Citroën GS

Citroën GS/GSA
Citroën GS
Overview
ManufacturerCitroën
Also calledCitroën GSX
Production1970–1986
AssemblyFrance: Rennes (Rennes plant)
Chile: Arica
Indonesia: Jakarta (Gaya Motor)
Mozambique
Portugal: Mangualde (Mangualde plant)
Spain: Vigo (Vigo plant)
South Africa: Port Elizabeth
Thailand: Bangkok
Yugoslavia: Koper (Cimos)
Zimbabwe: Mutare
DesignerRobert Opron
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car (C)
Body style4-door fastback
5-door hatchback
5-door estate
3-door van
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1,015 cc air-cooled H4
  • 1,129 cc air-cooled H4
  • 1,222 cc air-cooled H4
  • 1,299 cc air-cooled H4
  • 995 cc twin-rotor
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,550 mm (100.4 in)
Length4,120–4,180 mm (162.2–164.6 in)
Width1,600–1,620 mm (63.0–63.8 in)
Height1,350 mm (53.1 in)
Curb weight900 kg (1,984 lb) (saloon)
950 kg (2,094 lb) (hatchback)
925 kg (2,039 lb) (3-door van)
(all weights approximate)
Chronology
SuccessorCitroën BX and Citroën ZX

The Citroën GS is a small family car manufactured and marketed by Citroën from 1970 to 1986 across two series. From 1970 to 1979 it was built as a fastback four-door saloon car and as a five-door estate car. A revised version, the GSA, was produced from late 1979 until 1986 in five-door hatchback or estate body styles – the latter after a facelift. Combined production reached approximately 2.5 million. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and has seating for five passengers.

Noted for its aerodynamic body shape with a drag coefficient of 0.318, fully independent hydro-pneumatic brakes and self-levelling suspension, and air-cooled flat-four engine, the GS was styled by Robert Opron, with a low nose, a two-box silhouette, semi-enclosed rear wheels and a sharply vertical Kamm-tail.

When the GS was named the European Car of the Year for 1971, the design was noted as technologically advanced, with class leading comfort, safety and aerodynamics.