[2] The Saxo was a development of the Citroën AX and Peugeot 106, which shared a platform and running gear (the major difference being interiors and body panels).

Although the quoted power outputs are low in comparison to modern small hatchbacks, or even to other hatchbacks of the time, the kerb weight was generally very low, with even the range-topping VTS having a kerb weight of just 935 kg (2,061 lb), with other smaller engine models (except the diesel) being around 100 kg lighter than this.

This meant a high power to weight ratio resulting in decent acceleration and made the car suitable for city driving.

Aside from the VTS which had 16 valves, all engines were the older SOHC units which meant relatively low city MPG figures.

The equipment list was generally sparse, with budget models having drivers airbag, seat belt pre tensioners, cassette player, heated rear screen and tinted windows, and early Mark Ones with keypad immobilisers and a clock in place of a tachometer and three stud wheels, much like the AX.

Further up the list sunroofs, PAS, Electric windows, ultrasonic alarm, passenger airbag, CD player, tachometer, front fog lights, bodykits, colour coded mirror caps and alloy wheels were added, to name a few.

Notable models are the Westcoast up to 1999 and the Furio to 2003, as they incorporated the standard Saxo bodykit found on the VTR and VTS with a more insurance friendly 1.4-liter engine.

Air conditioning was never an option on right hand drive Saxos because the blower motor was mounted in the bulk head on the driver's side.

As a result, there was insufficient space available to accommodate the evaporator, except by first ducting the air flow to the passenger's side and then at the expense of the glove box.

There was also a minor facelift, during the first phase of the car's production, in line with the then current releases by Citroën, moving towards a rounder look.