Citroen AX (1986-88)
Total Production: 2,425,138
Recorded in UK 2024
AX GT Licensed=30 SORN=208
AX 14 GTi Licensed=2 SORN=63
AX GT 500 Licensed=1 SORN=7
The Citroën AX, a compact and efficient supermini produced from 1986 to 1998, had its share of common issues. Here are some to be aware of:
1. Starting Problems: Some AX owners experienced difficulties starting their cars. If you encounter this, consider checking for airlocks in the cooling system or issues related to the temperature sender.
2. Cooling System: Overheating problems were not uncommon. Ensure proper coolant levels, and if the system has been worked on recently, make sure it was refilled correctly.
3. Rust: While AX models had galvanized panels to resist rust, any visible rust could indicate accident damage.
4. Interior Trim Quality: The interior trim quality wasn’t top-tier, so inspect it for damage.
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Generation View
The **Citroën AX** had **two generations** during its production from **1986 to 1998**. The first generation was available as a three-door hatchback with 1.0, 1.1, and 1.4 L engines. Later, five-door models were added, and a 1.4 L diesel engine was introduced. The second generation featured a 1.5 L diesel engine, replacing the earlier 1.4 L diesel unit.
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Body Styles
The Citroën AX was available in two main body styles:
1. Three-Door Hatchback: The most common configuration, featuring a compact design suitable for city driving.
2. Five-Door Hatchback: Offered primarily for young families, providing practicality and versatility.
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Variants
The **Citroën AX** was launched in **six versions**: 10E, 10 RE, 11 RE, 11 TRE, 14 TRS, and 14 TZS. These variants catered to different preferences, and the AX was available as a three-door hatchback.
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Trim Levels
The Citroën AX, produced from 1986 to 1998, came in various trim levels over its production run. Here are some of the notable ones:
1. **Base Models**: These included the basic trim levels with minimal features, often referred to simply as "AX" or "AX 10".
2. **Spécial**: A slightly upgraded version of the base model.
3. **RE**: A more equipped version with additional comfort features.
4. **TGE**: Featured more advanced equipment and comfort options.
5. **TRS**: A higher-end trim with more luxurious features.
6. **GT**: A sportier version with a more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension.
7. **GTi**: The top-of-the-line performance model with the most powerful engine and sportiest features.
There were also several special editions and limited-run models throughout its production.
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Engines
The Citroën AX had several engine options during its production run from 1986 to 1998. Here are the main ones:
1. **Petrol Engines**:
- 954 cc TU9 I4
- 1124 cc TU1 I4
- 1294 cc TU2 I4
- 1360 cc TU3 I4
2. **Diesel Engines**:
- 1360 cc TUD3 I4
- 1527 cc TUD5 I4 (introduced in September 1994)
The AX was known for its excellent aerodynamics and lightweight design, making it an economical choice.
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Spares
1. **The 2cv Shop**:
- They are one of the UK's leading Citroën parts distribution centers.
- Stock a wide selection of Genuine Citroën parts across the entire Citroën vehicle range.
2. **Autoparts Trade Centre**:
- Holds vast stocks of nearly every conceivable car part.
- Offers Citroën AX parts at competitive prices.
- Located at 100 Pollock Ave, Hillhouse Ind Est, Hamilton ML3 9SZ.
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND CITROEN SPECIALISTS**
County Antrim
Citroën specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. **McMillan Specialist Cars**
- **Address**: Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
- **Phone**: 028 9335 4911
- **Services**: They offer a range of services including maintenance, repairs, engine diagnostics, and more.
2. **Citroën Ireland Team**
- **Address**: 206 Straid Road, Bushmills, Co Antrim, BT57 8XJ
- **Phone**: 028 2073 3300
- **Services**: They provide comprehensive services for Citroën vehicles.
Citroën specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. **McMullan Auto Services**
- **Address**: 85A Fergort Rd, Armagh BT60 3DN
- **Phone**: 028 3753 1766
- **Services**: They offer car servicing, maintenance, diagnostic services, MOT testing, and repairs.
2. **Roadside Motors**
- **Address**: 71 Belfast Road, Craigavon BT66 7JP
- **Phone**: 028 3832 3232
- **Services**: They provide sales, repairs, and refurbishment of Citroën vehicles.
Citroën specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. **Donnelly Citroën Bangor**
- **Address**: 3 Green Road, Bangor, Newtownards BT23 7PZ
- **Phone**: 028 9124 0676
- **Services**: They offer a full range of services including sales, maintenance, repairs, and parts.
2. **Clifton Motors**
- **Address**: 2 Balloo Drive, Bangor BT19 7QY
- **Phone**: 028 9145 4304
- **Services**: They provide vehicle repairs and servicing.
Citroën specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. **Nixon Car Spares**
- **Address**: 2 Drumcoo Road, Enniskillen, BT74 4FY
- **Phone**: 028 6632 4737
- **Services**: They offer a range of services including new and used car parts, vehicle dismantling, and motor factor services.
2. **Fermanagh Motors**
- **Address**: 1 Tempo Road, Enniskillen, BT74 6HR
- **Phone**: 028 6632 2333
- **Services**: They provide comprehensive vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
Citroën specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. **J.C. Halliday & Sons**
- **Address**: 10 Courtauld Way, Eglinton BT47 3DN
- **Phone**: 028 7181 1470
- **Services**: They offer a full range of services including sales, maintenance, repairs, and parts.
2. **Lloyd Cooke Motors**
- **Address**: 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry BT47 3LZ
- **Phone**: 028 7130 2100
- **Services**: They provide vehicle maintenance, car bodywork repairs, and accident repair services.
Here are a couple of Citroën specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. **Donnelly Citroën Dungannon**
- **Address**: 59 Moy Road, Dungannon, BT71 7DT
- **Phone**: 028 8744 0484
- **Services**: They offer a full range of services including sales, maintenance, repairs, and parts.
2. **ClickMechanic**
- **Service Area**: Various locations across Northern Ireland, including County Tyrone
- **Website**: [ClickMechanic](https://www.clickmechanic.com/locations/northern-ireland/citroen)
- **Services**: They provide mobile mechanics who can come to your location for repairs and servicing.
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Racing
The Citroën AX was indeed raced! It had several performance versions that were used in motorsport:
1. **Citroën AX Sport**: Introduced in 1987, this version featured a 1.3-litre engine with twin carburettors, producing 95 PS (70 kW; 94 bhp). It was popular in rallying due to its lightweight and nimble handling.
2. **Citroën AX GT and GTi**: These models were also used in various racing events. The AX GTi, in particular, had a higher compression ratio and fuel injection, making it a competitive choice in its class.
The Citroën AX participated in several notable races, particularly in rallying events. Here are a few highlights:
1. **Rallying**: The Citroën AX was a popular choice in rallying due to its lightweight and nimble handling. It competed in various national and international rally events, often in the Group N and Group A categories.
2. **Hillclimb Events**: The AX GTi has been used in hillclimb races, showcasing its agility and performance on challenging courses.
3. **One-Make Series**: Citroën organized one-make racing series for the AX, where all competitors drove identical cars, making for exciting and competitive racing.
The AX's success in these events helped cement its reputation as a fun and capable performance car.
The AX was known for its excellent aerodynamics and lightweight construction, which made it a strong contender in motorsport.