IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: 80s Citroen Visa L (a rare French classic car!)
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- Опубликовано: 8 июн 2024
- Today's video features the Citroen Visa which was made from 1978 to 1988. The video was filmed in accordance with relevant social distancing laws at time of filming.
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Hard of hearing like me? Walkaround text below:
Once one of France’s most popular exports of the 1980s, the Citroen Visa is a car which is so rarely spotted it makes my Marina look commonplace!
Like all good things, the Visa wasn’t something dreamt up overnight. Way back in 1965, Robert Opron began work on a prototype to replace the 2cv which had an intended launch date of 1970. For many reasons, this didn’t come to fruition, but it did lead to the Citroen Prototype Y - which was developed in conjunction with Fiat to replace the Ami.
Again, this didn’t come to an immediate result for Citroen, but when Peugeot acquired Citroen in 1974, the project was rebooted and named Citroen VD which incorporated the floor pan of the Peugeot 104 - making it then possible to use the 104 engine and transmission units.
With this, the 5 door 104-based Citroen Visa was launched - replacing Prototype Y.
Although interestingly, the original design from the Y was sold to the Oltcit Club. If you’d like to see an Oltcit in more detail, get yourself over to watch Ian on Hubnut and see what he’s up to with his latest project.
Now going back to the Visa, the example we’re testing today is a MK2 or second generation, although you’ll notice that it sports the MK1 dash - this is correct as the car was sold and not something which has been replaced later on.
When the MK2 as we’re testing here today came to market, it was sold as being a more polished version of the Visa which had come before it.
It boasted development of the 1124cc four cylinder engine with overhead camshaft and transistorised ignition which then meant the fuel Economy for the time was nothing to be sniffed at. The Visa boasted an incredible 44.8mpg when driven at 75mph and 58.9 when driving at 56mph. The car was said to have a top speed of 87mph with the ability to do just under 400 miles on one tank of fuel.
And if you’re wondering why the numbers seem a bit odd - it’s because it was all originally done in KM with this being a French car.
The Visa was marketed as a roomy 5 door hatchback - comfortable enough for a family and with 10 cubic feet of boot space and 24 cubic feet with the seats folded, it didn’t just sell on being comfortable but practical too.
As I’ll tell you when we go driving, the seating position gives you real confidence as the driver, but with a turning circle of 31 feet, it’s also pretty easy to manoeuvre about too.
I realise that for some people, the styling and shape of this car may look a little out of the ordinary, but Citroen stated the car had been designed with aerodynamics in mind. The design took into account head space, hip swivel and body movement and was said when discussing total drag, to be the best car in its class.
In fact, it’s the aerodynamics which gave this car an enviable top speed and lower fuel demand. Although you’ll see when we go for a drive, the top speed is good, but unless you get a run up on hills, it’s a little bit sluggish!
Head and body room wasn’t the only comfort consideration. The car has been designed with fully independent suspension and anti roll bars to front and rear, which gives a really soft ride, something I do remark on when we go for the drive.
But Citroen didn’t stop there: they also paid real attention to the comfort and safety aspects of owning a Visa. We’ve got the satellite pod control which I’ll demonstrate later in the video in addition to a generous 7 air vent set up for heating, a 2 speed blower with demister function and a heated rear screen.
Another interesting feature we discovered when we found the camera man locked in the rear of the car with no means to escape from the inside, is the the car is fitted with child safety catches and as you’ll see on this walk around, those reflectors on the drivers door are applied to all doors as a warning that the door was open.
You might think this car has been well equipped, well Citroen did too. In fact, they said the car offered unbeatable value with its standard equipment and challenged prospective buyers to find the same level of spec for the same money elsewhere.
Although if you did want extras, metallic paint and sunroof came at an additional cost. 
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I love the way Citroens are basic cars, but have tons of thoughtful design & engineering put into them. They’re not pretending to be a luxury car with a bunch of faux wood/chrome/leather-they just are what they are and are very good at it.
I've had at least 10 Visas! They never seem to let me down and it's always a suprise how well they drive after i drove my daily beaters. Mind you, the Visa was one of the most silent cars in it's class in those days. I now drive a 1982 Visa II Super-E in hearing-aid beige.
