Citroën ZX
| Company type | Compact family car |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën GSA |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Successor | Citroën Xsara |
Area served | Europe, China, New Zealand |
| Products | Compact family cars (hatchback and estate) |
Overview
The Citroën ZX is a compact family vehicle manufactured by the French automaker Citroën between 1991 and 1998. It represented Citroën's re-entry into the fiercely contested European C-segment, a market long dominated by the Ford Escort and Vauxhall/Opel Astra, following the cessation of the GSA production in 1986.
Designed to fill the void left by the Citroën BX, which had attempted to cover both small and large family car categories, the ZX’s chassis was later adapted in 1993 for use in the Peugeot 306, a model that enjoyed greater commercial success with styling influenced by the Peugeot 205. Furthermore, the front section of this platform supported the development of the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, while their rear portions were based on the Peugeot 405—a structural layout also applied to the Xsara Picasso.
The ZX was eventually replaced by the Citroën Xsara in September 1997; however, production for European markets continued through 1998.
China
The ZX holds the distinction of being Citroën’s inaugural model assembled in China. Alongside a sedan version known as the Citroën Elysée, the China-specific ZX variant called the Fukang remained in production for the Chinese market via Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile, a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Corporation.
Model History
After the successful introduction of the larger BX in 1982, PSA postponed developing a replacement for the GSA, which ended production in 1986. Work commenced on a new C-segment hatchback initially named Citroën FX, intended for release in the early 1990s.
The Rally Raid version of the ZX was unveiled in 1990, preceding its official launch on continental Europe’s left-hand drive markets on 16 March 1991; UK availability began in May with petrol engines first, followed by diesel variants later that year. The ZX entered the market ahead of the revamped Opel Astra/Vauxhall Astra, gaining an early sales advantage.
Annual sales projections targeted around 230,000 units, with about half aimed at export destinations.
In New Zealand, the ZX arrived in early 1993 as a five-door model available in 1.6 Aura or Turbodiesel trims; subsequently, naturally aspirated diesel and Volcane GTi (1.9) versions were added. Initially, low-octane unleaded petrol limited offerings to uncatalyzed variants.
The estate version of the ZX launched in January 1994 and went on sale by May, shortly followed by a mid-cycle refresh.
Production began in 1990, with the three-door Rally Raid variant winning the Paris-Dakar rally soon after its debut. Prototype models had been showcased earlier that year at Baja Aragon. The design featured aerodynamic drag coefficients ranging from Cds 0.30 to 0.33.
The ZX signified Citroën’s return to competing in the C-segment after discontinuing the GSA without an immediate successor due to BX’s strong performance. The BX was gradually phased out between 1990 and 1993, complemented by smaller ZX and larger Xantia models.
Industry reviewers commended the ZX for its spacious interior and value proposition, notably highlighting its innovative sliding rear bench that allowed adjustment between legroom and cargo capacity. Higher-end trims included fold-forward seat backs; lower variants maximized cargo space by folding up seat cushions.
Standard or optional equipment encompassed power steering, electric windows and sunroof, driver (and occasionally passenger) airbags, and ABS. The ZX was priced competitively against rivals such as the premium Mark III Volkswagen Golf Mk3, which debuted in August 1991.
The powertrains utilized PSA’s established front-wheel-drive configurations. Its chassis combined front MacPherson struts with anti-roll bars alongside a fully independent trailing arm/torsion bar rear suspension derived from the Peugeot 305 estate.
A notable engineering feature was passive rear-wheel steering achieved through specialized rear suspension bushes designed to promote understeer compliance. Although this system can deteriorate over time, it is straightforward to maintain. Rear shock absorbers were developed internally by Citroën engineers.
Certain wear concerns also affect rear axle trailing arm bearings and axle tubes, potentially leading to expensive repairs or axle replacement. Diesel and larger petrol engines were mounted tilted backward to position weight behind the front axle line, lowering the center of gravity and enhancing handling balance by mitigating understeer.
Models
When introduced, the ZX lineup consisted of four unique trim options: the entry-level "Reflex," aimed at younger consumers; the "Avantage," designed for families; the upscale "Aura"; and the sportier "Volcane," which featured lowered suspension. Notably, the "Volcane" TD was among the pioneering diesel-powered hot hatchbacks.
Later on, additional variants were introduced, such as the affordable yet dynamic "Furio," a 16-valve performance model, along with several limited editions.
