Is it the sheer driveability? The great performance? The amazing economy? The outstanding features? The sleek and stylish good looks?

Or is it the irresistible combination of them all that makes it the perfect small car?

Certainly what is most striking about the AX is its amazing value for money.

Beneath those chic body lines and colour coded bumpers lies a very generous package of equipment that is not reflected in the modest price tag.

In fact, standard equipment on all models includes a security coded stereo radio/cassette, a 'lights-on' warning buzzer, rear wash/wipe, internally adjustable door mirrors and a front seatbelt locking system.

Inside, there's room to spare, too. The interior space is used brilliantly to provide generous headroom, legroom and elbow room and a very capacious 41.3 cu ft of storage space with the rear seats folded.

But what really sets the AX apart from its peers is its driveability. Superb performance, crisp acceleration and safe sure cornering make the Citro‘n AX an absolute pleasure to drive.

But the AX is also highly economical. No matter what the driving conditions or whether you're in a three or five door, petrol or diesel model, the AX's fuel consumption figures really are outstanding. The 1.5 litre diesel engine, for example, delivers a very impressive 78.5mpg at a constant 56mph, while the 1.0i petrol engine provides 60.1mpg at a constant 56mph.

Service intervals are lengthy, too, and servicing costs are amongst the lowest in the class. Whichever way you look at it, the Citro‘n AX represents outstanding value. And this extends to all models in the range.

The AX Debut comes in your choice of 3 or 5 door, petrol or diesel models, all with cloth upholstery, two-spoke solft-feel steering wheel and clock, and painted bumpers.

Its counterpart, the AX Memphis, also comes as 3 or 5 door petrol or a 5 door diesel model, all complete with body colour painted bumpers, tinted glass and glass sunroof. Inside you'll find central locking, electric front windows, velour upholstery and an integrated RDS stereo radio/cassette.

Whatever you're looking for in a small car, you'll find that the AX has been specifically designed to provide one of the best equipped cars in its class, one of the most economical to own and certainly one of the most enjoyable to drive.