In the mid-eighties, PSA launched a new sports car concept. 205 GTI hybrid between a 1.6 and a car with little charm as the Citroen base, the Visa GTi was his great idea.

From a commercial point of view It might seem too risky, almost revolutionary, launch a sports on the basis of Citroën Visa, a utility that will never be remembered for the beauty of its lines. However, the Visa GTi greatly improved the aesthetics of the other versions. Headlights with round instead of square frightening, the aletines the body color, two discrete aleroncitos and rear wheels of light alloy, Citroën worked the miracle. Inwardly, however, this Visa waived its principles. He took away the classic details of the brand, as the wheel of one arm and full control satellites which made the driving position seemed that of a spaceship. Many criticized, but the owners of a Visa became accustomed to them and looked comfortable. They were part of the personality of the car.

For him Visa GTi, Citroën has designed a much more classic and sporty interior. He placed an attractive wheel of three arms and a thicker hoop improved touch. He also gave a very comprehensive and easy to read instrumentation. An exclusive upholstery finished turn this utility at a sporting cheerful. Yes, the seats were not entirely comfortable because of a bad position anchored, which made them to be a little sunken back. Since a fault, the only thing I missed was the air conditioning … that there was not an option.

Citroen Visa GTi, a sporty single

Although it may seem a problem, five-door body made unique to this Citroën Visa GTi its kind. Kingdom to good price for being domestically manufactured (It was built in Vigo), this sport became an interesting and attractive option when buying a car for young audiences, in addition to feelings that met its sporty character, retained the practical side of Citroën Visa.

Mechanically, Citroen Visa GTi is “advantage” of its origin PSA. Citroën He used the complete front end the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6, wider track. This absolutely he transformed the character, behavior and external appearance. Entrance, we had to put a aletines that covered the wheels protruding from the body considerably. Further, the suspension was firmer and 4 centimeters lower in other versions, helping a better grip and less body roll when cornering. He four-cylinder engine of Peugeot 205 GTi It was the icing on the cake. This engine, 1.6 liter 105 HP engine and 6,250 rpm power, there are little comment: it was and remains a marvel. And besides, it combined with new gear ratios, somewhat shorter than the 205, made the Citroën Visa GTi moved with great ease and joy, for weighed only 870 kg, thus homologaba 0 to 100 km / h in 9 seconds and a maximum speed of about 180 km / h. The change, 5-speed manual, It was fast and accurate. In short, very effective.

So far everything was rosy. The back, however, did not look so good. The rear axle Citroen Visa GTi was much narrower (12 cm) to the front. This aesthetically not help, since the rear wheel arches are much less bulky and descompensaban the general line. Also from a standpoint of comfort and performance on the road, was not the best approach. But despite all more than it fulfilled properly. Also back, the trunk lost much of its capacity to carry the spare wheel housed inside. Visa situated in the other in the engine compartment, in the GTi not fit. Nor could use the solution below 205 carry the luggage compartment, for design problems.

Citroën Visa GTi: owner

Daniel Villas He was born into a family Citroënista. His uncle worked in the Citroën, which made every family car that was acquired brand. His first car was exactly a Visa 1.7 RD he deeded his mother. Like any young man, Daniel would have liked something more powerful and more fun than an old diesel utility that time. After Search for years been a GTi which you were found in good condition and originality, in July 2011 He found in Murcia which it is the basis for this report. This unit was in an almost original state. He moved to Madrid by road without any problems. It is highlighting the interior, in perfect condition. Here he had nothing to fix, the only thing added is a modern car radio, thanks to its removable cover, not clash in the photos.

The first thing Daniel did was paint. Not finding a new set of color aletines the original “strawberry” had to paint those who had installed that was not the right one. This makes them brighter, but it’s a good solution if you are not the originals. Mechanically seemed well, but to change the expansion vessel was breaking all, which made replaced or repaired is virtually all mechanical elements except the suspension. This is not in its best condition, with the next pending undertake work (and have in mind) to leave this Visa GTi almost flawless. Finding parts is easy, provided they are not specific to the GTi. It shares many with C15, the rest of Visa and others Peugeot 205 GTI. But as you look headlights, specific aerodynamic devices, tires, upholstery, anagrams, look for a donor. Nothing left in stock. Daniel likes his car, especially for its homogeneity. You think fast and fun, while helpful. The only downside is you are eating something high. Daniel and I, like many fans, we agree on one thing: the Citroën Visa GTi wins over the years.

Definitely, Citroen Visa GTi has always been (and still is) a different car. On a basis of pure and utility, the PSA group built a sports questionable look. But its dynamic qualities and practices did succeed. Furthermore, the fact of being made in Spain endowed him with a more than competitive price. Today, their market value is between 2,500 and 6,000 euros, depending on their status and conservation.

You may also like:

So were the Ford Fiesta Super Sport and XR2

That was the Renault Fuego

That was the VW Corrado