Models
All Visas and C15s together

From 1978 until 1988, Citroën made quite a few different types of the Visa. The C15 van, based on the Visa, was available from 1984 until 2006. Here you see all the regular and special versions.

Visa production models

Visa Special

The Visa was introduced in the autumn of 1978 in three versions. The Special was the cheapest one, fitted with a 652 cm3 two cylinder air cooled engine and sober equipment.
Visa Club

The Club was the Special's sister model with some more chic. Technically they were identical, but on the outside the Club could easily be distinguished by a smarter radiator grille and wheel covers.

Visa Super

The Super was technically quite different from the cheaper models. It was powered by a water cooled four cylinder engine, measuring 1124 cm3. Major visual differences were the plastic strips over three quarters of the car's length.
Visa Super E

For the model year 1981 the Super was succeeded by the the Super E. 'E' stood for 'Économie', because the Super E had slightly lower fuel consumption. All Visas for 1981 were fitted with integrated, matte black side mirrors.
Visa Super X

Also new for 1981 was the Super X. The X had a more powerful four cylinder 1219 cm3 engine, and a better, more sporting equipment than the Super E. The nice alloys could be had as an option. The Visa Super X of the first series was only sold shortly, most of them remained in France.
Visa II Special

More or less by surprise, Citroën replaced the first Visa series by the Visa II in March, 1981. The Visa II was restyled quite dramatically by the firm of Heuliez, however without changing any of the panels. Most significant was the more traditional front end, with larger bumpers and larger light clusters. The structure of the model range remained the same. The Special was once again the base version.

Visa II Club

Like the old Visa, the Visa II also knew a better equipped two cylinder version with the name 'Club'. The Club could be recognized by the plastic strips over the full car length, black window surroundings and steel wheel covers.
Visa II Super E

The Super E showed even more of the model change than the cheaper versions. To suggest a larger glass area, the bodywork under the wind shield was painted black. Other visual modifications were the steel wheels of a new design.
Visa II Super X

The Super X version, only made in small numbers in its initial form, was continued as a Visa II model. Today Super X's are hardly ever seen. Model designations of all Visa II's changed back to just Visa for the 1983 model year.
Visa Trophée

As part of a campaign to make the Visa more popular, Citroën started a rallying programme. Citroën's secret weapon was called the 'Trophée'. The Trophée was built in a limited homologation series of 200 pieces by Heuliez, and took part in Group B of the European rally championship. It had the 1.2 engine of the Super X, tuned up to around 100 HP. Dutch ace Paul Maaskant was quite successful in it.

Visa (II) L

As an interim model between the Club and the Super E, Citroën brought the Visa II L for the model year 1982. Its equipment was basic, but it did have the 1.1 four cylinder power plant. In some South European countries, such as Greece, the volume of the engine was reduced to 954 cm3, to avoid a higher road tax.
Visa (II) Chrono

The rally successes of the Trophée encouraged Citroën to make more of the sporting aspects of the Visa. As a result, in March 1982 the Visa II Chrono was born. It had an all new 1360 cm3 engine, delivering 93 HP. The bodywork was painted white, in combination with red and blue striping. The dashboard was more sporting, with conventional handles rather than the satellites. 2160 Chronos of this type were made, and they were not sold outside France. In 1983 a second series of 1500 Chronos (without the dedication 'II') was produced. Power was down to 80 HP. This second series found its way to several export markets, each in their own 'national' colour scheme.
Visa Entreprise

A Van version of the Visa was introduced for the model year 1983, carrying the name 'Entreprise'. Typical were the back doors, which were welded to the bodywork and could therefore not be used. As a result, the rear door grips were absent. The Entreprise was built by Heuliez, and could be had as 0,7 two cylinder or 1.1 four cylinder.
Visa GT

In September, 1982, the Super X was succeeded by the Visa GT. The GT was equipped with the 1.4 block of the Chrono with twin carburettor, delivering 80 HP. Top speed was 168 km/h. Styling was more subtle than the Chrono's, with only small spolers front and rear, stylish wheels and modest striping. Inside, the in two parts foldable back seats were a useful feature. External colours were silver, red or black.
Visa Super E Décapotable

In February, 1983, the Visa Décapotable was introduced. The topless version of the Visa was designed and produced by Heuliez. When it comes to technical characteristics or equipment, it was largely identical to the Super E.

