Citroën ZX

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Citroën ZX
1997 Citroën ZX
Manufacturer: Citroën
Production: 1991-1998
Predecessor: Citroën GS (1970-1984)
Successor: Citroën Xsara
Class: Small family car
Related: Citroën Elysée
Peugeot 306

The Citroën ZX is a small family car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën between 1991 and 1998.

During the 1990s, the ZX was Citroën's competitor in the class, traditionally dominated in Europe by the Ford Escort and Volkswagen Golf, a market segment Citroën had moved away from when the GSA was replaced with the BX ten years earlier. The Citroën ZX chassis was also used for the Peugeot 306 in 1993, which was a more successful car than its twin. European production and sales of the ZX ceased in 1998 with the arrival of the replacement Citroën Xsara.

A notchback derivative called the Citroën Elysée continued to be produced for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile, a joint venture with the PSA Group.

Contents

[edit] Overview

The ZX's interior space and value received praise from critics and consumers. Of particular note was the rear seat arrangement; it was mounted on a sliding platform that allowed the seat to be moved rearwards to increase rear legroom, or forwards to increase cargo space. ZX specification was good for its class, with most models getting power steering, electric windows, electric sunroof, a driver's side (and sometimes passenger's side) airbag and anti-lock braking system as either optional or standard equipment.

However, the ZX was criticised for the lack of quality feel, particularly in the interior plastics and body panels, in comparison with rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf. Although the diesel engines were very durable (with many examples clocking up 400,000 kilometers with only routine servicing) the gasoline engines did receive some criticism for their unreliability. The ZX's styling was also disliked by many Citroën enthusiasts, who saw it as far too conservative and bland from a company previously known for its bold and advanced design (DS, CX, BX, XM).

[edit] Trim levels

At the time of its launch, the ZX range consisted of a collection of four very individual trim levels - the base model was the "Reflex" aimed at young people, next was the "Avantage" aimed at families and then there was the luxury "Aura" series. The final series was the sporting "Volcane" series. Over time, further models were introduced including the "Furio" - a cheaper sports model, a 16-valve-engined high performance derivative and many special editions.

[edit] Engines

The ZX was initially available as a three or five-door hatchback, while a five-door station wagon was added to the range in 1993. It was offered with 1.1 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L, 1.9  L and 2.0 L petrol engines, as well as two 1.9 L diesel engines including a highly rated turbodiesel, which was one of the best diesel engines in its class when compared with lumbering older Vauxhall and Ford diesels. Although the 1.9 L and 2.0 L gasoline engines gave strong performance matched to a finely tuned chassis to give good handling, the real star of the range was always the diesel.

  • 1.4 L (1360 cc) TU3 I4, 75 PS (74 hp/55 kW), 89 ft·lbf (121 N·m)
  • 1.6 L (1587 cc) TU5 I4, 90 PS (88 hp/66 kW), 99 ft·lbf (135 N·m)
  • 1.8 L (1761 cc) XU7 I4, 103 PS (101 hp/75 kW), 113 ft·lbf (153 N·m)
  • 1.8 L (1761 cc) XU7 I4, 112 PS (110 hp/82 kW), 114 ft·lbf (155 N·m)
  • 1.9 L (1905 cc) XUD9 diesel I4, 65 PS (64 hp/47 kW), 88 ft·lbf (120 N·m)
  • 1.9 L (1905 cc) XUD9 diesel I4, 90 PS (88 hp/66 kW), 144 ft·lbf (196 N·m)
  • 1.9 L (1905 cc) XU9 I4, 122 PS (120 hp/89 kW), 110 ft·lbf (150 N·m)
  • 2.0 L (1998 cc) XU10 I4, 123 PS (121 hp/90 kW), 129 ft·lbf (176 N·m)
  • 2.0 L (1998 cc) XU10 I4, 150 PS (147 hp/110 kW), 135 ft·lbf (183 N·m)

[edit] External links

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<- Previous Citroën car timeline, 1980s-present - [edit]
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s
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
Off-roader Méhari
City car LN LNA AX C1
Supermini C2
Visa Saxo C3
Small family car GSA ZX Xsara C4
Large family car BX Xantia C5
Executive car CX XM C6
Leisure activity vehicle Berlingo
Compact MPV Xsara Picasso C4 Picasso
Large MPV Evasion C8
Crossover C-Crosser