IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Citroen AX Chicago (a special edition!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ย. 2020
- A video on a Citroen AX?! Wonderfully French and massively underrated
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If like me you're hard of hearing, this is the fact script on walkaround:
Last week we looked at the Citroen Visa, so it only made sense this week to look at the Citroen AX.
And this isn’t just any Citroen AX - this is a Citroen special edition - the AX Chicago.
The AX burst onto the scene as Citroen’s first supermini in 1986 at the Paris Motor Show as a three door before adding a 5 door model in 1987.
Interestingly the car wasn’t launched in right hand drive buying markets until 1987 where we first got the 3 door before the 5 door joined the line up in 1988.
The car was given some really interesting promo activity to bring it into the competitive super mini market - which was well established by this point - including a trip along the Great Wall of China for the TV advertising campaign.
You know, back when car manufacturers had real fun with their advertising…
If you watched the Visa video last week, you’ll have been struck by how wonderfully different the car was to everything else out there - whereas this car feels a lot more sensible - which may be due in part to the fact it was a lot more Peugeot than the Visa.
In fact, early plans for the car itself began back in 1983 where it had briefly been discussed making the AX a sister model to replace the Talbot Samba but the company saw the success of the 205 and decided the AX needed to give Citroen market share in the supermini space.
And a successful market candidate it was, with 2.5 million units sold during the production years of 1986 to 1998.
Which isn’t a massive surprise when you consider what the car offered. The car, like the VISA it replaced, was aerodynamic which allowed the 1 litre version to achieve a fuel consumption of over 70 miles per gallon when driven at a steady speed of 56 miles per hour.
The car we’re testing here today is your first generation which ran from launch until 1991 and offered a 1 litre 3 or 5 door hatchback, a 1.1 3 or 5 door hatchback in RE, TGE, TRE, TRS and TZX spec, a 1.4 3 or 5 door hatchback in TRS, GT, TZS or TZX spec and then a 1.4 diesel which was available in RD, TGD and DTR spec.
The engine as you’ll probably spot when we’ve looked under the bonnet is the PSA TU-series belt driven overhead cam set up.
Although these engines have been used in a lot, the first car it was used in was the AX at launch in 1986. It replaced the PSA X engine, which was discontinued fully in 1990.
These engine options ran through into the second generation launched in 1991, albeit with different specs, before being joined by a 1.5 diesel option in May 1994.
Of all the models, the diesel was always very highly regarded by buyers who did their research, because independent testers and reviewers found them to be not only highly economical within the range but also one of the most economical small cars to buy new at the time.
Production came to an end on the car when it was replaced by the Saxo, but if you’re not a massive Ctitroen buff you may not know that Proton actually produced a version of the AX under license called the Proton Tiara for 4 years from 1996 to 2000.
Although they did change things like the grille, bumpers and rear light clusters and it was only ever sold as the 1.1 litre variant and was only ever sold in Malaysia to protect Citroen sales.
Now going back to the AX,you’ll remember from last week we met the owner of the Visa called Colin, well this belongs to him too! So before we have a closer look at the dash, let’s find out what Colin had to say on this lovely Chicago addition AX.
#citroenax #classiccitroen #citroenax11 #citroenaxreview #protontiara - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Hi Steph, a great review and a trip down memory lane. I purchased an AX Chicago in March 1990 G482DRE costing £6400. I was my first new car and kept it for two and a half years before upgrading to the AXGT 1.4 twin choke engine. The pin stripes were in Bordeaux Red and I asked the dealer to remove the gear Knob and fix to the new GT. The mother in law and sister in law also purchased new AX Debuts in 1993 and 1995. Some 15 years after selling the Chicago (2007) it turned up at the end of a road where I was working on a property. Now some 18 years old it still looked great and I spoke to the elderly lady owner who had purchased it when I sold so was the second and final owner. The AXGT was sold in 1999 and finally met it's maker around 2006, again with only two owners. Great cars and very reliable.
I was the AX Product Manager for Citroen UK when this was launched. I came up with the name, the graphics and created all the marketing support for it! If I remember correctly, the original French version had a name based on a French TV series. Citroen AX Chicago - became part of 'The Americas' Special Edition Collection. Citroen were producing so many Special Editions for the AX at this time, it was hard to keep up. I think I have the brochure for the Chicago somewhere. During my time at Citroen I had many AX's and loved them all. Brilliant car - for its era.
This is one of those cars that seemed so common a few years but suddenly disappeared. Can't remmeber the last time I've seen one of these!
