The Michelin TRX, (and the related TDX), is a radial tire introduced by the Michelin Group in 1975. It is one of the first volume-produced low-profile tires. Although technologically advanced, and reasonably successful, the tire's requirement for a non-standard rim ultimately condemned it to a relatively short commercial life. It has thus been called the " Betamax of the tire industry. "
48-510: The Citroën Visa is a five-door, front-engine, front wheel drive supermini manufactured and marketed by Citroën from 1978 to 1988 in gasoline and diesel variants. 1,254,390 examples were ultimately manufactured over a single generation, with a single facelift (1981). China has also assembled the car as the Liuzhou Wuling LZW 7100 minicar. Production started in 1991 and finished in 1994. Citroën commissioned Heuliez to produce
96-694: A 55 PS (40 kW) catalyzed version of the 1360 cc engine was added for markets with stricter emissions standards. No automatic gearbox version was produced. Production of the Visa finished near the end of 1988, when the five-door version of the Citroën AX was launched. The Visa driver controls were located in two pods flanking the steering wheel and were marketed as PRN Lunule (Satellites) (P=Pluie – Rain, R=Route – Road, N=Nuit – Night). Controls for wipers, washers, horn, indicators, headlamps and flashers were mounted ergonomically on
144-775: A Visa convertible variant, marketed as the Décapotable (1984), and a box van variant (1985–2005) was marketed as the Citroën C15 . A sedan variant was prototyped but never manufactured. In 1965 Robert Opron began working on the Citroën G-mini prototype and project EN101, a replacement for the 2CV using its flat twin engine and intended to launch in 1970. The advanced space efficient designs with compact exterior dimensions and an aerodynamic drag co-efficient Cd of 0.32, were never fully developed because of negative feedback from potential clients. A subsequent program,
192-416: A cylindrical unit with heating and ventilation controls using laterally arcing sliders were located oppositely on a flat control pod — all within finger-tip reach. In 1979 Popular Science described the system as using a "finger-tip control drum." In March 1981 the Visa received a facelift, designed by Heuliez , retaining the original interior and the "PRN Satellite" controls. It was now referred to as
240-549: A dimensions on par or slightly larger than traditional B-segment cars, and often are built on the same platform as B-segment hatchbacks or saloons. B-segment SUVs are usually excluded by analysts from traditional B-segment car sales. 22 percent of SUV global sales were contributed by B-segment SUVs in 2019. One of the first mass-market electric B-segment cars in Europe was the Renault Zoe , released in 2012. Global sales of
288-638: A formal car classification term, eventually being adopted in European Commission classification as the B-segment. The 1990 Renault Clio and 1983 Fiat Uno were significant models in the supermini or the B-segment, being the recipients of the European Car of the Year award. The Clio replaced the long-running Renault 5, although the latter remained in production until 1996. In 1993,
336-602: A global sales of 910,839 units that year, in which 54 percent was contributed by its European sales. It took the world number one spot from the Toyota Corolla at 906,953 sales. Safety features have improved for the cars in the segment. In 1995, both petrol and diesel B-segment vehicles had only around 40 percent of the listed safety options installed (side impact bars, driver/passenger airbag, side airbag, ABS , electronic braking system, stability control), whereas by 2010 they were averaging over 90 percent. This represents
384-415: A length of approximately 3.7–4.2 m (146–165 in), and may vary depending on the body styles, markets, and era. In some cases, the same car may be differently positioned depending on the market. The Euro NCAP vehicle class called "Supermini" also includes smaller A-segment cars alongside B-segment cars. In Britain, the term "supermini" is more widely used for B-segment hatchbacks. The term
432-669: A more expensive offering. Examples include the Ford Fiesta ST , Hyundai i20 N , Peugeot 208 GTi , Suzuki Swift Sport , Toyota GR Yaris , Volkswagen Polo GTI , among others. B-segment MPV (also called mini MPV or B-MPV) are taller and/or longer derivatives of B-segment hatchbacks with an emphasis in interior space and practicality. Examples are the Citroën C3 Picasso , Fiat 500L , and Ford B-Max . B-segment crossovers or SUVs (also called subcompact crossover SUV, small SUV, or B-SUV ) are crossovers/SUVs that has