The initial offering included three- and five-door hatchbacks, with a five-door estate version added in 1994. Engine choices spanned from 1.1 L to 2.0 L petrol options and incorporated three different 1.9 L diesel engines, including turbocharged diesel variants. The 1.1 L petrol engine was not available in the UK market.
| Model | Bodystyle | Engine | Displacement cc |
Fuel feed | Max power | Max torque | Transmission | Weight | Top speed | Acceleration 0–100 km/h |
Years built (EU) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS | kW | at rpm | Nm | lb·ft | at rpm | kg | lb | km/h | mph | ||||||||
| Petrol versions | |||||||||||||||||
| ZX 1.1 | hatchback | TU1 F2/K | 1,124 | Carburettor | 60 | 5800 | 91 | 3200 | 5MT | 931 | 155 | - | 1991-92 | ||||
| ZX 1.1i | TU1M/Z | EFI | 60 | 6200 | 87.5 | 3800 | 940 | 161 | - | 1993-97 | |||||||
| ZX 1.4 | TU3 F2/K | 1360 | Carburettor | 75 | 5800 | 116 | 3800 | 945 | 172 | 11.9 | 1991-92 | ||||||
| ZX 1.4i | Break | TU3JP | 75 | 5500 | 111 | 3400 | 1015 | 165 | 13.7 | 1994-97 | |||||||
| ZX 1.6i | hatchback | XU5 M3/Z | 1580 | EFI | 88 | 6400 | 132 | 3000 | 995 | 181 | 11.5 | 1991-92 | |||||
| ZX 1.6i Cat | 88 | 6000 | 128 | 3000 | 995/1070* | (177/172) | 13.1/12.0* | (1992-97/95-98) | |||||||||
| ZX 1.8i | (hatchback) | XU7JP | (1761) | EFI | (101) | (6000) | (153) | (3000) | (1008) | (188) | (11.3) | (1992-96) | |||||
| Break | (1090) | (180) | (11.1) | (1994-96) | |||||||||||||
| Automatique | (4AT) | (1048) | (176) | (13.6) | (1993-97) | ||||||||||||
| ZX 1.8 16v | (hatchback) | XU7JP4 | (110) | (5500) | (155) | (4250) | (1050) | (195) | (11.3) | (1996-97) | |||||||
| Break | (1093) | (193) | (9.6) | (1996-98) | |||||||||||||
| ZX 1.9i | (hatchback) | XU9JA | (1905) | EFI | (130) | (6000) | (161) | (4750) | (1055) | (205) | (9.4) | (1991-92) | |||||
| ZX 1.9i Cat | 122 | (6000) | 142 | (3800) | 1055 | (201) | (9.7) | (1992-94) | |||||||||
| ZX 1.9i Cat Automatique | 120 | (6000) | 150 | (3000) | 4AT | (1055) | (200) | (12.3) | (1993) | ||||||||
| ZX 2.0i | XU10J2C | (1998) | EFI | (121) | (5750) | (176) | (2750) | 1104 | (202) | (10.2) | (1992-94) | ||||||
| ZX 2.0 16v | XU10 J4D/Z/XU10 J4RS | 152/167 | (6500) | 182.5/193 | (3500/5500) | 1150/1170 | (220/219) | 9.4/8.5 | (1992-97) | ||||||||
| Diesel versions | |||||||||||||||||
| ZX 1.9 D | (hatchback) | XUD9/Z | (1905) | Indirect injection diesel | (64/68) | 4600 | (118/120) | 2000 | 1035/1090* | (161/167)/(158/160)* | (18.5/16.1)/(18.8/16.6)* | (1993-98) | |||||
| ZX 1.9 TD | (hatchback) | XUD9 TE/L | Turbodiesel with intercooler | (92) | 4000 | (196) | 2200 | 1102/1150* | (183/177)/(177)* | (12.0)/(12.5)* | (1993-98) | ||||||
- Weights and maximum speeds differ depending on whether the body is hatchback or estate form.
Sales and production
| Year | Global Production | Global Sales | Remarks |
| 2009 | 76,000 | 75,500 | |
| 2010 | 72,000 | 71,800 | |
| 2011 | 66,327 | 65,545 | Cumulative production totaled 2,526,363 units. |
| 2012 | 55,600 | 55,600 | Cumulative production reached 2,582,000 units. |
| 2013 | 55,100 | 55,900 | Cumulative production amounted to 2,637,100 units. |
| 2014 | 26,100 | ||
| 2015 | 3,900 |
Motorsport
This vehicle achieved four victories in the Paris-Dakar Rally: initially in 1991 piloted by Ari Vatanen, followed by three consecutive wins from 1994 through 1996 with Pierre Lartigue, accumulating a total of 59 stage triumphs.
Additionally, it secured five titles in the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, with Lartigue winning four championships between 1993 and 1996 and Vatanen capturing one in 1997.
In rallycross competition, the ZX 16V Turbo model driven by Kenneth Hansen (rallycross) earned two championships in the FIA European Rallycross Championship during the years 1994 and 1996.
The ZX Kit Car—a front-wheel-drive rally machine designed to F2 rally specifications—claimed the 1997 Spanish rally championship under the guidance of driver Jesús Puras.