| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1976 |
| Production Years: | 1976 - 1978 discontinued in 1978 |
Precise measurements of the 1976 Citroen LN, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3380 mm133.1 in11.1 ft |
| Width: | 1520 mm59.8 in5.0 ft |
| Height: | 1370 mm53.9 in4.5 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 706 kg1556 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1035 kg2282 lbs |
The Citroen LN hatchback, produced between 1976 and 1978, is a compact and lightweight vehicle designed for urban agility and economical driving. Measuring 3380 mm (133.1 inches) in length, 1520 mm (59.8 inches) in width, and 1370 mm (53.9 inches) in height, the LN is distinctly small, making it ideal for tight city streets and easy parking. Its curb weight of only 706 kg (1556 lbs) emphasizes its lightweight construction, contributing to fuel efficiency and nimble handling. The maximum authorized weight for this model is 1035 kg (2282 lbs), accommodating passengers and cargo within its compact frame. This hatchback combines the practical use of available space with a simple and functional design, characteristic of Citroen's approach to creating affordable, efficient vehicles during the late 1970s. The Citroen LN stands out as an example of early small hatchbacks, offering essential transportation with minimal footprint, making it a notable model for enthusiasts and those interested in vintage compact vehicles.
Discover the standout features that make the 1976 Citroen LN a leader in its class
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The Citroen LN, produced from 1976 to 1978, has compact and practical exterior dimensions well suited for city driving. Its length is 3380 mm (approximately 133.1 inches), its width is 1520 mm (about 59.8 inches), and its height measures 1370 mm (around 53.9 inches). These balanced dimensions contribute to its nimble handling and easy maneuverability in tight spaces, typical for hatchbacks of that era.
The curb weight of the Citroen LN is 706 kg (approximately 1,557 lbs). This represents the weight of the car including all standard equipment, fluids, and a full tank of fuel but without passengers or cargo. The maximum allowable weight, or gross vehicle weight, is 1035 kg (about 2,282 lbs), indicating the highest weight the vehicle can safely carry including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
Given its compact size, the Citroen LN comfortably fits into a standard single-car garage. Typical single-car garages have a minimum width of about 2700 mm (106 inches) and length of around 5400 mm (213 inches). With the LN's length of 3380 mm (133.1 inches) and width of 1520 mm (59.8 inches), it leaves ample space for opening doors and moving around the vehicle inside the garage.
The Citroen LN itself was a rebadged version of the Peugeot 104 with minor differences and thus didn't have a predecessor under Citroen's lineup before 1976. Compared to the Peugeot 104, the LN retains the same compact dimensions, making it a small city hatchback. The LN was essentially Citroen's entry into the small car segment and shared dimensions and weight characteristics with its Peugeot counterpart.
Compared to other 1970s compact hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta Mk1 or VW Polo Mk1, the Citroen LN is slightly smaller and lighter. For example, the Ford Fiesta Mk1 is about 3560 mm long and weighs around 810-850 kg. The LN’s length of 3380 mm and weight of 706 kg make it a very lightweight, pocket-sized city car, emphasizing efficiency and ease of urban maneuvering.
While the Citroen LN is compact externally, its interior passenger space is designed to maximize practical use. With a small height of 1370 mm and narrow width of 1520 mm, the cabin seats four passengers in relatively tight but functional quarters. Headroom and legroom are modest, reflecting the car’s city hatchback style aimed at short urban trips rather than long-haul comfort.
The relatively narrow width of 1520 mm (59.8 inches) makes the Citroen LN exceptionally easy to drive through congested city streets and tight parking lots. This slim profile allows the car to fit into narrower parking spaces that larger vehicles cannot, providing an advantage in urban environments. However, a narrower width can also mean slightly less shoulder room inside the cabin.
Specific ground clearance figures for the Citroen LN are not widely published, but given its overall height of 1370 mm (53.9 inches) and lightweight hatchback design, it generally has a low ground clearance typical of small city cars. This low stance improves handling and stability on paved roads but may limit rough terrain capability.
The Citroen LN features a hatchback layout that allows for flexible cargo space, with rear seats that fold down to expand the storage area. Although the vehicle’s compact exterior limits total cargo volume compared to larger models, the hatchback design optimizes use of available space for small loads, grocery runs, or luggage for city trips. Its lightweight construction further favors fuel efficiency.
The Citroen LN represented a strategic shift for Citroen to enter the subcompact city car market in the mid-1970s. Produced between 1976 and 1978, it marked a collaboration with Peugeot, leveraging the Peugeot 104 platform to quickly and cost-effectively offer a small hatchback. Its lightweight and compact size were well suited to urban commuters during an energy-conscious era, highlighting Citroen's adaptation to changing market demands.
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