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Citroen BX I Break (Phase I, 1986) 16 RS (88 Hp)
Overall Rating
Citroen BX:
The Citroën BX is a large family car which was produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1982 to 1994. In total, 2,315,739 BXs were built during its 12-year history. The hatchback was discontinued in 1993 with the arrival of the Xantia, but the estate continued for another year. The BX was designed to be lightweight, using particularly few body parts, including many made from plastics.
The Citroën BX was announced in June 1982, but its commercial life really only began in the Autumn of that year, with a Paris presentation on 2 October 1982 under the Eiffel Tower. The BX was designed to replace the successful small family car Citroën GS/GSA that was launched in 1970, with a larger vehicle. The French advertising campaign used the slogan "J'aime, j'aime, j'aime" showing the car accompanied by music written specially by Julien Clerc. The British advertising campaign used the slogan "Loves Driving, Hates Garages", reflecting the effort of Citroën to promote the reduced maintenance costs of the BX, over the higher than average maintenance costs of the technologically advanced GS/GSA; while still performing in the Citroën style on the road....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Break (Phase I, 1986) Overview:
Citroen BX (I Break (Phase I, 1986)). With 127 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 996 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12 s). The top speed reaches 168 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
16 RS (88 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very similar to the 90 Hp variant, this engine provides smooth and adequate power for general driving, a solid all-rounder.
Fuel Economy
Offers a good balance of performance and expected fuel economy, suitable for everyday use without excessive running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort due to hydropneumatic suspension
- • Spacious and practical estate body with large boot capacity
- • Distinctive, aerodynamic design for its era
- • Good value on the used market
- • Engaging and unique driving experience
Cons:
- • Complexity of hydropneumatic system can lead to costly maintenance
- • Some engines are underpowered for modern traffic
- • Interior design is dated and materials can feel basic
- • Potential for rust on older models
- • Steering can feel vague to some drivers
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (Phase I, 1982): 1984 - 1986).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Citroen |
| Model: | BX |
| Generation: | I Break (Phase I, 1986) |
| Modification (Engine): | 16 RS (88 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1985 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 88 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 55.7 Hp/l [169mm more] |
| Torque: | 127 Nm @ 3250 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1580 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 73 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 168 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 127.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 996 |
| Max. weight: | 1540 |
| Max load: | 544 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1803 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 512 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 52 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4399 mm mm [169mm more] |
| Width: | 1660 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1431 mm mm [73mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2655 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1420 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1354 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.9 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 165/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
Behind the wheel of the Citroen BX. How does it handle on the road?