Visa

The model year 1984 brought new names for various types within the Visa model range. The former Visa Special was christened just 'Visa'. For the year 1985, all Visas got a restyled, more conventionally designed dashboard. From that moment , the typical satellites belonged to the past.

Visa 11 E

With the introduction of the new model designations, Citroën continued the policy it started with other models of the brand. The former Visa L became the Visa 11 E.

Visa 11 RE

From the model year 1984, the Super E became known as the 11 RE. The black spoiler at the rear door became standard. The 11 RE became one of the best sellers within the Visa model range.
Visa 11 RE Décapotable

The convertible Visa was continued as 11 RE. Its production stopped in July, 1985 (photo © Okke Groot).
Visa Mille Pistes

The Mille Pistes (1984) was a group B rally version of the Visa, equipped with four wheel drive, and powered by a 1360 cm3 engine, delivering 112 HP. A series of 200 cars had to be produced to homologate it for the championship. Afterwards, some actively rallied Mille Pistes were tuned to even higher specification. Even today a couple of these hairy monsters are being rallied.
Visa 17 D

In March, 1984 a sensational diesel engined Visa was introduced. The lively new 1769 cm3 engine delivered 60 HP and made a top speed of more than 150 km/h possible. There were two versions, of which the 17 D was the most humble. On the exterior, Diesel versions could be identified by the black plastic front wheel arches.
Visa 17 RD

The 17 RD was better equipped than the 17 D. Major external differences were the plastic side strips and the standard rear wiper.
Visa 11 E Olympique

The Olympique appeared in March 1984 on the occasion of the Olympic games in Los Angeles. It was based on the 11 E. Three body colours were available: white, light blue or red. On the wheels special wheel covers, resembling alloys, were fitted. Special striping and an appropriate logo completed the outfit. A number of 3000 Olympiques was built.

Visa 14 TRS

In July, 1984, the 14 TRS came. The TRS had the familiar 1.4 engine, known from the GT, but now only a single carburettor was mounted. With the resulting 59 HP, the top speed of the TRS was 156 km/h. External features were the full wheel covers, and a more luxerious dressing of the interior.
Visa 14 RS

On a selected number of markets (especially in the Scandinavian countries, but probably also in Germany) another Visa with the 1.4 single carburettor engine was available: the 14 RS. The RS shown left has a so called 'Nordic' kit fitted, existing of a special grille with adittional lights, and head lamp washers (photo © Sebastian Forss).
Visa GTi

From January, 1985, the sporting Visa driver could order a new, powerful version: the GTi. The GTi was propelled by a 1588 cm3 engine with fuel injection, developing 105 HP. With that powerplant, the GTi got close to the 200 km/h mark. Of course the underframe was revised to cope with the freecoming forces. The spare moved to the back, leaving only room for a package of sandwiches and a toothbrush. The GTi was easy to spot among other Visas, with its double headlamps, side skirts and spoilers.
Visa Entreprise

In 1986, the Visa Entreprise got rear door handles, but the doors remained welded to the bodywork. The Entreprise could be ordered with 0,7 two cylinder or 1.1 four cylinder petrol engines and with the 1.7 Diesel.
Visa 10 E

For the 1987 model year on several markets the 11 E was succeeded by the 10 E. The 10 E had a smaller four cylinder engine, measuring only 954 cm3, which had already been available in some South European countries from the early eighties. With this smaller engine, it was rated in a lower tax class. In countries where this was not necessary, the 11 E remained in the programme.
Visa GTi-115 ch

For 1987 the engine of the GTi was tuned up to 115 HP. With this engine, the GTi reached a slightly higher top speed of 192 km/h. External markings were the '115 ch' stickers on the front wings of the car.