480-508: A more sporting suspension tuning than what was normal for Citroën. In early 1985 the limited production Visa 14 S Tonic arrived, a version using the GT's engine and transmission coupled with an all-white appearance similar to the Visa Crono but at a price not much higher than the basic Visa 11 RE. Only 2000 Tonics were made. In spring 1984 the diesel version was added. The Visa 17D and 17RD used
528-504: A significant improvement in vehicle safety over the period, despite petrol and diesel B-segment vehicles averaging an inflation-adjusted price increase of 6 percent and 15 percent respectively. Studies from the European Union and JATO has found that the average maximum power output of B-segment vehicles has increased by 40 percent between 1995 and 2010, while the average overall vehicle weight only increased by around 20 percent in
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#1732780737205576-720: A soft ride similar to the Citroën 2CV , but with less extreme body roll. New for 1983 was the Visa Super E GL, which offered more complete equipment and a redesigned, more comfortable two-piece rear seat. The two seats were easily removed (without requiring tools) to increase luggage capability. For model year 1983 the most powerful Visa yet, the Visa GT, arrived. In addition to the 80-PS engine, it offered alloy wheels with Michelin TRX tires, spoilers, sideskirts and trim, special colors, and
624-519: The A-segment and C-segment , and commonly described as "small cars". The B-segment is the largest segment in Europe by volume, accounting for 20 percent of total car sales in 2020 according to JATO Dynamics . B-segment cars include hatchback, saloon , estate , coupe / convertible , MPV , and crossover / SUV body styles. The European segments are not based on size or weight criteria. In practice, B-segment cars have been described as having
672-647: The A0-class in China, and the supermini category for B-segment hatchbacks in Great Britain. Category:Subcompact cars ( 306 ) Michelin TRX As passenger car performance increased during the 1970s, the need arose for improved tire capability. One of the possibilities was to reduce sidewall height, low sidewalls being common at the time on crossply racing tires, but not usual for
720-631: The Citroën Prototype Y , was developed in the early 1970s in co-operation with Fiat, to replace the 2CV-based Citroën Ami — using lessons from the Citroën G-mini and EN101 projects. Prototype Y used the Fiat 127 platform with the pioneering transverse front-engine, front wheel drive layout Fiat had test-marketed in the Autobianchi Primula . When cooperation with Fiat ended, Citroën designed its own platform, and subsequent to
768-666: The Nissan Micra (K11) , became the first Japanese car company to be receive the European Car of the Year award. In 1999, the Toyota Yaris received the European Car of the Year award, and was noted for its high roof which allowed for improved interior space. Another notable model is the Opel Corsa , which was the best-selling car in the world in the year 1998 thanks to its extensive international presence. It recorded
816-451: The Ritmo and Escort . Range The first mass-produced sport variant of the Visa was the GT in 1982. It was powered by the 1360 cc XY engine with two downdraft Weber single-barrel carburetors and produced. A lower power single-carb engine was produced for Switzerland. In 1985 a limited production 'GT Tonic' version was released with the addition of a sportier body kit incorporating
864-458: The Visa II. In the summer of 1984 (for the 1985 model year) the Visa was updated again and received a new dashboard, instruments, and switchgear, retaining its monospoke steering wheel. The turn signals were now self-cancelling, making this the first Citroën to be equipped with this near-universal feature. The curved sides of the Visa's windscreen enabled the use of a very large single wiper on
912-439: The front-wheel drive Visa was available in "Spécial" and "Club" models with a mapped electronic ignition (652 cc, 2-cylinder ), and a "Super E" model (the 11RE after 1984), with the advanced Peugeot 1124 cc Douvrin engine / PSA X engine , a four-cylinder "Suitcase engine" — all aluminium alloy, chain driven overhead cam, with gearbox in the sump, sharing engine oil, mounted almost on its side. The 1124 cc
