Citroën Dyane

Manufacturer	Citroën
Parent company	PSA Group (from 1976)
Production	1967—1983
Predecessor	None
Successor	Citroën Visa Citroën Axel
Class	Supermini
Body style(s)	5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Engine(s)	435 cc Flat-2 602 cc Flat-2
Wheelbase	94.5 in (2400 mm)[1]
Length	153.5 in (3899 mm)[1]
Width	59 in (1499 mm)[1]
Curb weight	1,310 lb (594 kg)[1] (approx)
Fuel capacity	25 L (6.6 US gal; 5.5 imp gal)[2]
Related	Citroën 2CV

The Citroën Dyane is a supermini produced by the French automaker Citroën from 1967 to 1983. It was based on the Citroën 2CV, and 1.4 million Dyanes were produced. The Dyane spawned a panel van version called the Acadiane.

[edit] Market context

The Dyane was Citroën's answer to the increasingly popular Renault 4, which after its introduction in 1961 had caused a decline in 2CV sales. Like the Renault 4, the Dyane was designed from the outset as a hatchback with some other styling differences, such as conventional round headlamps set into the front wings with a squared enjoliveur – as opposed to the old-fashioned separate units found on the 2CV – and chromed wheel embellishments as standard. It is often believed that the Dyane was intended to replace the 2CV, but it was pitched higher in the Citroën range – between the 2CV and the Ami – and attracted a different clientèle seeking the versatility offered by the Dyane's hatchback.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Panhard connections

At the time of the Dyane's development, the Citroën design department was busy on updates of the key DS and Ami models: design of the Dyane was therefore initially subcontracted to the Panhard design department, Panhard's non-military business having in 1965 been absorbed into Citroën's car business. The Panhard team under Louis Bioner produced a proposal that proved controversial with management: the car was significantly reworked ahead of launch. The Dyane's Panhard associations are also reflected in its name, Panhard having registered a copyright on the name Dyane along with Dyna, Dynavia and Dynamic.

[edit] Engine and running gear

As with the 2CV, the engine was air-cooled and initially only the same 425 cc engine was offered; later versions gained a choice between the new 435 and 602 cc engines, the 602 featured higher compression pistons and forced induction from the engine fan giving more power than the 2CV.

The Dyane was also available with the "trafficlutch" - a centrifugal clutch which helped avoid stalling whilst in slow moving traffic.

[edit] UK press reaction

Citroen Dyane 6 1981

In the UK, a Citroen Dyane 6 tested by the British "The Motor" magazine in July 1969 had a top speed of 68.6 mph (110.4 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 30.8 seconds. An overall fuel consumption of 36.0 miles per imperial gallon (7.85 L/100 km; 30.0 mpg_-US) was recorded, although when driven gently the Dyane managed a class leading 51.0 miles per imperial gallon (5.54 L/100 km; 42.5 mpg_-US). The test car was priced by Citroen in the UK at £648 including taxes, the same price that BMC were sticking on their Mini 1000 Super. The car was commended for its versatility, spaciousness and comfort as well as for unexpectedly good road holding and fuel economy ‘when not driven hard’. Acceleration and top speed fell short of the class average, however. Apart from the Mini, UK market competitors identified by the journal included the Hillman Imp and the Reliant Rebel as well as the (at the time very popular ) Renault 4^[3]

[edit] Iranian manufacture

The Dyane was also built in Iran from 1968 to 1973, where it was called the Jyane - a translation meaning lion. Unique van and pick-up versions were also constructed here.

[edit] External links

The first Dyanes came without any window in the C pillar

• Citroën World: Dyane/Acadiane links
• P CITROËN DYANE
• Dyane modelcars
• 2CV (&Dyane) district CitCity
• Dyane at Citroenet
• A Car - A Song with the Dyane

[edit] Sources and further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Citroën Dyane