| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1982 discontinued in 1982 |
Precise measurements of the 1978 Citroen Visa, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3690 mm145.3 in12.1 ft |
| Width: | 1510 - 1535 mm59.4 - 60.4 in5.0 - 5.0 ft |
| Height: | 1408 - 1415 mm55.4 - 55.7 in4.6 - 4.6 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 131 mm5.2 in0.4 ft |
| Trunk Capacity: | 280 - 300 liter9.9 - 10.6 cu ft |
| Trunk Capacity (Max): | 674 - 694 liter23.8 - 24.5 cu ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 735 - 830 kg1620 - 1830 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1065 - 1210 kg2348 - 2668 lbs |
| Roof Load: | 40 - 60 kg88 - 132 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Size: | 4.5J x 13 |
| Tire Size: | 155/70 R13 (W:155 | H:70 | D:13) |
The Citroen Visa Phase I, produced from 1978 to 1982, is a compact hatchback that offered practical dimensions suited for urban driving and efficient use of space. Measuring 3690 mm (145.3 inches) in length, it fits comfortably within the subcompact category. Its width ranges from 1510 mm to 1535 mm (59.4 to 60.4 inches), providing a balanced footprint that aids maneuverability while retaining interior comfort for passengers. The height varies slightly between 1408 mm and 1415 mm (55.4 to 55.7 inches), contributing to a low profile that enhances aerodynamic efficiency.
Weight-wise, the Visa Phase I is lightweight, with a curb weight between 735 kg and 830 kg (1620 to 1830 lbs), allowing for nimble performance and better fuel economy. Its maximum permissible weight ranges from 1065 kg to 1210 kg (2349 to 2667 lbs), accommodating passengers and cargo efficiently. The luggage capacity is notably practical, offering between 280 and 300 liters (9.9 to 10.6 cubic feet) of boot space, which expands significantly to 674 to 694 liters (23.8 to 24.5 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded down. This flexibility makes the Visa Phase I suitable for varying cargo demands.
The vehicle also supports a roof load capacity of 40 to 60 kg (88 to 132 lbs), enabling additional carrying options. Its ground clearance stands at 131 mm (5.2 inches), providing sufficient ride height for urban roads while maintaining a low center of gravity for stable handling. The original wheel setup featured 4.5J x 13 rims paired with 155/70 R13 tires, balancing comfort and road feedback.
Overall, the Citroen Visa Phase I is a classic example of a versatile and compact hatchback from the late 1970s and early 1980s, combining efficient use of space with balanced dimensions and lightweight engineering, ideal for city driving and small families.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Citroen Visa a leader in its class
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The Citroën Visa Phase I hatchback, produced between 1978 and 1982, measures approximately 3690 mm (145.3 inches) in length. Its width varies slightly depending on the specific trim or version, ranging from 1510 mm to 1535 mm (59.4 to 60.4 inches). The height also fluctuates marginally between 1408 mm to 1415 mm (55.4 to 55.7 inches). These dimensions make the Visa a compact city-friendly car, designed for maneuverability and ease of parking.
The Citroën Visa Phase I has a curb weight ranging from 735 kg (approximately 1620 lbs) to 830 kg (approximately 1830 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment level. Its maximum authorized weight, which includes passengers and cargo, is between 1065 kg (2349 lbs) and 1210 kg (2667 lbs). This relatively light weight contributes to its fuel efficiency and nimble driving characteristics typical of small hatchbacks of that era.
The luggage capacity of the Citroën Visa Phase I ranges from 280 liters to 300 liters (approximately 9.9 to 10.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity expands significantly, offering between 674 liters to 694 liters (around 23.8 to 24.5 cubic feet) of cargo space. This flexibility makes the Visa a practical option for everyday use, allowing for additional storage when needed for larger items or more luggage.
Yes, the Citroën Visa Phase I fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Standard garage dimensions usually range around 2400 mm (94.5 inches) wide by 4800 mm (189 inches) deep with a height clearance of around 2100 to 2400 mm (82.7 to 94.5 inches). Given the Visa’s compact length of 3690 mm (145.3 inches), width of up to 1535 mm (60.4 inches), and height not exceeding 1415 mm (55.7 inches), it offers plenty of clearance on all sides, making parking and storage convenient for most homes.
The Citroën Visa Phase I’s width variation from 1510 mm (59.4 inches) to 1535 mm (60.4 inches) results from different trim levels or production tolerances. While this two-centimeter variation is quite minimal, a slightly wider track can improve stability and road grip, particularly at higher speeds or around corners. However, given the overall compact size and relatively narrow width compared to modern cars, the Visa maintains a nimble and agile handling character, suitable for urban environments.
The ride height or ground clearance of the Citroën Visa Phase I is approximately 131 mm (about 5.16 inches). This clearance is typical for small hatchbacks and is sufficient for urban and suburban road conditions. However, it might be considered low for rugged or unpaved roads, requiring drivers to be cautious over speed bumps or rough terrain. The low ride height helps with stability and handling on paved roads, contributing to a lower center of gravity.
The Citroën Visa Phase I rides on 4.5J x 13 rims paired with tires sized 155/70 R13. The 13-inch rim diameter combined with relatively narrow 155 mm wide tires and a 70% sidewall height provides a comfortable ride by balancing handling with adequate cushioning from road imperfections. These dimensions were common for small cars of the late 1970s and ensure predictable handling characteristics while maintaining ride comfort suitable for everyday driving.
The Citroën Visa Phase I was introduced after cars like the Citroën Dyane and designed to appeal to the compact hatchback market. Compared to its predecessors, the Visa offered a more modern, squared-off hatchback design with a slightly larger footprint at 3690 mm in length. The Dyane was smaller and lighter but less practical in terms of interior space and luggage capacity. Against contemporaries like the Peugeot 104 or Renault 5, the Visa’s dimensions were competitive, slightly longer than some but maintaining a lightweight profile (curb weight between 735-830 kg) that helped with fuel economy and agility.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, hatchbacks were becoming popular for their versatility. The Citroën Visa Phase I cargo capacity of 280-300 liters with rear seats up and approximately 674-694 liters with seats folded, positioned it well within its class. For example, the Renault 5 offered around 270 liters with seats up and less than 600 liters folded, making the Visa slightly more spacious for carrying luggage or groceries. This generous cargo space was an appealing factor for buyers needing urban practicality combined with weekend versatility.
The Citroën Visa Phase I has a defined maximum roof load capacity ranging between 40 kg and 60 kg (approximately 88 to 132 lbs). This limit indicates the maximum weight of cargo that can be safely placed on the car's roof rack or roof bars without compromising vehicle dynamics or safety. Users considering adding roof boxes, bike racks, or luggage carriers must adhere to this limit to avoid affecting stability, handling, or causing damage to the roof structure.
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