960-845: The 1980s. Although most TRX tires were produced by Michelin, a few sizes were made by Avon, Continental, Goodyear (mainly for the American market ) and Dunlop. Dunlop fitted their version of the TRX tire as standard equipment on Austin Montegos and Austin Mini Metros. TRX wheels existed in diameters from 315 millimetres (12.4 in) to 415 millimetres (16.3 in) Some common TRX sizes and vehicles: Size Application Note: AV='front', AR='rear'. Does not include North American vehicles. Other sizes were available, for instance 160/65 R 315, in TDX version. Although
1008-532: The Citroën BX14 and receiving a favourable review by CAR magazine . In early 1985 the Visa GTI, fitted with a 1580 cc engine, was introduced. This would be the fastest Visa offered with a top speed of 188 or 192 km/h depending on the engine version. Between 1985 and 1987 the 1.1 litre petrol and 1.7 litre diesel "Leader" special editions were marketed. Near the end of its production life,
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#17327807372051056-597: The GT. 2160 were produced for the French market and a further 1600 produced for continental Europe outside France. The non-French models did not have the Solex carbs but the GT's Weber carb and head set up and produced 80 PS (59 kW). The Visa "Mille Pistes" was a four wheel drive version of the Visa homologated for the group B B/10 class. The production versions were known as the Visa 1000 Pistes 4 x 4 of which 200 were built for homologation in 1984. The production version
1104-734: The Romanian Oltcit Club , using a Citroën Visa flat-twin engine and Citroën GS -based gearbox or the GS flat-four engine and gearbox. This was also marketed in Western Europe as the flat-four (only) Citroën Axel to recoup Citroën's Romanian investment, which the Romanian government could not repay. The resulting vehicle exhibited build quality issues, with 60,184 cars ultimately manufactured. From its launch in September 1978,
1152-471: The Visa Décapotable, this was one of very few cabrio coaches built in the period: the bodywork features a hybrid fixed-profile convertible with the doors and window frames remaining intact. Based on the 11RE the convertible was heavier and slower than its hatchback counterpart and cost about 50 percent more; the markup was similar to what Fiat and Ford charged for their full convertible versions of
1200-685: The Zoe achieved the 50,000 unit milestone in June 2016, and 200,000 units by March 2020. Other manufacturers followed suit; Groupe PSA introduced the Peugeot e-208 and Opel Corsa-e in 2019, while Honda followed with the low-volume Honda e , and Mini with their Mini Electric . The B-segment is considered as the European equivalent to the subcompact category widely known in North America,
1248-415: The aim of increasing fuel economy and responsiveness. The results were very limited and by the time of the introduction of the 1.4-liter models the engines were taken over wholesale from Peugeot without modifications. The Visa featured a soft but well-damped, long-travel, fully independent suspension (Coil-sprung MacPherson struts at the front, with coil sprung trailing arms at the rear) that contributed to
1296-417: The better-performing radial tire. The problem was that reducing sidewall height compromised tire comfort, in part due to the roadwheel rim profile used. Michelin therefore decided to introduce the world's first tire and roadwheel system, where the two were designed together. This would enable both lower sidewall height, (for better roadholding) whilst retaining comfort due to better stress distribution within
1344-706: The country in 2020. The term supermini, which precedes the B-segment term, emerged in the UK in the 1970s, as car manufacturers sought a new design to surpass the influential Mini , launched in 1959, and journalists attempted to categorise such a vehicle. The car which is widely regarded as the first modern supermini is the Autobianchi A112 , launched in 1969. It was later followed by the Fiat 127 , Renault 5 , VW Polo and Honda Civic , which are similar in concept and size. These supermini or B-segment cars were considered to feature better comfort and convenience, with
