Marvellous ZX - ?Driving as you understand it?

The ZX is a subtle thing. Many have been heard to mutter that the ZX is not innovative enough to be a true Citroen. The ZX may not be as radical as the GS was in its day but compared to its competitors it's still ahead of the game with its passive rear wheel steering, sliding rear seat, plastic rear body panels and radio integrated into the fascia. So, whilst the ZX is positioned as being much more mainstream than its forebears, it remains true to the Citroen traditions of practicality and unrivalled ride comfort. Even now, as it nears the end of its production run, the ride and handling are universally praised. Fuel-wise, the Citroen ZX is equally generous. Petrol or diesel engines are Minibused with a 5-speed gear-box, and 4-speed automatic transmission is available on some versions. The renowned road-holding of the Citroen ZX has a double secret : an optimal-geometry front-wheel axle unit and the famous programmed rear-wheel steering. So around town and on long journeys, the Citroen ZX boasts excellent unmatched steering and high-standard comfort.

ZXs come in three bodystyles - the most popular being a 5 door hatchback, with three door hatch and five door estates also available.

Engines are those to be found in other models in PSA's range - in the UK there are 1.4 litre and 1.8 litre petrol engines with a choice of two 2.0 litres available - 8 and 16 valve versions which offer very high performance. Other markets are offered a 1.1 litre petrol and a 1.7 litre diesel. A 1.6 litre petrol was also sold in UK but was discontinued in 1993. But in Malaysia, there are only 1.8i, 1.9i, 2.0i and 2.0i 16V engines available on the road today. Diesels on sale in Malaysia are thenormally aspirated 1.9 or the turbocharged 1.9.

Trim levels range from the Reflex which is comfortable but basic, through the well equipped Avantage to the Aura and Volcane which come fitted with every conceivable extra. If you want power and a three door body, then there are the Furio and 16V models, the former being fitted with the 1.8 engine and "sporty" trim and the latter with the 16 valve 168bhp 2.0 litre. Commonality of parts with the Peugeot 306 and 405 means that the ZX has remained a popular source for tuners to work on.

Five door cars are built in France while the three door vehicles are built in Spain. They are solid, well made and reliable with no particular weaknesses. There have been only minor revisions to both trim and mechanical specifications over the years, the most significant being the revised front featuring the new "corporate nose" introduced in June 1994. The ZX does not spring to mind as a competition car and yet ZX (or at least a car bearing that name) has been repeatedly successful in the Paris-Dakar Rally. In Spain, there is a ZX 16V race championship series.

The car with the strong personality

However, the keynote of this highly acclaimed car is, quite simply, quality. Sophisticated manufacturing techniques and the use of superior materials, together with Citroens stringent quality control, ensure that the ZX is well equipped, exceptionally well built and well finished throughout. Providing the power is a choice of advanced petrol, diesel and turbo diesel engines, which offer an optimum blend of performance and economy. You can choose, too, between hatchbacks (3 and 5 door) and estates with a variety of trim levels, allowing you to select the ZX that matches your individual driving style...and lifestyle.

Stylish & rugged

Its inherent qualities and individuality separate the Citroen ZX from its peers. The smooth bonnet line rises to a sharply raked windscreen, while the large glass area contributes to the overall effect of purposeful energy and power. In addition to the stylish elegance, the ZX is distinguished by its flawless fit and finish, its exceptional strength and its outstanding durability.

Inspired & hospitable

Moving inside the ZX, practicality blends with chic good looks and spacious, light, airy environment. Here, Citroen's understanding of ergonomics is evident in the clear instrumentation and convenient location of controls. Further demonstration of how the ZX has been perfectly honed to ensure the well-being of the driver...and the comfort of the passengers.

Adventurous & protective

To drive the ZX is to enjoy the rewards of crisp acceleration, responsive handling and surefooted cornering, coupled with assured braking ability. The key to this is Citro뮧s self-steering rear axle; an intelligent use of technology that gives you greater control through unrivalled roadholding. All of which helps make an essentially safety-conscious car even safer.