If they never let you down why did you go through 10 of them
@@1marcelfilmsMy thoughts exactly.
In my younger days I wouldn't have been seen dead in one, not even the GTi version and yet now being 50+ I'd love to have one, amazing how your tastes change through your life.
It’s weird isn’t it. Younger me wouldn’t have liked this car.
@@idriveaclassic It is Steph, older me is looking for exactly that just now as a daily haha! 5 doors, 40+mpg and a half decent boot, its not in my budget now though and also would be a shame to daily a nice car like that when it's so rare.
I almost got a Visa 11RE back in 1989. But back then i chose a 1982 Renault 5 TL which still is with me.
But somehow i wish to have a Visa too :)
I still feel the way you did when you were younger
Many cars in the 80/90ies I thought back then look ugly goofy or boring but today I like. Maybe its just because todays cars are much more ugly and boring?
Immaculate condition, a credit to the owner. Great review as always.
Thank youuuuu
I'm a massive fan of french cars, but especially Citroen (the CX is my favourite all time car) Quirky and different is always good in my book. This Visa is in stunning condition. The owner should be very proud.
What an incredible little car and such a credit to its owner. I feel like your videos have really come on in the last year, with better editing, better sound and more detailed shots than ever before on your channel. Keep up the good work 👏🏻
Thank you Cameron. You’re so lovely xxxx
Steph, As always you create wonderful videos and there's no exception here. I'm always happy when I see a new one has been released. There was no shortage of info coming from you, and this car has so much good going on with it that I could write a sizable commentary. Most notably, the shades of blue were uplifting and continually held my attention in the best of ways. The dashboard and gauges were pleasantly interesting and fun. I was surprised that a 1.1L engine did very well overall. Collin sure has a sweet car here and he is an excellent care taker. The various people involved in keeping it from being crushed are to thanked for they're part. I look forward to your next video.
Aww your comment made me well up! Thank you x
@@idriveaclassic You're welcome Steph. I so enjoy what you bring!
One of the best car ads ever the driving instructor and his Visa 'atchback...
New to your channel and it's brilliant! I have a Citroen 2CV6 Charleston that I drive in San Francisco, CA, USA on a regular basis and ALWAYS get a thumbs up and smiles from passersby. French people visiting San Francisco are always amazed to see my car and spend time taking a lot of pictures and asking a lot of questions about it. Great way to connect with the world when we have something in common, cheers! :)
I remember when these were new I really didn't rate them at all but looking at this now it really is cool and teaming with Citroen charm. Pity they didn't keep up the quirky designs.
If you ever venture over to N. Ireland I have 6 Datsuns from the '70s you could test.
Hats off to the owner for keeping the car in tip top condition.
We owned 3 of them in Holland. A 2-cylinder in 80s brown, a 11 RE in Violet and the best was a 14TRS in white. That was a rare luxury version with a 1360cc engine with a whopping 60bhp but it was quite fast.
Drove them for 4 years and went through Europe on many occasions. Even the Swiss alps were not a problem. Sold it with 255.000km and replaced it with a CX Turbodiesel.
Great video that brings back a lot of good memories!
One of the most intelligent & stylish interiors i've seen. Loving the pale blue 💙🔵
They were a bit thin on the ground even in the 1980s from memory. The AX replaced it in 1986/7 but the 1.7 diesel soldiered on for an extra year or so. The 17D had a respectably quick for that era as they were very lightweight. Even the late car journalist LJK Setright (spl?) of Car magazine rated them as one of his favourite cars.
And of course they lived on as the C15 van and camper.
Ahhh LJK Setright. His writings were a joy.
In the early 80s this was my second car after a Renault 4 and my first brand new one. It was awesome and would go all day long flat out on the motorway as I regularly drove from Yorkshire to London for work. Driving a small engined car certainly taught me to anticipate the road ahead! It was also brilliant in the snow and very comfortable. I now have an Audi A8 but still have very fond memories of my Visa Club.
I always love when you’re featuring French cars ( my country) in France the Visa 1 ( my favorite) were badly nicknamed «face de groin » or in your language snout face... anyway, felicitations stephanie 🙂🇫🇷
Merci darling ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Restoration looks fabulous. Well done Sir.