Just love when my favourite TH-camrs refer to each other in their videos. To me they’re like friends I spend time with and knowing they meet at events in real life… just adds to the feeling of having a family. 🤗
The second car I had after passing my test was a 1.1 Citroen ax RE. I had it for 5 years and it was a great car to bomb around in. Its great to see one in superb condition, Credit to the owner
Thanks for watching!
Had a 1.0 with 14500 km, sold it last week and i regret it now :(
So crazy they named it “Chicago” as the last Citroen sold in the US was like in 1973.
It was probably on the theme of the Golf Manhattan.
Great cars that bring back happy memories. Had 3 of them. 2 GT’s and a 1.4D that went on forever on a tank of diesel.
My parent's old neighbours had 3 of them too. They downsized from a Cavalier to one of these they liked them that much. i always remember them having a great ride and sharp styling.
I had earlier a Citroen AX Sport with 95 PS . Fast like a Rocket,so much fun !!!
I always remember being staggered by how quickly AXs could accelerate with such small engines. I think the 1.1 got to 60 in less than 11 seconds which was impressive. Great recipe of light car with minimal add ons making them very chuckable. Love a sunroof and a tape player too
They used to be really good at doing special editions with great insurance deals too so young buyers loved them.
Faster than bmw 316
I have had a AX now for 6 years, drove it all over Europe, from Malta to beyond the Arctic circle, very economical and easy to work on. Love it
Watching this from Chicago, IL! Love it - thanks for the great review!
Brings back fun memories. I borrowed a 1.0 4 speed AX for a month back in 2005. It was an absolute shed but remains to this day the most fun car I have ever driven. Brilliant video as always. Thanks.
Top job Colin preserving some Citroen history. Don’t believe these were ever sold in Australia. We only got the BX and CX in this era.
One of my favourite all time cars was my white AX GT. Fast, frugal and fun.
Few friends had fast ax gt's,great fun driving things 💯👍
I like these little gems. Thanks Steph you're a star for in my books. Keep up the great content.
Aww thanks Eddie x
Great video . I own a late 1996 Ax dimension . I have had this car for around 3 years now and I absolutely love it . This is the 4th ax that I have owned have had them.when I was younger.
" Making it look like it's just come out of the showroom" Well, he's succeeded in doing that, that's for sure! Kudos on another great review, Steph!
Thanks Edd! Check out the Visa if you haven’t watched it already, another one of Colin’s amazing cars
Another retro classic shown in such detail as always . Brilliant
Hi Steph as always another good review on this AX as well as Last weeks Visa.
What a nice guy the owner Colin is of both of these vehicles really good hearing him give a detailed report of each vehicle and the restoration work he took on he appears a great guy with a good choice of vehicles I also like Citroen and have had 6 variants over the years of driving.
Thanks Steph for another really watchable review. Feels just like i have had a drive myself, even sat in my armchair at home.
Well done Colin for saving another great Citroen from the car graveyard.
Loved this video Steph, brings back memories of my auntie having 2 AX's when I was a kid.
Thanks for watching ❤️
I had one of these for a while, mine was only a 1 litre splash model, I found it quite comfy and practical but very underpowered.
Interesting video, keep up the good work 👍
I've owned mine for 20 years! Started life as a 1 litre and has evolved over the years and now has a vts saxo engine. Great handling, light and faster than people expect! So much fun😁 getting pretty rare now too. That Chicago looks really tidy😎👍 super rare!
Hi Steph, another fantastic review! You've got a natural talent hun! Hope you're well and I hope to see you next year again for Festival of the Unexceptional! ❤
Thanks for the ride Steph. What a fun little car.
Another great video Steph. My first car was an AX in 2004, a 1991 AX 1.0 Debut - as basic as they came! But, first cars always hold special memories and I really enjoyed that car.
Colin's done a fantastic job restoring this - talk about going to town! 👍🏻
citroen is a pretty cool and fun car to drive! the reviews are really good btw. keep it up!
Another awesome restoration by Colin. Brought back memories of my 1992 AX GTi (99-06 owned). Period cassette storage with cassette's is something I never did sadly.
My Dad had an AX when he retired and loved it . It was a conventional car but still had some quirks which I liked especially its light weight . Great video as always !
Nice video Steph. Keep up the high standards that you have achieved. Excellent little car, haven’t seen one on the road for quite some time. Looking forward to your next edition.
Thank you ever so much!
