Citroen ZX Break (N2, Phase I) 1.6 MPI (88 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Citroen ZX:

The Citroën ZX is a small family car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën between 1991 and 1998.
At the beginning of the 1990s, the ZX was Citroën's entry in the class traditionally dominated in Europe by the Ford Escort and Vauxhall/Opel Astra, a market segment Citroën had briefly abandoned with the demise of the GSA in 1986.
The BX had tried to address the small family car market and the large family car market by being "between sizes" but well packaged. For 1993, the Citroën ZX chassis was also used for the Peugeot 306 which, with its attractive Peugeot 205 derived styling, was an even more successful car than its twin. The Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner were also built on the front half of the same platform, the rear coming from the 405, an arrangement shared underneath the Xsara Picasso....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Break (N2, Phase I) Overview:

Citroen ZX (Break (N2, Phase I)). With 132 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.7 l/100km). Weighing only 1070 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 172 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.

1.6 MPI (88 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers adequate performance for most situations, providing a reasonable balance of power and responsiveness for a family estate.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel consumption for a petrol engine of its size and power, making it a sensible choice for mixed driving.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and practical estate body style with large boot capacity.
  • • Comfortable ride, especially with the hydro-pneumatic rear suspension.
  • • Good fuel economy from the diesel engines, particularly the 1.9 TD.
  • • Generally robust and reliable for its era, with simple mechanics.
  • • Affordable to buy and maintain on the used market.

Cons:

  • • Dated interior design and materials, lacking modern amenities.
  • • Many engine options are underpowered, especially the naturally aspirated diesels and smaller petrols.
  • • No modern safety features or Euro NCAP rating.
  • • Some models can suffer from electrical gremlins as they age.
  • • Styling is functional rather than exciting.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((N2, Phase II) 3-door: July, 1994 - 1997).

General:
Brand:Citroen
Model:ZX
Generation:Break (N2, Phase I)
Modification (Engine):1.6 MPI (88 Hp)
Start of production:November, 1993
End of production:1994
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 [189mm more]
Torque:132 Nm @ 2600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:BFZ XU5JP/LZ More details about the engine BFZ XU5JP/LZ
Engine displacement:1580
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
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:4.75 l
Coolant:7.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:83 mm mm
Piston Stroke:73 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.95:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12 sec
Maximum speed:172 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:12.2 kg/Hp, 82.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.1 kg/Nm, 123.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1070
Max. weight:1590
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1580 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:488 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1000 kg
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:535 kg
Permitted towbar download:40 kg
Size:
Length:4260 mm mm [189mm more]
Width:1702 mm mm [14mm more]
Height:1451 mm mm [52mm more]
Wheelbase:2540 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1422 mm
Rear (Back) track:1415 mm
Front overhang:849 mm
Rear overhang:871 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/65 R14
Wheel rims size5.5J x 14
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Wishbone
Rear suspensionHydro-pneumatic element, Trailing arm

Behind the wheel of the Citroen ZX. How does it handle on the road?