IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: 80s Citroen Visa L (a rare French classic car!)

[@MTSVW]

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.

[@mauricevanmourik1982]

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.

[@1marcelfilms]

If they never let you down why did you go through 10 of them

[@rcaive0875]

​@@1marcelfilmsMy thoughts exactly.

[@PMS1950]

I owned the 1.7l diesel version for a few years and appreciated its economy, comfort, performance and most of all its reliability. The controls were a bit quirky, but I loved the design and simple operation. It wasn't the sort of vehicle that drew envious glances, but that feature kept it save from theft and potential vandalism. The ride was enjoyable and motorway driving effortless. Having the excellent, very lively and economical citroen diesel unit, this unusual little vehicle certainly put a good amount of enjoyment into day to day motoring.

[@graemew7001]

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.

[@idriveaclassic]

It’s weird isn’t it. Younger me wouldn’t have liked this car.

[@graemew7001]

@@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.

[@michaeld7409]

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 :)

[@julienbee3467]

I still feel the way you did when you were younger

[@Gieszkanne]

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?

[@craigogden8708]

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.

[@andygreen1a]

Immaculate condition, a credit to the owner. Great review as always.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank youuuuu

[@gregorstuder606]

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!

[@nickgarciaman]

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! :)

[@Stevieweevietv]

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.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

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 👏🏻

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you Cameron. You’re so lovely xxxx

[@Punt666]

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!

[@johnwaga3702]

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.

[@vitorpassos309]

I adore my 1991 Peugeot 309 Graffic but really wanted to get something even older with a proper old car feel. Have been thinking on getting a Visa 10e local to me thats pretty much as new but im affraid that the 45 bhp will not be enough to go anywhere. Really like the looks of this car.

[@discerningmind]

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.

[@idriveaclassic]

Aww your comment made me well up! Thank you x

[@discerningmind]

@@idriveaclassic You're welcome Steph. I so enjoy what you bring!

[@PavelSkollSuk]

On the Eastern market sold as Olcit and made in Romania. I remember the newer version with 1.3 boxer engine and slightly different interior design.

[@cerealtiller]

Had a nearly new one of these in '82...it was an excellent car and way better than the 2 CV.....it liked Motorways..

[@DarrenVelSatis]

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

[@mattw8332]

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.

[@christopherwhitehead8946]

Ahhh LJK Setright. His writings were a joy.

[@andrewsmyth8615]

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.

[@andrewsmyth8615]

If you ever venture over to N. Ireland I have 6 Datsuns from the '70s you could test.

[@mikewysko2268]

Restoration looks fabulous. Well done Sir.

[@paullacey2999]

One of the best car ads ever the driving instructor and his Visa 'atchback...

[@irnbrukidsm]

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

[@mikemidulster]

'The Oltcit', Ha. Ian decided his was worth restoring because one of the headlights worked. Another great video!

[@idriveaclassic]

If you love a car it’s always worth it!

[@Panos-xo9rc]

Hats off to the owner for keeping the car in tip top condition.

[@jkk244]

Another great and informative video. Steph, I love your videos - I always learn a lot.

[@danieleregoli812]

What a gem of a find Steph!!! The "L" is a seriously RARE car these days!!! Thanks for the excellent review!!!

[@matty6848]

Yep I haven’t seen one of those since I was a kid!

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, my first video of yours, excellent format.

[@72Jonkers]

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

[@Gerk8]

What a fun little Citroen! Thank you for the ride Steph.

[@seanmcgivney7631]

You are a delight, Steph, love your videos! They cheer me up!

[@TheQuirkyGarage1999]

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 🙂🇫🇷

[@idriveaclassic]

Merci darling ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MrCapri78]

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.

[@TwinTowerTwo]

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.

[@cinccave5459]

Finally something good to say about KZbin. 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.

[@dougfurniss734]

Wow what a lovely car, it looked absolutely immaculate

[@glenrea]

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.