1392-404: The face while warming the car. The central directable fascia vents could be heated and angled, so that they could be pointed directly at the windscreen in front of the driver, to keep it clear in extreme misting conditions. There was also an additional mid level vent, to blow air between the front seats to the back of the car. The Visa's rear parcel shelf was in two hinged sections, one in the car,
1440-405: The famously rugged and refined, class-leading 1769 cc XUD diesel and transmission from the Peugeot 205 . The powertrain required too wide a track for the original engine compartment and wings, so the front wings were extended with large black plastic wheel arch panels. The spare wheel that in smaller petrol engine versions was mounted on top of the flat or near horizontal engine, was bolted to
1488-456: The larger engine, something that also had to be done for the diesel model. It received good reviews about its ride, performance and roadholding, but due to its older, failed facelift looks, and its five doors it was not a big seller, even with a much lower price than the chic 205. Supermini car The B-segment is the second smallest of the European segments for passenger cars between
Citroën Visa - Misplaced Pages Continue
1536-404: The long narrow windscreen. The front of the revised car was designed to aerodynamically reduce the deposition of dirt on the headlights, and to reduce the risk of stone chips to the headlights, bonnet and windscreen. The Visa's heating and ventilation system, (even though it used only a water control valve for temperature control and not air mixing), could provide cold air from fascia side vents to
1584-405: The other on the tailgate, to allow objects that were slightly too tall to still fit without removing the shelf. When carrying larger loads, the part of the shelf attached to the tailgate could be folded up, and fixed with the elasticated support strings, to protect the rear window and heated rear screen elements. Citroën commissioned a four-door convertible Visa from Heuliez in 1984. Marketed as
1632-511: The otherwise flat boot floor, compromising luggage space. In continental Europe, a basic diesel van the 'Visa Enterprise' was sold that used the normal Visa bodyshell with the rear doors welded shut. This version mounted a space saver spare wheel under the bonnet, atop the diesel engine. At the Paris Salon 1984, for model year 1985, the 1.4 L TRS was presented. The Visa 14 TRS, was produced for two years (1985–1987), shared its engine with
1680-469: The riveted wheel arches from the 'Chrono' motorsport model. Built in late 1981 the Visa Trophée was produced in limited numbers for homologation in the rally group B category. It used the 1219 cc XZ engine as used in the Visa Super X but with heavily modified cylinder head, breathing through two side-draft Weber 40 DCOE carburetors and producing an impressive 100 PS (74 kW). The Trophée
1728-526: The safety and surefootedness of the Mini's front-wheel drive/transverse engine package. That meant the addition of a hatchback and folding rear seats. The oil crisis in the 1970s was also argued to increase supermini market share. In 1976, Ford launched the Ford Fiesta which became popular. The segment began to be more popular in the 1980s. By the mid-1980s, the term supermini had become established as
1776-470: The same period. Fuel consumption has decreased by around 20 percent, and power-to-weight ratio has increased by 15 percent. Hatchback is the most popular body style for the segment. While the majority is equipped with five doors, many European-oriented hatchbacks was offered with both three-door and five-door versions, with 31 percent of European customers opting for three-door B-segment hatchbacks by 2007. The share has decreased to 13 percent in 2016 due to
1824-554: The shift of market preference which is moving towards prioritizing usability and practicality. As the result, by late 2010s, a number of manufacturers had stopped offering three-door versions of its B-segment hatchback models in Europe. Other body styles currently available in the segment in Europe are saloon (example: Dacia Logan ), estate (example: Dacia Logan MCV and Škoda Fabia Combi ), and coupe/convertible (example: Mini Cooper Cabrio/Convertible ). Performance-oriented versions of B-segment hatchbacks were developed and sold as