Visa limited edition versions

Visa Carte Noire

The Carte Noire came on the market in April, 1979, and thus was the first limited edition Visa. It was based on the Super. The Carte Noire, of which 2500 examples were made, could be distinguished by its black paint with golden striping. Unlike some other special versions, it was also sold on some export markets.

Visa Sextant

The Sextant (produced 2000 times) was a second action model of the Visa. It was introduced, exclusively on the French market, in March, 1980. Typical was the colour scheme in white and blue. Technically it was identical to the Super.
Visa (II) Super E West End

In April 1982 a limited series of 1000 pieces appeared as the Visa II West End. Based on the Super E, it was equipped with leather upholstery, a sunroof, tinted glass and alloy wheels. Only available paint colour was rouge délage. The West End was continued in 1983 as Visa (without 'II') West End, but both were never sold outside France.
Visa Drapeau

The Visa Drapeau was a Britain only version, which could be had in both two cilinder or four cilinder specification. The colour scheme was like seen on the Chrono.
Visa Platinum

Another British version was the Platinum. It was marketed in 1982, based on the Super E, and had metallic grey paint, alloys, striping, coloured glass and some other extras.
Visa Champagne

The Visa Champagne was an action model for the British market, sold around 1983. It was a well equipped, with a sunroof, alloy wheels, tinted windows, and metallic champagne paint.
Visa 954 Reflex

The Reflex was a limited edition model for the Greek market, based on the 954 cm3 four cylinder model, which was only available in a small number of Mediterranean countries.
Visa Platine

The Platine was a special series of 2000 cars, introduced in September 1983. It was based on the 11 RE. Paint colour was dark grey metallic, which was applied to no other Visa ever. In the interior an exclusive, chequered cloth was used. Alloy wheels completed the Platine. The Platine was sold in France and in some export countries.
Visa GT Tonic

On the GT base in October 1983 the GT Tonic appeared. It had body modifications that had earlier been seen on the Chrono. The GT Tonic was produced 2000 times, and was sold in France and exported to some other countries.
Visa Bi-Campeão

The Bi-Campeão was another variation on the GT theme, produced in the same period as the GT Tonic. It was exclusively offered in Portugal, after the Visa GT scored well in group N of the Portugese national rally championship. Probably some 750 Bi-Campeãos were sold.

Visa GT Spirit 330

The GT Spirit 330 of January, 1984, was a warmed over Chrono, of which the Dutch importer ordered 400 pieces, but only sold 70. The remaining 330 cars were stripped of their colourful stickers, painted all white and fitted with a numbered plate on the dashboard, in which the name of the first owner was engraved.
Visa 14 TRS/17 RD Stilo

Around 1985 a special version of the 14 TRS and 17 RD could be had in Spain: the Stilo (photo © Maarten van den Eijnde).
Visa Challenger

The Challenger was a sporting limited edition model, based on the 11 E, but powered by the 1.4 engine of the GT. Only body colour you could get was white with red striping, in combination with a special black with red interior. Built in 3500 examples, from spring 1985.