[@idriveaclassic]

Yeah but it’s even engine out for a head gasket. Seems a big job and not something I could do at home.

[@AndrewKNI]

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.

[@jasonjesson9742]

Hi Steph! What a fab little car. My bx had a similar interior colour. Super story about it being saved from the scrapman.

[@idriveaclassic]

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

[@Pieterjan794]

I dailydrive a 2 cilinder everyday to work and back, super reliable car. I love my visa

[@jeffhoslett1644]

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?

[@Santor-]

Mudflaps is an underrated item these days.

[@stefanowitch1969]

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!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you! We’ve got more french stuff next week x

[@enriirne2319]

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.

[@jeffreywynn4674]

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

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you and shalom ❤️

[@peterriggall8409]

Top video Steph. and full credit to owner for saving this beautiful quirky car. 👍👏😊

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you!

[@colingill31]

My father had one years ago and loved it I think it reminded him of his Jowett Bradford we had in the 50s

[@idriveaclassic]

I do love a good Jowett

[@bcfairlie1]

Lobe Bradford's. So miss my Javelin

[@baggierols73]

One of the most intelligent & stylish interiors i've seen. Loving the pale blue 💙🔵

[@Ian45968]

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.

[@GazzaView123]

Great review Steph! That Visa is factory fresh, love it!

[@fruitychink]

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 !!

[@idriveaclassic]

Aw that’s really nice Alan. Thank you x

[@srw1111]

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.

[@adrianquinn5473]

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!!

[@idriveaclassic]

Aw that’s so nice!

[@jandemuynck2756]

Clear blue and all sorts of amber, orange and copper, unbeatable complementary colour combination. Love it !

[@Seele2015au]

When the Visa was first announced, some commentators said the instruments and controls seemed like they were designed by R2-D2 for C-3PO.

[@idriveaclassic]

I could easily get well into it I think. Loved it.

[@Seele2015au]

@@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!

[@Qlyphy]

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 :-)

[@robert3302]

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.

[@idriveaclassic]

I love french stuff

[@timothyhh]

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.

[@martinloney6322]

You do such delightful tests. Thankyou.

[@Howlingd0g]

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!

[@idriveaclassic]

I bloody loved it.

[@Howlingd0g]

@@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!

[@___Steinn___]

Really cool 80s classic! Love the colors!

[@daggersdukc]

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.

[@idriveaclassic]

Yeah I was so SO lucky to be offered this car.

[@929V6]

The 2CV style engine is a flat twin. The 4 cylinder is a straight engine also found in the early Peugeot 205 for example.

[@imnotamechanic3491]

@@929V6 The Oltcit was made with the flat-4 engine as had been originally intended by Citroen

[@chucku00]

@@imnotamechanic3491 Axel in western Europe. And its engines were based on the GS.

[@Markustajahoyrylaiva]

I thought it was flat 2 602ccm wasn't it?

[@samspace81]

Excellent job, subscribed , cool little car. Never see those in Texas!

[@stevedickson5853]

..pick up trucks seem to be everywhere

[@lebusraconte3040]

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! 🇫🇷🇬🇧

[@Grant0610]

Wow! This looks amazing! The Gti was amazing although I would be happy with an E model. 😂

[@peterriggall8409]

Top video Steph. and so glad the right person owns it. Such a close call to being scrapped. Just quirky and lovely. 👍👏😊

[@DrEvilsFinger]

That paint job is fabulous

[@andreaskenny6807]

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

[@darrensmith6999]

Cool little car! I always liked these back in the day , beautiful example. (:

[@jbenekeorr]

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 😂

[@TheDarkPhoenix23]

Wow! This little thing is crazy neat! Great video as always Steph!

[@MartysWhiteSuit]

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.

[@theaylesburycyclist8756]

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. 🙂👍

[@drwho534]

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!

[@notroll1279]

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...

[@paulecrosby2006]

I love it when you see someone else driving something different, I have a 300zx fairlady z31 1984 in light blue..

