The Chevrons go from strength to strength – The PSA Group years
Saved this time by a merger with Peugeot to form the PSA Group, Citroën gained a new set of priorities.The first visible sign of these new priorities was the LN. Things didn’t look great for the grand chevrons, as this was no more than a ‘shortcut’ Peugeot 104ZS with Dyane headlights and a 2CV engine. In fairly short succession, the project to develop a new mid-size car was rejigged, and the Visa was brought to market. On the 104 floorpan, this was a very conventional looking small car, replacing the Ami 8 – but only after the first facelift had removed the ‘pignose’ front end. Powered by a range of engines from an expanded 2CV motor to conventional 4-pots, the Visa developed into the long-lived C15 van. The late 115bhp GTi was a true hooligan car, being little more than a reshelled (and far lighter) 205GTi.’
As the 70s turned into the 80s, the BX brought Citroen sales volume once more. Sitting on hydraulic suspension, the lightweight and elegant body featured some of the earliest use of large plastic panels in a volume car.
