Segment:
Compact family car (supermini/small family car)
Target Audience:
Families seeking a practical, comfortable, and economical vehicle
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf Mk3, Ford Escort Mk5, Opel Astra F, Fiat Tipo, Renault Mégane (later years)
Citroen Dna:
Emphasis on ride comfort and innovative design, characteristic of Citroën's engineering philosophy
Design Highlight:
Aerodynamic styling, spacious interior for its class, and innovative features like the 'Modubox' modular dashboard (on some trims)
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed overhaul, diagnostics, timing, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection, ignition system (for petrol variants)
Engine Management:
ECU diagnostics, sensor identification and testing, emission control systems
Transmission:
Manual gearbox overhaul and repair, automatic transmission (if applicable) servicing and diagnostics, clutch system
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, wheel alignment procedures, hydraulic suspension system details (if applicable for specific trims)
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic circuits, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column, universal joints
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, starter motor), lighting system, starting system, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay identification, power windows, central locking, dashboard instruments, electronic control units (ECUs)
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, underbody protection, structural repairs, rust prevention
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system servicing and repair, refrigerant handling and specifications
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I for this era)
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and fault code retrieval
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
File Format Details:
Digital PDF, optimized for readability and printing
Image Resolution:
High-resolution, clear diagrams and illustrations
Binding Type Analogous:
Comb-bound or perfect bound (if printed)
Paper Type Analogous:
Durable, matte finish paper (if printed)
Engine Families:
TU series petrol engines
Common Engine Variants:
1.1i (TU1M), 1.4i (TU3M/TU3JP), 1.6i (TU5J2, TU5JP)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 60 hp to 100 hp (depending on engine variant)
Torque Range:
Approximately 85 Nm to 137 Nm (depending on engine variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) on most variants, carburetted on earlier base models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (RON 95 recommended)
Engine Codes:
TU1M, TU3M, TU3JP, TU5J2, TU5JP (specific codes vary)
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback
Length Approx:
3950-4020 mm (depending on body style)
Width Approx:
1650-1690 mm
Height Approx:
1380-1420 mm
Kerb Weight Approx:
950-1100 kg (depending on engine and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Gvw:
Varies by model, typically 1400-1550 kg
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not tested under Euro NCAP as it existed at the time (pre-1997)
Active Safety Features:
ABS (optional on some models), power-assisted steering
Passive Safety Features:
Impact-absorbing body structure, seatbelts, reinforced safety cage, side impact bars (in doors)
Optional Safety Features:
Driver's airbag (late models/higher trims), front seatbelt pre-tensioners
Infotainment Features:
Basic analogue radio with cassette player (optional CD player on later/higher trims), manual antenna adjustment, basic speaker system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by era; primarily power steering, ABS (optional). No modern electronic stability or traction control systems.
Connectivity Features:
No advanced connectivity features; basic functionality for radio and interior lighting.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise recommendation based on driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 40,000 - 60,000 km for standard spark plugs (varies by type)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically 80,000 km or 5 years (crucial for TU engines; refer to manual for exact interval and procedure)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2-96, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity and spec)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, Citroën approved (e.g., Type 0/Type 10)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific type)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-80 GL-4 gear oil (for manual gearboxes)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron II/III (for automatic gearboxes, if fitted)
Common Issues:
Corrosion (especially on wheel arches and sills), minor electrical gremlins, aging suspension components, potential for head gasket failure on high-mileage engines, wear in the gearbox linkage.
Maintenance Focus:
Regular timing belt replacement is critical to avoid catastrophic engine damage. Cooling system maintenance is also important to prevent overheating.
Citroen Legacy:
Citroën's reputation for innovative engineering, distinctive design, and comfort-oriented ride quality.
Design Philosophy:
To create a modern, aerodynamic, and comfortable compact car with a spacious interior and advanced features for its class.
Facelift Information:
Minor updates and trim enhancements occurred during its production run, but no major 'facelift' in the conventional sense before the end of this manual's coverage.
Production Location:
France (main production facility)