Citroën GS

Citroën GS/GSA
Citroën GS
Overview
ManufacturerCitroën
Also calledCitroën GSX
Production1970–1986
AssemblyRennes, France (Chartres-de-Bretagne quarter)
Arica, Chile
Jakarta, Indonesia (Gaya Motor)
Mozambique
Mangualde, Portugal
Vigo, Spain
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Bangkok, Thailand
Koper, Yugoslavia (Cimos)
Mutare, Zimbabwe
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 front-engine, front-drive, four or five door, five passenger family car manufactured and marketed by Citroën in two series: for model years 1970–1979 in fastback saloon and estate bodystyles and subsequently as the GSA for model years 1980–1986 in hatchback and estate body styles the latter after a facelift. Combined production reached approximately 2.5 million.

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.