Visa 14 S

In the Netherlands, the Challenger was called 14 S. A number of 300 was sold.
Visa Challenger

In Spain a different Challenger was offered. The Spanish version of the car was available in white or red, and could be had with the 1.1 petrol or the 1.7 diesel engine. The petrol version had the wheel covers also fitted on the Visa Olympique, the diesel had different ones.
Visa 11 E Leader

The Leader is likely to be the most well known limited series Visa. It was introduced in September 1985. It could be ordered with the 1.1 four cilinder engine, and in some countries with the 1.7 Diesel as well. The 11 E Leader was based on the 11 E. It was painted in gris perle, and had extras fitted like side strips, wheel covers, rear spoilers, head rests on the front chairs, and an attractive and durable interior of grey/red chequered cloth. A small number of Leaders were painted in light metallic blue, but these are nowadays very rare. The Leader became a big success, and Citroën was tempted to continue the series for the model year 1987. In the end, almost 12.000 Leaders left the factory gates.
Visa 17 D Leader

The diesel engined Leader was based on the 17 D, and had the same extras as the petrol version. It is much rarer than the 11 E Leader, and in many countries it was never officially offered (photo © Okke Groot).

Visa 17 D Crystal

In Germany, in 1987 a special version of the 17 D was offered, named Crystal. The Crystal could be recognised by light blue metallic paint, side strips and striping. The fitting of an optional radio was prepared. 1000 Crystals were sold.

Visa third party versions

Visa Junior

The Citroën concessionaire in Lomme (near Lille) marketed some used Visas, which were used by local driving schools, as the Visa Junior. It used body kit of the Visa Chrono
(source: http://aebergon.club.fr/Citroen/page_Citroen_Visa_Junior.htm).

Visa Versailles

The Versailles was a 11 RE (model 1985), tarted up by the English dealer Moto Baldet. Major attractions were the wheel covers (probably bought by the local Halfords), a Philips radio and 'Versailles'-striping. A sunroof could be had as an option.

Visa non production versions

Visa Break

Around 1980/1981, Citroën produced a asymmetrical prototype of a Visa Break. The detailing of the car already gave clues to the Visa II, which by then had not been presented to the public. After all, the break did not reach production: the necessary tooling - it was impossible to build it alongside the berline in one production line - was thought to be too expensive.
Visa Politecnic/Strakit/Lotus

In 1981, Citroën did the first efforts to make a competition car out of the Visa. Guy Verrier, the leader of Citroëns sport department, had a first Visa prototype prepared by the French constructor Politecnic. It had a midship engine of 2 litre. After that, two further prototypes were built: the Strakit and the Lotus (pictured) The Lotus featured a centrally fitted 2.2 litre Lotus engine. Sensational, but not very successful alltogether, so it remained a one off. Today it is part of Citroën's historical collection.

Visa Funny Car

In May 1982, the visa Funny Car was shown to the press on the racing circuit in Castelet. Power output of the turbine engine was 1500 bhp, top speed over 300 km/h.
Visa M/S/O/R5/D/K

In 1982/1983, Citroën asked several specialist constructors to build a mid engined rallying prototypes. The resulting cars, christened "M", "S", "O" and "R5", "D" and "K" (pictured), were all differently engined. The Visa M ultimately formed the base model for the Visa Mille Pistes production car. Today, the "D" and "K" still exist, and are included in Citroëns Conservatoire (photo © Martijn van Well).
Visa Bimoteur

In 1982/1983, Citroën built three twin engined prototypes of the Visa. The first was fitted with two tuned Chrono engines, one with 100 bhp (front), one with even 180 bhp (rear). Some time afterwards, a version with engines of the Trophée was developed. The third version had two engines of 1434 cm3.
Visa II Mercure

At the Paris motorshow in 1982, Heuliez presented the Mercure, based on the Visa.
Visa sixwheeler pick up

During the same Paris show, this bizarre Visa sixwheeler, developed in collaboration with the French magazine Chrome et flammes, was presented.
Visa Luxor

During the Paris salon de l'Automobile in the autumn of 1983, Citroën showed a series of one offs. One of them was this Visa Luxor, based on the Visa GT.

And further...

Wuling LZW 7100

From 1989 until 1995, circa 1300 examples of the Chinese Wuling were produced. The cars were made of 'left over' genuine Citroën parts. It was powered by a three cylinder Daihatsu engine.

 

The C15 had an interesting (and very long) model history as well. Click here for the full story.