You are a delight, Steph, love your videos! They cheer me up!
What a gem of a find Steph!!! The "L" is a seriously RARE car these days!!! Thanks for the excellent review!!!
Yep I haven’t seen one of those since I was a kid!
Finally something good to say about RUclips. An old video of yours came up in my recommended list and I checked it out. This is only the second video of yours I've watched but I've upvoted both of them and subscribed. I'll work my way through your entire back list until complete. You do great videos.
You do such delightful tests. Thankyou.
Another great and informative video. Steph, I love your videos - I always learn a lot.
Clear blue and all sorts of amber, orange and copper, unbeatable complementary colour combination. Love it !
I used to see these all over Israel, and actually drove my sister in law's all over the country...so French and unique. shalom from Israel, love ur videos
Thank you and shalom ❤️
'The Oltcit', Ha. Ian decided his was worth restoring because one of the headlights worked. Another great video!
If you love a car it’s always worth it!
When the Visa was first announced, some commentators said the instruments and controls seemed like they were designed by R2-D2 for C-3PO.
I could easily get well into it I think. Loved it.
@@idriveaclassic I used to drive a 2CV6 and I do not think I would have any problem having one of those... with a Citroën two-cylinder engine, of course!
Yup - an old girlfriend had one in the late 80's when we met - in a dog awful brown - used to be called R2-D2 for exact same reason :-)
Wow what a lovely car, it looked absolutely immaculate
What a fun little Citroen! Thank you for the ride Steph.
I had a visa, but with the 650 cc 2 cylinder engine. Unlike you in England, here in Switzerland in the 80's and 90's there were a lot of visas. Like you, I liked the driving experience and the Intérior, which reminds me of a sports plane. Thanks you for presenting this wonderful blue visa.
Top video Steph. and full credit to owner for saving this beautiful quirky car. 👍👏😊
Thank you!
Wow! This little thing is crazy neat! Great video as always Steph!
I dailydrive a 2 cilinder everyday to work and back, super reliable car. I love my visa
My first car was a Visa 11RE from 1984. It was a very nice and comfortable car. Very amusing this video. Thnx and greetings from the Netherlands
Great review Steph! That Visa is factory fresh, love it!
Returning from Australia in ‘85 we bought a 1979 Visa...with 652cc engine. Toured Europe for 6 months in this fabulous car. An absolute Gem
Lovely Jubbly, my first video of yours, excellent format.
It's a beautiful example, can't believe it spent time in a scrappy! Fantastic that it was not only saved but brought back to such a fabulous restored state.
Wow! I haven't seen a Visa for years, I'm glad that one was saved. My mum had a Visa in the 80's, it was a great car.
Great vid as always, Steph.
Thanks Steph,
I remember those Visas they even offered this model with a two cylinder aircoold boxer engine from the CV2. Nice suspension too. Looks good in baby blue. Great video!
Wonderful car and great video as always Steph!
I occasionally see a Citroen Visa on the roads here in Philadelphia. It's always on the move, but if I ever cross paths with it in a parking lot I'm definitely going to ask the owner how a 30-40 year old French car ended up here.
Having owned a number of cars powered by the PSA ‘Suitcase’ engine they are surprisingly easy to work on. Only job that I know the engine needs dropping out for on anything fitted with this engine is the clutch.
Yeah but it’s even engine out for a head gasket. Seems a big job and not something I could do at home.
So glad you enjoyed the Visa, Steph. And I'm not surprised at the enjoyment you get from Citroens, they really do drive brilliantly. I really hope you get to test a 2CV sometime... and the GS will amaze you if you ever track one of those down.
Another fascinating road test! Amazing as all Citroens are, would love to see a road test of the full-size classic DS model? Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
Great video as always . Like all Citroens of the day it was so much fun Never owned one , but drove an earlier air cooled twin pot which was a bit slow but I loved it apart from the puny heater . I just love your videos . I think your presentation skills are excellent and verge on the professional . Keep them coming !!
Aw that’s really nice Alan. Thank you x
Amazing to think this car was very nearly destroyed - very well done to those that saved it!
