Citroen ZX (N2, Phase I) 5-door 1.6 i (88 Hp) Automatic
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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 128 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1030 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16.7 s). The top speed reaches 171 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.
Performance Verdict
The automatic transmission blunts the 88 Hp engine's potential, resulting in adequate but uninspiring acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is notably higher than manual counterparts, a trade-off for convenience.
Best Use Case:
City / Urban 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) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1991 |
| End of production: | 1993 |
| 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: | 128 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: | 8 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: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 16.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 16.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 171 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.7 kg/Hp, 85.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8 kg/Nm, 124.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 15.9 sec |
| Space: |
| Kerb Weight: | 1030 |
| Max. weight: | 1540 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 510 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 926 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 343 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 56 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 500 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: |
| Length: | 4071 mm |
| Width: | 1702 mm |
| Height: | 1404 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2540 mm |
| Front track: | 1422 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1415 mm |
| Front overhang: | 849 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 682 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.1 m |
| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 4 |
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| Transmission type | Automatic |
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| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
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| Rear brakes | Drum |
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| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
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| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
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| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
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| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
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| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Wishbone |
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| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element, Trailing arm |
Behind the wheel of the Citroen ZX. How does it handle on the road?