1992 Citroen AX (Phase I, 1992) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Citroen AX Phase I ranges from 665 kg to 795 kg (approximately 1467 to 1754 pounds), depending on the specific trim and equipment level. This light weight contributes to its fuel efficiency and nimble handling characteristics. When fully loaded, the maximum gross vehicle weight ranges from 1110 kg to 1235 kg (equivalent to about 2447 to 2723 pounds). This maximum weight includes passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. The light construction and relatively low maximum weight make the AX an economical choice for daily driving, while also affecting braking performance and suspension tuning to maintain safety and ride comfort.

The Citroen AX Phase I offers a practical luggage capacity for a compact hatchback. With the rear seats in their normal upright position, it provides between 265 liters to 273 liters (about 9.4 to 9.6 cubic feet) of luggage space, which is sufficient for everyday needs such as groceries or small luggage. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage space expands significantly to about 1170 liters (approximately 41.3 cubic feet), allowing for much larger or longer items to be transported. This versatility in storage makes the AX suitable for both daily commuting and occasional trips requiring more cargo capacity.

Yes, the Citroen AX Phase I generally fits comfortably into a standard garage. With overall dimensions not exceeding 3525 mm (138.7 inches) in length, 1596 mm (62.8 inches) in width, and 1355 mm (53.3 inches) in height, it is smaller than many modern cars and well within typical single-car garage size limits. Standard garages typically measure at least 2.4 meters wide by 5.5 meters deep (roughly 7.9 by 18 feet), which provides ample room for the AX and additional space for opening doors and storage. This compact size enhances convenience for urban owners who require easy parking solutions.

The Citroen AX Phase I, introduced in 1992, largely continued the compact hatchback form factor popular in its predecessor, the original Citroen AX launched in the mid-1980s. Dimensionally, changes were subtle; the length remains around the same mark of approximately 3.5 meters, and width and height stayed fairly consistent. Improvements in the Phase I included refined aerodynamics and slight updates to the external body panels but did not substantially increase the car's footprint. This ensured it retained its hallmark agility and small size while integrating quality and safety updates. Overall, the Phase I AX preserved the compact dimensions but delivered enhanced features geared towards the 1990s market demands.

The Citroen AX Phase I (1992-1997) stands as one of the smaller hatchbacks of its time, especially notable for its exceptionally light weight and compact size. When compared to contemporaries like the Peugeot 106, Ford Fiesta, or Volkswagen Polo from the early 1990s, the AX is generally shorter in length (around 3.5 meters compared to approximately 3.7 to 3.9 meters for some rivals) and lighter in curb weight (665-795 kg). While many competitors offered slightly more width and interior space, the AX’s very compact dimensions and low weight contributed to superior fuel economy and maneuverability, making it particularly popular among city drivers. Its smaller size often translated into easier parking and lower operating costs relative to similarly classed hatchbacks.

The Citroen AX Phase I commonly came equipped with rim sizes of either 13 or 14 inches, offering a choice that balanced ride comfort with handling precision. Compatible tire sizes include 185/60 R13, 155/65 R14, 145/70 R13, and 155/70 R13. These tire sizes represent a mix of profiles and widths, allowing the owner to optimize performance, comfort, or economy based on specific driving conditions. For example, 185/60 R13 tires provide a wider contact patch for improved grip, while 155/70 R13 tires may emphasize comfort and fuel efficiency. This flexibility in tire sizing contributed to the AX’s adaptable nature for different user preferences and road environments.

The Citroen AX Phase I’s height ranges between 1340 mm and 1355 mm (approximately 52.8 to 53.3 inches), which is relatively low compared to many other hatchbacks from the 1990s. This lower height contributes positively to the car's aerodynamics, reducing drag and enhancing fuel efficiency by allowing smoother airflow over the vehicle. However, the compact height also means interior headroom is more limited, especially for taller passengers, which might make it less comfortable compared to taller competitors on long journeys. Citroen balanced this with a clever interior design to maximize usable space, but the overall lower roofline gives the AX a sporty profile rather than a spacious cabin feel.

With a width ranging from 1555 mm to 1596 mm (61.2 to 62.8 inches), the Citroen AX Phase I is quite narrow by modern standards but typical for subcompact hatchbacks of its era. This relatively narrow stance aids in city driving and parking, allowing the vehicle to navigate tight streets and fit into smaller parking spots more easily. However, the limited width means that interior shoulder room can be somewhat constrained, which might affect comfort on longer trips or when carrying three passengers in the rear seat. From a handling perspective, a narrower width can potentially limit road-holding capabilities at higher speeds or in fast cornering, but the AX’s lightweight and well-tuned suspension usually mitigate these effects.

The Citroen AX Phase I provides a luggage capacity from 265 to 273 liters (9.4 to 9.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats up, expanding to approximately 1170 liters (41.3 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded. Compared to other supermini cars of the early 1990s, this cargo volume is relatively competitive. Many rivals, such as the Volkswagen Polo or Ford Fiesta, offered similar boot volumes in the 200-300 liter range with seats upright. The AX’s ability to nearly quadruple luggage space by folding the rear seats is a strong advantage for those needing extra cargo room. This flexibility makes it a practical choice within its class, balancing compact external dimensions with surprisingly versatile internal storage.