Top video Steph. and so glad the right person owns it. Such a close call to being scrapped. Just quirky and lovely. 👍👏😊
I had one of these in 1985. It was an x reg car same colour as this one but with the 2 cylinder air cooled motor similar to the 2cv ! Great little car but it did struggle a bit on long climbs when I took it to south Wales ! Very comfortable and the rolly polly handling was fantastic fun.
A brilliant review of the Visa. They had loads of room for the size and a very quirky interior. I remember these when they were launched with two cylinder engines. They were quite popular in Northern Ireland.
Great video and congratulations on keeping this fine car on such a pristine condition! Warm regards from France to Great Britain!
Merci!
Thank you for reviewing classic cars, really enjoy it. Please please, review a Citroen GS. I really would love to see that in your channel
French cars always looked to me like they had never seen a car before, and designed it completely from scratch. They are that unique. This one is no different. Wonderful.
I love french stuff
That paint job is fabulous
I had a Visa 11 RE Leader in the late eighties and loved it. Unlike most cars in its class it had five doors and was fully usable as a four seater. The engine ran smoothly and was not noisy at all.
However, by the standards of the late eighties, aerodynamics weren't something to write home about anymore - 140 kph out of 48 hp DIN were allright, nothing more.
Despite the high body and the car's leaning.... hmmm... out of curves, this car held the road quite well. I remember a night when I spotted a tight curve much too late and took it much faster than I would have wanted - and it went very well and remained neutral.
Sometimes I browse the French portal leboncoin for similar cars... but that would be a bit like trying to buy your youth back... never works...
But it sure is a nice memory of my first car...
Hi Steph! What a fab little car. My bx had a similar interior colour. Super story about it being saved from the scrapman.
Yeah I loved that bit! Owner was so humble and was like, oh what will I say?! And I said to him, that scrapyard story MUST be mentioned
Hello, your video is really perfect and your Visa Citroën is absolutely wonderful. I'm so proud you like this car. Greetings from France, Dear! 🇫🇷🇬🇧
Really cool 80s classic! Love the colors!
I love these old citroens with the rocker switch indicators, lights and wipers and the one spoke steering wheel. And who needs mats when you have rubber flooring. What a stunning little car, another top class video Steph!
Thank you!!!
Hi Steph, I really enjoyed this video! I was hoping you would do a video on a Visa. I've got one as a daily driver (with a 2 cylinder engine) and I love it. It might be a bit noisy, but I really like the sounds of a Citroën flat twin engine. At the moment I'm averaging 53 mpg, so I'm definitely not complaining (try to find a modern car as roomy and comfortable as a Visa with the same fuel consumption). Keep up the good work, I'm looking forward to your next videos!
Thank you! We’ve got more french stuff next week x
Wow! This looks amazing! The Gti was amazing although I would be happy with an E model. 😂
Very nice example. Nice work Colin.
Love this vid Steph.
I love this car. Its' simplicity and its' confy suspention. The outlandish design...
I've had a 2CV6, BX, CX & two C4 Coupes. Always very memorable cars, the CX for all the wrong reasons! Loving your Vlogs, always informative, fair and balanced. Growing up, my dad's (EHY 713K) Marina 1.3 coupe in Harvest Gold was so reliable and long lasting. I guess she's long gone now?
Nicely restored, looks almost like new.
I had a Citroën C15 van from 1997 until 2005. It had almost the same dashboard, but the controls weren't quit as bonkers as the Visa. This video brings back memories. 🙂👍
I haven't seen one of these in a very long time! Great video, thanks :)
Thank you x
Love your films. Such a different take to the majority on RUclips
Oh wow, I think the last time I saw one of these was in the mid 90s as a wide-eyed kid. I always thought it looked really cute and stand-out even back then. Lovely to see you take a close look at one!
I bloody loved it.
@@idriveaclassic I'm really not surprised! That oh-so-aesthetic (and very blue!) interior really reminds me of a Nissan Figaro or Pao, where every little feature has really been thought about and designed with style very much in mind! You have to love French cars for that.
If you're looking for another stylishly angular European car, I'd love you to come take a look at my Skoda Favorit some day!
Another great video Steph. Early CAR magazine had the Visa GT, GTi and 1.7 Diesel as recurring favourites, unless I'm very much mistaken. This is a lovely example. I have a GS in the same colour that if you ever make it to Ireland (and it's finished restoration) you're welcome to review.