Another lovely old car test! We had an AX11RE in the early 90s - I agree with your review Steph - ours was fast and economical with a decent ride - ours was rather noisy though. We replaced it with a Saxo in 1996. Great to see one in such good nick!
Another great video Steph and a very rare survivor in great condition 👍
Fantastic video, and an amazing example. I used to have a Citroen AX Debut, 1993 K reg, 954cc. I loved it, I drove all over the UK in it, and it never felt under powered. I still miss it.👍🏻
Another great video! Thanks, Steph :)
Thank you!
I had a 1991 AX Chicago. Happy days!
Great vid, reminds me of my Dad's ZX. Memories of those Traffic light air fresheners, can almost smell it 😉
Oh I know! It was a real flashback
Lovely review and really nice example
My first car was G-reg Citroen AX Chicago. Sadly rust together with the purchase of a Volvo 480ES led to me scrapping the Citroen.
What an amazing job the owner has done of restoring this one.
I really enjoyed this video - thanks for making it!
The cassettes, the radio and the Feu Orange air freshener give the 80's vibe.
Bought a fairly new TRS when I got my first real job in 1990. Great little car. Thank’s for an excellent review.
Happy memories! Back in 97 i inherited a phase 1 AX 11 TRE in white with beige interior.
I always loved how quick i could corner enjoying a comfy ride at the same time.
And cheap to run! Sadly i sold it in 2002. Still miss it.
Wow I never would have guessed this was a respray - looks fantastic and extremely original!!
In 1990 at the tender age of 20, I bought a brand new black Citroen AX GT, just up the road from yours in Eastbourne. Dashboard was like those trays you get in a packet of Teatime biscuits, but it was amazing to drive. Loved that car!
Great car, I owned a AX 1.4 TRD Tecnic diesel. 5 doors with sunroof velours seats, central doorlocks, bronze coloured electric windows and 4 head cushions. The engine was great 389.000km and also extremly economical. I drove every month from Munich to Holland without any problems. Good memories and thanks IDRIVEACLASSIC;-)
excellent video the backing track is very hypnotic
It’s one of my favourites x
After more than 30 years, this little Citroen I like even more. Aesthetically, the style appears clean and rather balanced. Nice car!
More you than in months? Then definitely be yourself on camera Steph. This was a lot of fun to watch!
Cute little car. I do love Citroens. Interior looks great especially those seats. And I love the steering wheel (I have an almost hubnut wiper- like obsession with steering wheels 🤣) Great video Steph 👍
10:25 gotta love the twin-cam shout out. love his channel
That is a minter ! After watching your video on the AX and talking about them being produced in Malaysia it reminded me of when a couple guys went over to Malaysia in the 90’s, makes sense now ! I preferred to drive LHD Citroën’s back in the day because of original design and the brakes were much better too ! I only ever owned one AX and it was a 1987 LHD 1.0 E Mk1 from Nice (France) I’ve still got the french certificate from the screen and handbook because it was scrapped in the Netherlands back in 2000-2003 when I worked for Citroën over there 😊
That looks great! Still miss my first AX. Got rear-ended while standing at a traffic light, shortening an already very short car.
Those seats are also in the AX Image but they're still pretty special. Great vid' !
I owned Peugeots at the time. The earlier 1.1 in the 205 was the ex Simca engine like the Visa. Then I had this much smoother XU 1.1 in a 106 and a facelift 205. My Peugeots all drove well but my 3 brothers all had AXs with the same engine and they had much sharper handling and steering. AXs also had a talent for being quite capable over long distances for a car so small and light. The facelift AX really did bring the AX back up to date without major changes. This Chicago really suited you Steph. Thanks a lot.
Great vid 😁
Lovely little car complete with a Feu Orange 🙂 great video.
Thanks so much!
Fabulous. I love it when people spend a bunch of time, effort and money on cars like these. Just because they like them . Small Citroen's are cracking.
Another good one steph hope ur doing well x
That’s a lovely example! I can’t remember the last time I saw an AX, but it was a long time ago. At the time I think special editions were a clever way for manufacturers to shift more of the lower spec models - you’d get lots of custom trim and cosmetic details, but equipment levels and mechanics were usually pretty basic. Nevertheless they were good fun and quirky!
My sister had one of these. We called it the Catapult because it set off like it had been fired from a slingshot but soon ran out of steam and would shudder to a halt. After several months of regular repairs she finally saw the light and got a proper car.
We had an AX Spot when we went to Italy one year, great little cars
I love that horn! It would be horrible on a bigger car, but it seems to match the fun, happy & zippy vibe that the AX Chicago gives out!
