ZX

Citroën ZX Details

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

The ZX was Citroën's competitor in the class, traditionally dominated in Europe by the Ford Escort and Volkswagen Golf, a market which Citroën had not previously entered into. The ZX was available as a three or five-door hatchback (a four-door station wagon was added to the range in 1993) with 1.1 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L, 1.9 L and 2.0 L gasoline engines as well as two 1.9 L diesel engines. Unusually, the diesel version was only available with an automatic transmission. 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. At the time of its launch, the ZX range consisted of a collection of 4 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.

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 antilock brakes 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 1/4 million miles 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 idiosyncratic design (DS, CX, BX, XM).

The Citroën ZX chassis was also used for the Peugeot 306 in 1993, and ironically the 306 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. However, a close 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.


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

(Info from: Wikipedia) (edit this text)