Had an 85 17rd on of these. Nippy, refined, reliable and 60 plus mpg. Still think about it to this day. Wish I hadn't sold it.
What a beautiful motor vehicle! Great video!
Amazing that it was stacked up in a scrap yard, I have sat in this car and it is absolutely delightful, probably the best surviving Visa. I had one just like it A222GBC completely blue, it's all about the blue rubber floor mats. I had 3 blue Visas! Think all 3 were A reg or one was a Y reg.
REPLY
Cool little car!
I always liked these back in the day , beautiful example. (:
First car we got for my wife, she loved it. One of the selling poin ts was that it fell apart in an accident - a good thing according to the Citroen magazine. The baked bean can on the instrument panel was great. Ours was a 2 cylinder and very basic.
So many memories! My Mom got a 652cc Visa Club in 1980 which I later learned to drive in, and which ultimately became my first car in ‘86. What I wouldn’t give to get behind the wheel of one again, such a fab car!!
Aw that’s so nice!
I'd love to have a spin in one of these, especially the version with the 2CV style flat 4 engine. What an amazing dash layout. Great that you've found yourself such a cherry example.
Yeah I was so SO lucky to be offered this car.
The 2CV style engine is a flat twin. The 4 cylinder is a straight engine also found in the early Peugeot 205 for example.
@@929V6 The Oltcit was made with the flat-4 engine as had been originally intended by Citroen
@@imnotamechanic3491 Axel in western Europe. And its engines were based on the GS.
I thought it was flat 2 602ccm wasn't it?
LOVE the blueness!!!!!
Me too. Obsessed.
It's like an early blue airfix model, straight out of a plastic packet.
Really good review thank you 👍
Thank you!
Fabulous really enjoyed this upload.
Wow, that oozes Citroenness. Another great video. 👍🏻
Thanks!
One of my teachers had the convertible version in red in the 1980's very rare car the Visa very quirky 80's Citroen as always great video Steph
Thank youuuu x
I’m fascinated by this car. I love it! That blue interior! I was surprised to see you driving it very near my house ... that Skoda at 19:05 is still wedged in the ditch 😂
I love it when you see someone else driving something different, I have a 300zx fairlady z31 1984 in light blue..
this car so simple and masterpiece at the same time
This is awesome!
Very interesting car. I had never heard of it (I’m in Canada) but it seems like a neat little car.
Great review, thank you!
That is a very enjoyable video. I greatly enjoyed watching it.
Ahh thank you x
Fabulous ! Thanks Steph. French = Comfortable
Bellissimo video, bellissima spiegazione molto dettagliata e bellissima auto la Citroen Visa L!
I like the way the door is, rounded off on the corner. It's always too easy to jab yourself getting in if the corner is too sharp.
Nice! I grew up with Citroens (AXs and BXs) so looking forward to the AX video! My mum had 3 and my grandparents had 3.
Tune in next week, we’ve got the 20k special with something french
Excellent job, subscribed , cool little car. Never see those in Texas!
..pick up trucks seem to be everywhere
I bought a 1987 delage red 17d,60+ mpg comfort.£5200. I did 96,000 trouble free miles,nothing went wrong, Brakes replaced at 52,000. Most reliable car i ever had.
I haven't seen one if these for years. The styling looks so distinctive today. As you say going from this to the AX was a huge change. Always liked an AX though. A proper super light beast
Oh yes in Romania we had the 3 doors version - Oltcit. Thanks for posting, very interesting video!
What a charming little car. A neighbour of ours owned a C15 Romahome camper until quite recently, it was in a losing battle with the tin worm at the end sadly.
This car is in stunning condition. Much nicer than the AX, because of the higher driving position. Great review, thanks Steph. I drove a Visa van around Sussex back in the late 1980's as part of my work. Great fun, very nice to drive, I agree with Steph. Happy days.
AX is coming in the next few weeks x
You _so_ need to find a Mk I to drive. The Mk II was almost conventional by comparison. I loved driving these and the C15 but have never owned one - I was still driving a GSA and CX for many years. Satellite pod dashboards are the business.