The car is in such a good condition, nice to see it !
I am amazed this is still on the road. My parents had 3 Citroen AX's when I was a kid and all 3 were falling to pieces within a year of purchase. Great cars, really good value but built to be disposable. My enduring memory of all 3 cars was having to lift up the sagging doors just to get them to close and the boot failing to open and shut properly because the hinges bolt straight into the glass an the holes would stretch.
Great video I hope you can review Peroduas like Nippa Kenari or Kelisa
That was good fun to watch, you really know your cars. Cool stuff. I look forward to see more videos.
Its a sub from me, keep making your videos :)
Brill video Steph,not seen an AX in years
Love how Ian is getting referenced in videos now 😂
I love Ian’s channel.
@@idriveaclassic it's a must watch channel....as is yours....and Joe's....and Eds....and the others I watch...
Just wish mine was...
But maybe 1 day
As I always say, keep it and eventually you get to a place where you feel content. I’m not quite there myself x
@@idriveaclassic well I think I'm doing it for myself right now,enjoying filming and editing and whatever
Done a couple of different vids,just to keep it fresh
Lovely car it's like the 106 my sister have 2 of them as a car valeting business owner when I started I often worked on them nice to see great chanell
Always liked the AX, seemed like a fun runabout.
I've recently bought the cousin/ competitor from the AX, the Peugeot 205. Also with the 1.1TU engine and the 5-speed gearbox. (Very recognisable engine note on the TU engines)
You can clearly see both cars were developped around the same time, with the same sort of customer / driver to mind.
Quite a few interior pieces in the AX are PSA parts bin items apparently. (Inner doorhandles, armrest on the doors, window winders, sigaret lighter, wing mirror adjusters to name a few)
I used to have a Chicago! though by the time i inherited it in 2001 or so the lacquer on the bonnet was't doing so great. it was a cracking little car though - it didn't need a rev counter, just thrash it and upshift when the vibrations got too much ;)
Sadly it sustained terminal damage when a toyota landcruiser put a towbar through the front by reversing into me at the petrol station at Birch services on the M62, but those funky 3-lug alloys (which i think the citroen badges had fallen off) lived on on the 106 i had next :) Thanks for this video, so many memories
Strange things happen at Birch services....having just joined the M62 further down, I met an elderly couple who escaped Birch using the route for getting in and were cheerfully driving down the motorway the wrong way!
Thank you, interesting video
Speaking from experience, sometimes looking back can be through rose tinted specs. We replaced our Fiesta with an AX Chicago, it was a poor decision, woefully unreliable with terrible build quality like a generation before.
Oops, busy reminiscing and forgot to say thanks for the video, top job as usual, you're right about the gearbox always was a pudding bowl 😂
Colin's done a wonderful job restoring that, brilliant work 👍
If I had the money, I would totally import this car. Great video.
It’s so good isn’t it
Import it where ?
Delightful! Nearly bought one (Salsa LE though) for my first car, but the dealer wouldn’t lower the price enough......so I bought a R5 instead.......
🤗Haven't seen such an nice and pristine *Citroen AX* since... well NEVER! I guess when i was born they already were replaced by new Twingos and bubble shaped Corsas.
I haven’t either!
Yes they were being replaced by Twingo, 106, Ka and Corsa
Another Citroen 😀 you’re spoiling me 👍
Wait until the 20k special next week 👀
Can you do a citroen saxo vtr vts soon please.
As someone who once lived in Chicago, I have to scratch my head as to why this car was called a Chicago Edition. Yes, I did see the decal, but it certainly was never sold in Chicago. Did it have a machine gun in the glove compartment? When you drove the car with the windows open, was it "windy?" Oh well, the Dutch bicycle company Azor once sold a classic Dutch style bicycle with the name "Oklahoma." Those marketing types think in mysterious ways.
I have a K Reg 1993 AX 1.1 White Echo 5 door. It's my first car and it's brlliant! extremely comfortable and very nippy 😀
I've seen Colin's AX & Visa in person at the GSA Rally, earlier this year. There are some photos of my car on the Citroen Net website.
Ah thank you! I’ll check it out
Very interesting indeed. Love seeing the European cars we did not get this side of the pond.
