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Used legends: Citroen Saxo VTS
With its giant-killing performance, sharp styling and budget price, the Citroen Saxo VTS was guaranteed hot hatch hero status right from launch
By Ross Pinnock
04th June 2007
The city car’s minimal weight, rev-hungry engine and excellent handling made it an instant hit in 1996. Few modern cars come close to delivering the old-school handling thrills of the VTS, and the only way to get hold of one now is to buy second-hand.
Purists will claim that the hot Saxo’s sister model, the Peugeot 106 GTi, is better built and more rewarding to drive. But the Saxo is a much more common sight second-hand, and so offers greater choice and plentiful supply. With a 120bhp 1.6-litre 16-valve engine, the little VTS could cover 0-60mph in only 7.7 seconds. Yet
while enthusiasts love its lively handling, it can catch out the unwary, so watch out for crash repairs.
Group 14 insurance could make for expensive premiums, too, and as space is tight, tall drivers should also ensure they fit comfortably. Traditionally flaky Citroen build quality makes a thorough mechanical check-up vital, especially if you’re buying privately, so factor this into your calculations. Pay close attention to the tyres, too – replacing sporty rubber can be expensive!
Purists will claim that the hot Saxo’s sister model, the Peugeot 106 GTi, is better built and more rewarding to drive. But the Saxo is a much more common sight second-hand, and so offers greater choice and plentiful supply. With a 120bhp 1.6-litre 16-valve engine, the little VTS could cover 0-60mph in only 7.7 seconds. Yet
while enthusiasts love its lively handling, it can catch out the unwary, so watch out for crash repairs.
Group 14 insurance could make for expensive premiums, too, and as space is tight, tall drivers should also ensure they fit comfortably. Traditionally flaky Citroen build quality makes a thorough mechanical check-up vital, especially if you’re buying privately, so factor this into your calculations. Pay close attention to the tyres, too – replacing sporty rubber can be expensive!
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Citroen Saxo VTS in detail
Prices: £1,500-£5,500
Production dates: 1996-2003
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 120bhp
Why? Newer and safer than an Eighties hot hatch, the Saxo VTS offers the same thrill-a-minute handling as the legendary Peugeot 205 GTi. Avoid modified or unserviced examples and you’ll be getting a fast and fun, albeit fragile, city car.
Production dates: 1996-2003
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 120bhp
Why? Newer and safer than an Eighties hot hatch, the Saxo VTS offers the same thrill-a-minute handling as the legendary Peugeot 205 GTi. Avoid modified or unserviced examples and you’ll be getting a fast and fun, albeit fragile, city car.
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