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm, Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 165/70 R13; 165/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13; 5.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Saxo 1.5D was the VJZ (or sometimes designated as TUD5) engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four diesel. This engine was a mainstay in many Citroën and Peugeot models of the era, known for its robustness and simplicity. It employed a precombustion chamber injection system, a common diesel technology of the time, where fuel was injected into a small pre-chamber to initiate combustion before entering the main cylinder. This design helped with cold-starting and reduced engine noise compared to direct injection systems. The engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain operating two valves per cylinder. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, chosen for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The engine produced 57 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) of torque at 2250 rpm, prioritizing low-end grunt over high-revving performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5D automatic Saxo was not designed for spirited driving. Acceleration was leisurely, taking over 18 seconds to reach 60 mph. The focus was on maximizing fuel economy and providing a comfortable, if unexciting, driving experience. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine often felt strained when accelerating or climbing hills. Compared to the more powerful 1.6-liter gasoline versions or even the later 1.9-liter diesel, the 1.5D felt significantly slower. However, its low-end torque made it reasonably capable in urban environments, and the manual transmission allowed for a degree of control over engine speed.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5D typically represented the base trim level. Standard equipment included basic cloth upholstery, a simple dashboard layout, and manual windows and door locks. Power steering was often included, but air conditioning and central locking were usually optional extras. The interior was functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury. Optional equipment could include upgraded stereo systems and different wheel cover designs. The five-door configuration was a key feature, offering improved rear passenger access compared to the three-door model.
Chassis & Braking
The Saxo utilized a relatively simple chassis design. The front suspension featured independent McPherson struts with a transverse stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension employed a trailing arm torsion beam setup. This configuration provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. Brakes were discs on the front wheels and drums on the rear, adequate for the car’s weight and performance. The steering was a rack and pinion system with electric power assistance, providing light and easy steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Saxo 1.5D was well-received by buyers seeking an affordable and economical supermini. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and low running costs, but noted its lack of performance. Compared to the gasoline-powered Saxos, the 1.5D offered significantly better fuel economy but considerably slower acceleration. The 1.9-liter diesel offered more power but came at a higher price point. The Saxo 1.5D competed with other superminis like the Peugeot 106, Renault Clio, and Volkswagen Polo, often undercutting them on price.
Legacy
The Citroën Saxo 1.5D, while not a performance icon, proved to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The TUD5 engine is known for its longevity, and many examples are still on the road today. In the used car market, these Saxos are valued for their affordability and fuel efficiency, making them popular choices for first-time drivers or those on a tight budget. Maintenance is generally straightforward and inexpensive, thanks to the engine’s simple design. However, potential buyers should be aware of the age-related issues common to older vehicles, such as rust and wear and tear on suspension components.