Proton Tiara punya adik beradik ❤️
We got the AX 1.4 GT in Australia for a couple of years - not many sold and very hard to find now unfortunately
love it really one of the best minis of all time
First new car I bought in 1988 teal blue 3dr 10RE . Replaced it with a red 5dr 11TGE drove to Scotland in that one . Happy memories 😀
Saw a 1990 14 TRD just 2 days ago. Still looked good and ran perfectly :)
The TRD was renamed DTR in the UK (and possibly other English-speaking countries) ... for an obvious reason!
I had a beautiful AX GT with aftermarket alloys and a massive custom exhaust back in the 90s.
One of my favorites. The only reason I bought a Saxo was because I couldn't get an AX
Which Ax would you have bought ?
@@julienbee3467 I’d go for any AX if it was close enough to where I live as long as it wasn’t a complete dog. The diesels are even tempting as they’re pretty solid and run forever
@@MattysCars I would go for 1.1, 1.4 or 1.4 diesel
@@julienbee3467 1.4d NO ! Is a bad engine. Better 1.1 or 1.4
That's remarkable. I'd have said it was a carefully looked after one-owner car. Recreating the graphics etc is particularly dedicated
Another fascinating episode! The AX was certainly more conventional than the Visa, wasn’t it? I was expecting control pods and such, but no...
I have that Now 15 lol! Such a cool, uncomplicated car and getting such mad economy way back then that lardy modern cars only dream to achieve. Granted new cars are safer but people also drove better back then. You don’t see Saxos these days never mind AXs. A friend of mine had one but killed it with stupid mods and the car community absolutely slaughtered him with good reason! These are fabulous little cars. Great video Steph
Out of all the cars ive owned my AX GT Sportiff, J186 ROK, 'The Rock' has to be one of my favourite cars.
It has a deep exhaust tone, it was quick, nibble and could dfinately hold its own.
Back then in 1993/4 I couldnt afford a 1.9 GTi Pug due to the high insurance.
Hwr, definately no regrets with my AX, such fun!
I hav a classic 1976 Triumph Stag and would love another AX GT.
One will hope and pray! 😉
I like the red seat belts and interior accents. Very cool.
Lovely little car, and yes, it has been too long since I've seen one around! I used to work with someone who had one of these in racing green, and he absolutely swore by it. If I found one of these up for sale, I think I'd be very very tempted indeed!
Also, Tates Citroën in Portslade? I used to live just up the road from there. Wow, talk about a nostalgia trip!
Honestly I could recommend. They’re decent cars.
@@idriveaclassic Most hot hatches from this time are, it's a real golden era! I would absolutely love to own the Proton Tiara variant of this, to go alongside my Saga Aeroback. That would be a treat!
Very nice car, drives really good too!
We had an AX 10E for a while. It was fine - except it used to get through ignition modules like no-one's business, usually at the least convenient moments. Probably the last car I owned with a carburettor - used to pink really badly when climbing hills. It was also the last car I owned with only four forward gears.
Also - not the car's fault - but when someone smashed the rear windscreen, the tailgate fell off, breaking the lock - so when we had the window replaced, we also needed a new catch.
You didn't notice the door pockets - perfectly sized for a bottle of wine each for driver and passenger and also that neat little rectangular cubby hole near the driver's side mirror, just the place to put your Gauloise or Gitanes..... The french know how to build in the features that drivers want!
I did, I commented on it ☺️
@@idriveaclassic How did I miss that? Sorry. Ah well, chin chin!!
A brilliant little car. We got very limited numbers here in New Zealand.
That car looks surprisingly modern for its age both inside & out. Not sure that the Blaupunkt stereo is original to the car though. That would've been quite expensive sound system. Despite watching your channel for a year or so, I only just realised I hadn't subscribed! All done now. Thanks Steph. 🚗🚗
Was definitely blaupunkt in the AX my dad worked at a dealer and worked on them as new cars. Some older cars had clarion ones
Steph! You mention early on about the Ax being Citroëns first supermini... Have you not seen a Citroën Ln & the second generation Lna, Peugeot 104 based but sharing the same body as the 3dr, as did the Talbot Samba, the Ln had the 602cc air-cooled flat twin & the Peugeot 4cylinder engines, the Lna had the 652cc flat twin & the 4cylinders. Very much like the visa! Great review of this Ax though!
AX is a very reliable car, the tailgate is not made of metal but made of pvc, plastic.Lightweight and quite spicy to drive.
I’m curious: In many of these videos you mention how many (or rather how few) of a given car are left on the road. Is that sort of info just published in/by the UK? Here in the States I’ve often wondered how rare some of my cars have been as far as how many remain on the road, but there is just no such data available most of the time.