Citroën Dyane

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Citroën Dyane
Citroën Dyane 6
Manufacturer Citroën
Parent company PSA Group (from 1976)
Production 1967—1983
Predecessor None
Successor Citroën Visa
Class Supermini
Body style(s) 5-door hatchback
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 435 cc Flat-2
602 cc Flat-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.

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.

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.

As with the 2CV, the engine was air-cooled though with a slightly larger displacement of 435 cc; later versions gained the 602 cc engine, with higher compression pistons and forced induction from the engine fan giving more power than the 2CV. 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]

The first Dyanes came without any window in the C pillar
The first Dyanes came without any window in the C pillar


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Automobiles Citroën a subsidiary of the PSA Peugeot Citroën since 1976, car timeline, 1950s–1980s — next »
Type 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Economy car 2CV
City car LN / LNA AX
Supermini Dyane
Ami Visa
Small family car GS GSA
Large family car 11 CV ID / DSpécial / DSuper BX
Executive car 15 CV DS CX
Grand tourer SM
Off-roader Méhari