Citroen ZX (1991 - 1998) : SMART and SENSIBLE
Thursday October 19
Models Covered: ZX 3/5 DOOR HATCHBACK - 1991- NOVEMBER 1997ZX ESTATE MARCH 1994-APRIL 1998: (1.4 3 and 5dr Hatchback, Estate [Reflex, Avantage, Aura, Leader, SX] / 1.6i 5dr Hatchback [Avantage, Aura] / 1.8i 3 and 5dr Hatchback [Furio, Aura, SX] / 1.9i 5dr Hatchback [Volcane] / 2.0i 3 and 5dr Hatchback [Volcane, 16v]/ 1.9 D 3and 5dr Hatchback, Estate [Reflex, Avantage, Aura, Leader] / 1.9TD 3 and 5dr Hatchback, Estate [Avantage, Aura, Volcane, Leader, SX])
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
It seems hard to imagine the Citroen family without an Escort-sized car, but the truth is that until 1991, the French concern didn't have one. The ZX changed all that and was an instant success in Britain. It heralded a new era of well-built, quality Citroen hatches; the larger Xantia and ultimately the latest Saxo have followed that tradition. Now, ZXs are plentiful on the used market and are a solid buy.
From a driver's point of view, this was one of the best-handling compact family hatches around in its day. It may be no oil painting to look at, but the ZX is practical and well built. Also, due to that conventionally sprung suspension, there are none of the traditional Citroen worries about complicated mechanics and astronomical service bills. It still rides well though.
Prices start very low for an early ZX but the sensible buying is to be had amongst the later models. A 1997 P-registered car would cost around £900, with 98R-registered models starting at about £1,100. These prices are for three-doors; subtract about £50 from those values for the five-door 1.4-litre equivalents.
Plusher Avantage cars are worth a premium of about £150, with flagship Aura models worth a premium of about £300, model for model. As for diesels, well they're sought after on the used market - and with good reason. Prices start at under £800 for the early normally aspirated 1.9-litre 1993K five-door models in entry-level Reflex form. A more typical P-registered car would retail at around £1,000.
Avoid basic Reflex spec cars. If you can stretch to a model made from 1994 onwards, you can expect a driver's airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioners. Search out cars with power steering - the standard system is very heavy. Check the single windscreen wiper and all electrics, including the central locking and windows. Beware of blown head gaskets.
(Approx, based on a 1990 ZX 1.9 Turbo Diesel [non ABS] excl VAT) A clutch assembly is around £150, a full exhaust system excluding the catalyst can be up to £350. Front and rear brakepads are close to £50 and an alternator is about £100 (exchange). Starter motors retail at close to £180, a radiator is about £125 (exchange), and a headlamp about £70.
Extremely good to drive, despite the absence of the air suspension system found in larger Citroens. You find yourself relishing country B roads, despite the car's humble pretensions. The passive rear wheel steering helps here. There's fuel economy to consider too; the diesel returns between 40 and 60mpg.
French sense - particularly if you opt for the diesels.
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