1872-486: The standard imperial wheel size (normally stated in inches). TRX tires were available either as standard or optional equipment on certain models of European makes such as BMW , Audi , Mercedes-Benz , Citroën , Peugeot , Ford , Ferrari , Alfa Romeo , Renault , and SAAB . They were also available on certain models of the Ford Mustang , Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Capri , Mercury Cougar, and Mercury Lynx during
1920-491: The takeover of Citroën by Peugeot in the wake of the 1974 oil crisis, the renamed "Projet VD (Voiture Diminuée)" became the Citroën Visa, incorporating the floor pan of the Peugeot 104 and using the 104 engine, transmission (under the engine) and chassis. The Visa thus became the first model under PSA Peugeot Citroën 's platform-sharing policy. In 1984, the original Citroën platform design from "Project Y" emerged as
1968-519: The tire gave good performance, and thus as noted above gained favour with some OEMs, its non-standard dimensions proved problematic in the aftermarket. It was also a notoriously hard tire to remove when using basic tools, a consequence of the deliberately designed strong fit between tire bead and rim. Rival manufacturers, such as Dunlop, thus produced replacement wheels and tires for popular cars, specifically for high-performance or winter conditions. In due course advances in tire technology caught up with
Citroën Visa - Misplaced Pages Continue
2016-487: The tire, enabled by the redesigned wheel rim and tire bead. The "TR" was for "tension répartie", since tire stresses were better balanced in the new design, whilst the "X" was a reference to previous Michelin products such as the famous "X" radial. TRX tires thus require the use of wheels that were specially designed for them; standard tires do not fit TRX wheels and vice versa. To avoid potentially dangerous confusion, Michelin used metric sizes for TRX roadwheels instead of
2064-419: The weight down to 750 kg (1,653 lb). At the Paris Salon 1984, for model year 1985, the high-performance 1.6 GTi was presented. The GTi used the 1.6 L fuel injected XU5J engine and transmission combination in 105 or 115 PS (77 or 85 kW) versions, borrowed from the successful Peugeot 205 GTI . The car used plastic wheel arch extensions to hide a wider track that was needed to accommodate
2112-451: Was as economical as the Citroën 2CV -derived twin, but with much better performance. The flat-twin engine was mounted longitudinally ; the four-cylinder engines were installed transversally . Later on it had 1219 cc (Super X) and then 954 cc (10E after 1984) and 1360 cc (1983 Visa GT and 14TRS after 1985) versions of the same engine. The original Visa's engines, while of Peugeot origins, were modified by Citroën's engineers with
2160-421: Was designed specifically for the entry level rally car market such as privateers and dealership teams. It had weight savings over the GT such as lighter weight fibre glass body panels, re-designed dashboard and lexan side windows allowing it to weigh in at just under 700 kg. Rally versions were sometimes increased in capacity up to 1299 cc and could produce up to 140 PS (103 kW). The Visa Chrono
2208-659: Was developed in the 1970s as an informal categorisation, and by 1977 was used regularly by the British newspaper The Times . By the mid-1980s, it had widespread use in Britain. In Germany, the term "small cars" ( German : Kleinwagen ) has been endorsed by the Federal Motor Transport Authority ( Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt [ de ] , KBA) equivalent to the B-segment. The segment accounts for 15.1 percent of total car registrations in
2256-520: Was essentially a 4WD Chrono with the same 1360 cc engine but on twin Weber 40 DCOE carbs and producing 112 PS (82 kW). The Mille Pistes received its name after a Visa 4 x 4 competing in the experimental category won this rally in 1983, with Wambergue and Laverne driving. The Evolution models were modified by Denis Mathiot; the displacement was increased to 1440 cc and the resulting power ranged from 135 to 140 PS (99 to 103 kW), with
2304-516: Was released in 1982 intended for competition in the same vein as the Trophée but in the larger capacity group B engine class. It used the same 1360 cc XY engine as the GT but with a modified, larger valve head and two double-barrel side draft Solex C35 carburetors and produced 93 PS (68 kW). Aside from the exterior body decals other modifications to the car such as the bodykit, with Cibie fog lights, and dashboard also differentiated it from
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