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Citroen BX I (Phase II, 1987) 19 GTi (120 Hp) CAT
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 (Phase II, 1987) Overview:
Citroen BX (I (Phase II, 1987)). With 150 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1020 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.9 s). The top speed reaches 196 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
19 GTi (120 Hp) CAT Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A lively and engaging engine, providing strong acceleration and a sporty feel. The CAT version offers a slightly cleaner but still potent experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is on the higher side, typical for a performance-oriented petrol engine, especially when driven hard.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort due to hydropneumatic suspension.
- • Spacious and practical interior for a family car.
- • Distinctive and aerodynamic design.
- • Wide range of efficient diesel and potent petrol engines.
- • Good value on the used market.
Cons:
- • Hydropneumatic system can be complex and costly to maintain if neglected.
- • Interior quality and ergonomics can feel dated compared to modern cars.
- • Some lower-powered engines feel underpowered for highway use.
- • Rust can be an issue on older models.
- • Lack of modern safety features (common for its era).
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (Phase II, 1987): 1989 - 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Citroen |
| Model: | BX |
| Generation: | I (Phase II, 1987) |
| Modification (Engine): | 19 GTi (120 Hp) CAT |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 120 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 150 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | XU9 J2, D6A More details about the engine XU9 J2, D6A |
| Engine displacement: | 1905 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| 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: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 196 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.5 kg/Hp, 117.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 147.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1020 |
| Max. weight: | 1515 |
| Max load: | 495 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1455 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 445 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 66 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4237 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1682 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1361 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2655 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1380 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 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] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
Does the Citroen BX live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!