Citroen introduced the AX as a replacement for the Visa model in 1986 and refreshed-it in 1991.
After Peugeot bought the Citroen brand, it started to cut costs for its new family member and decrease its allowance. As a result, the boxer engines used on the Visa were gone, and a new vehicle had to take its place. In 1986, it introduced the AX, which was heavily revised in late 1991.
Citroen offered the AX in a three- or five-door configuration. The latter was offered mostly for young families. Its small footprint and angular design made it an excellent city vehicle. While the overall wedge-shaped remained, some details went through some changes. The facelifted version featured new headlights design with clear turn-signals on the corners. In the rear, the taillights were redesigned.
Inside, the most important change was made for the dashboard. It featured a new, smaller instrument cluster. Its predecessor sported an extended one, which was extended over the center stack. The front bucket seats provided minimal or no side support, and there was hardly room for three in the back. It was good enough to take up to two kids at school. The AX offered a small trunk space for storage, but the user could have extended it by folding the rear bench seatback.
Under the hood, Citroen installed a choice of diesel and gasoline engines. The most notorious was the 1.4-liter naturally aspirated engine that managed a World Record fuel consumption of just 2.7 liters/100 km (87 MPG-US).