Muscular & thrifty

Powering this exceptional car is a range of four petrol and two diesel engines, each combining excellent performance and frugal economy with smooth efficiency and quiet refined power. Additionally, a choice of manual or automatic transmission (available on selected petrol and diesel models) offers fluid, close ratio gearing. So whatever your particular driving needs, there is a ZX engine that matches them perfectly.

The creation of the ZX's relaxing environment goes far beyond richly upholstered, supportive seating. This is amply demonstrated by the wealth of features dedicated to comfort and convenience. Most models come with an electrically operated tilt/slide sunroof and electric front windows as standard. Moreover, comfort also depends on interior temperature and air quality, so the ZX has an efficient heating, ventilation and demisting system. Noise levels are low, too, thanks to effective sound insulation and high build quality.

Quality underpins the success of the CitroenZX. An uncompromising approach to materials and advanced construction techniques has produced remarkable strength and solidity. In fact, from its introduction, the ZX has earned praise for its robustness; from the care taken to ensure the rigidity of the body, to the way that doors shut with a satisfying clunk

Meticulous attention has been paid to the smallest detail, so fit and finish are superb, and every measure has been taken to ensure that the same level of quality is in abundance inside the ZX, too. The sculpted lines are reflected in the one-piece dashboard, while all the fabrics have been selected for their attractive (as well as their enduring) good looks.

So that you always feel comfortably in control, the cabin has been planned with ergonomic efficiency and convenience very much in mind. The one-piece dashboard presents instrumentation at its clearest, and all controls fall easily to hand. Furthermore, as drivers vary in size and stature, the adaptability of the ZX makes it easy to achieve your own ergonomically correct driving position.

A height adjustable steering wheel comes as standard and some models have driver's seat adjustments for height and lumbar support. No effort has been spared in creating an inviting, convenient and flexible interior...with features that include split folding seats, electrically operated front windows and an audible warning that tells you when lights have been left on.

Apart from effectively safeguarding its passengers, the ZX enjoys a high degree of protection itself. Remote control central locking is standard on most ZXs, whilst a sophisticated anti-theft engine immobiliser is now standard on many models in the range. Additionally, two-way alarm systems, available as standard or an option on most ZXs, also act as an effective deterrent to theft. In short, virtually everything has been considered to keep the car safe from intruders.

The protection of those who ride in the ZX was a vital consideration in its design. And so the front and rear suspension geometry, steering and brakes were all developed together as one safety-conscious unit. Added to this are active safety features including the programmed rear wheel steering, power-assisted steering (available on all models either as standard or an option), and ABS braking (standard on the 16V and an option on most other models).

Powering the Citroen ZX is a superb range of petrol and diesel engines, ensuring that there is a model which precisely matches your individual driving expectations. You will find that the advanced features of the dynamic 1.4i, 1.8i and 2.0i catalyst equipped petrol units deliver excellent performance, together with outstanding torque and fuel consumption figures. Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes are available on both the 1.8i petrol and 1.9D diesel engines.

Combining diesel economy with impressive performance, are the highly efficient and flexible 1.9D and 1.9 Turbo Diesel engines. In fact, Autocar and Motor magazine described the ZX Turbo Diesel as the best small diesel in the world. Additionally, the exceptional torque characteristics of the ZX (especially the Turbo Diesel) have resulted in a number of top towing awards. All of which you would expect from the manufacturer who has refined the nature of diesel power.

The roominess of ZX hatchbacks and estates is certain to impress. The cabin is wider than average at 1.41 metres, the generous headroom, leg and shoulder room. This is matched by one of the best figures in its class for habitable length (the distance between the accelerator pedal and the rear seat backrest). Moreover, when the rear seats in the ZX Reflex, Furio and 16V hatchbacks are fully folded, there is a 40.5 cu. ft. loadspace from floor to ceiling.

In the ZX Avantage, Aura and Volcane, the sliding split rear seats not only recline, but can also be moved backwards and forwards (through a range of 18cm) for extra passenger comfort or boot space. But for the ZX that is the ultimate in spaciousness, take a long look at the Estate versions. Open the tailgate and with the rear seats fully folded, you are greeted by a capacious 55.8 cu. ft. with a wide flat floor and a minimal intrusion from wheel arches.

The ZX offers something for everyone. