120 HP for 205 km/h. The platform is that of the AX, which in the Sport, GT and GTI versions, focused entirely on lightness: the Saxo also does not deny itself and stops the scales a little higher, at 882 kg, on which the 120 HP of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder 16-valve engine – the same one mounted on the Peugeot 106 GTI – work miracles: that is, 205 km/h top speed and 8.7 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. Launched on the market in July 1996the Citroën VTS not only uses the successful “powerful engine in a small and light car” formula, but boasts everything needed to perform well on curves, its natural habitat.
Too sober for a sportswoman. Here, then, is what the chassis presents structural reinforcements in the front axle anchor points, stiffer suspensions, four disc brakes and pleasantly designed 14″ alloy wheels. Instead, the few bodywork details that distinguish it from its less performing sisters are characterized by excessive sobriety, with mudguards and miniskirts that connect with the widened wheel arches. Inside of, coverings with a less than personal design they are accompanied by very containing seats, thanks to pronounced lateral supports, the most “racing” thing in the entire passenger compartment, as the three-spoke plastic steering wheel (complete with airbag) is decidedly banal and many replaced it with a sporty one chalice.
A small GT weaned from Loeb. The Saxo VTS can boast a very good equipment for the time, with electric windows, power steering, immobilizer, central locking, despite a price equivalent to around 2,000 euros less than the Peugeot 106 GTI, which however has ABS and radio as standard. Not bad, as a small GT the Saxo does its job very well. Even in the sporting field, although mainly confined to single-brand trophies and French national championships, the VTS proves to be an excellent gym for future champions. It is enough to mention one: Sébastien Loeb, who, in 1999, won the Saxo Kit Car Trophy and the following year did it again, taking home six races out of nine in the two-wheel drive category.
Difficult to find one in stock. What makes the Saxo VTS fun? First of all, a gearbox with solid clutches and precise steering – more than that of the 106 -, a granite front end and the possibility of “playing”, but being careful, with the tendency of the rear to oversteer. During his life, finished in 2003, the VTS will not have major updates, following the restyling of 1999 – therefore, headlights, grille, new interior trim, introduction of ABS and the passenger airbag -, all with a lowering of the list prices. Today, provided you are lucky enough to find one in original and unmodified conditions, you need at least 10,000 euros.
