Citroen ZX (N2, Phase I) 5-door 1.6 i (88 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 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)

(N2, Phase I) 5-door Overview:

Citroen ZX ((N2, Phase I) 5-door). With 132 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.3 l/100km). Weighing only 995 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.8 s). The top speed reaches 181 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.

1.6 i (88 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A lively and capable engine, providing good acceleration and sufficient power for both city and highway driving, a strong all-rounder.

Fuel Economy

Reasonable fuel economy for its power output, making it a balanced choice for those seeking more performance without excessive consumption.

Best Use Case: Mixed / Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Comfortable ride quality, especially with hydro-pneumatic rear suspension.
  • • Spacious and practical interior for its class.
  • • Wide range of efficient diesel and capable petrol engines.
  • • Good handling for a family hatchback.
  • • Robust and reliable mechanicals (for well-maintained examples).

Cons:

  • • Basic safety features by modern standards (pre-Euro NCAP).
  • • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered.
  • • Interior plastics can feel dated and prone to wear.
  • • Some parts may be harder to source now due to age.
  • • Design is functional rather than exciting.

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Citroen
Model:ZX
Generation:(N2, Phase I) 5-door
Modification (Engine):1.6 i (88 Hp)
Start of production:1991
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:88 Hp @ 6400 rpm.
Power per litre:55.7 Hp/l
Torque:132 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:BDY XU5M3 L/Z
Engine displacement:1580
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Single-point 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
Piston Stroke:73 mm
Compression ratio:8.95:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.8 sec
Maximum speed:181 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.3 kg/Hp, 88.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.5 kg/Nm, 132.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:995
Max. weight:1540
Max load:545
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:926 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:343 l
Fuel tank capacity:56 l
Size:
Length:4071 mm
Width:1702 mm
Height:1404 mm
Wheelbase:2540 mm
Front track:1440 mm
Rear (Back) track:1430 mm
Front overhang:849 mm
Rear overhang:682 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.1 m
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
Rear brakesDrum
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

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Citroen ZX?