Saxo gets cosmetic boost

CITROEN have given a powerful cosmetic boost to their little Saxo, but even their best efforts cannot hide the fact that their four-year-old has slipped further behind in the supermini league and will soon have to be replaced.

It’s cuter, fun to drive and good value, but lacks the interior space of newer rivals, especially for tall drivers.

Significant changes to the front end styling feature a more curvaceous bonnet and front wings, larger, more prominent double chevrons in a new grille and stylish clear-lens headlights – with integrated indicators – providing 20 per cent more power than previously.

The 1.1 litre SX and VSX (our test car) versions have body coloured bumpers with 14” wheels and new Honfleur wheel trims and, at the back, new rear light clusters.

It all looks very smart exuding a stronger personality.

Moving inside and they’ve been at work here too. The dashboard now houses clearer easier to read dials with a digital maintenance indicator showing the number of miles to run before the next scheduled service. There are new storage compartments, front headrests and a windscreen anti-glare protection, but there is still no height adjustment for the steering wheel and driver’s seat and the heater controls are awkwardly placed under the stereo unit.

Standard equipment on our three-door 1.1 litre VSX test car includes: power steering, tilt and slide sunroof, electric windows with opening rear quarterlights, central locking, velour upholstery, folding rear seats for extra boot space, centre console. RDS stereo/radio/CD player, driver and passenger airbags, antilock braking and immobiliser.

Mechanically nothing has changes and power still comes from a choice of 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol engines and a 1.5 litre diesel unit.

POWER: Provided on our test car by the very nippy 1124cc engine which develops 60bhp at 6200rpm (64lb.ft. of torque at 3800rpm) for a 0 to 60mph time of 12.8 seconds and a top speed of 101mph.

On the move it’s very agile and handling is good. The engine is smooth and effective, especially below 4000rpm, and very flexible and refined around town. And economical. I returned an average 38mpg.