[@romadcars]

Oh yes in Romania we had the 3 doors version - Oltcit. Thanks for posting, very interesting video!

[@gord307]

Amazing to think this car was very nearly destroyed - very well done to those that saved it!

[@LIEGELEAF1]

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.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

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!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you!!!

[@JonCoupland]

This is awesome!

[@irvb9881]

Wow, that oozes Citroenness. Another great video. 👍🏻

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks!

[@guillaumeromain6694]

Great video and congratulations on keeping this fine car on such a pristine condition! Warm regards from France to Great Britain!

[@idriveaclassic]

Merci!

[@neilmustow368]

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

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank youuuu x

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

Love your films. Such a different take to the majority on KZbin

[@davidconnolly292]

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.

[@JPF90374]

Nicely restored, looks almost like new.

[@BobM925]

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.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

WOW Steph, what a lovely car. Where I used to work, I had a Diesel van version - what a brilliant machine ! This car is gorgeous and a real credit to the owner. Thanks for the video - what will you be driving next :/ Take care X X

[@idriveaclassic]

Next weeks video is something even more strange!

[@JeffKing310]

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!

[@timelwell7002]

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.

[@idriveaclassic]

AX is coming in the next few weeks x

[@matthewrichards1364]

Great vid as always, Steph.

[@stephenwhite9786]

I had a new Visa 17D in 1987 and drove it to Barcelona and back, it was really comfortable cruiser for a small car.

[@ianallan44]

My brother had a very brown one of these way back in the day , it was a funny little thing but surprisingly reliable but the rust claimed it !!

[@ghiajunkie125]

Great video of a great car ! I'm a proud owner of 4 Visa ( 11 RE, Chrono and two GTI ) . Phantastic cars, but here in Germany, totaly underratet.

[@mattiouvinen9138]

Oh how I miss my 1987 Visa Leader. It was terminally rusty, the electronic ignition started to play up and had a cracked exhaust manifold and was amazingly slow. But It had a remarkably good ride!

[@calumbaxter9946]

Goes to show that even low mileage cars can need major work to bring them back to first class condition and it is a credit to the owner that he did this for the love of the car without regard to the final value. I really love seeing these types of restorations from dedicated owners who do it for their own pleasure, plus they have a magnificent and rare car to show for it.

[@jonathanw844]

My auntie had one, the back seats were sooo comfy !

[@idriveaclassic]

Weren’t they just! I was sitting in the back to film and thought oooohhh this is nice!

[@britishcheese]

Ha I just bought a brand new Citroen from Islington Motors in Trowbridge, they're still going strong! Great review!

[@elvetwilliams9013]

They are indeed with Suzuki as well as MG and own the Ford franchise Now as well

[@easybeat]

From memory top gear (4th) was set high to aid economy and I don't recall the car being particular noisy, but the engine was always tappety. The ride was superb at the expense of some body roll, which was always entertaining. Now, with abysmal roads, many car makers have decided that we need "sporty" handing with harder rides - wish I still had one of my old Cits to iron them out.

[@Kosmopolit23]

such a fourth gear have Visa Super Е

[@easybeat]

@@Kosmopolit23 Yes, I think it was the same with the Super E.

[@paulstoakes466]

Single left hand drive wiper placement pushes all the excess rain from the windscreen over to the drivers side. I had a Citroen Xantia where being designed again as a left hand drive car the clutch cable on the UK right hand drive model had a tortourious route across the bulkhead causing the plastic clip on the clutch pedal to snap when the lubricant dried out a bit inside the clutch cable and increased the friction. The European model had a cable wich was routed straight and was only 18 inches long so no problems.

[@oliverpetroski4205]

I've always been fascinated with old Citroen cars. I now own a 2cv but I would buy a Visa as well. Those cars are really similar and many people who used to had 2cv later bought Visa. These cars look good also in red and in white colour.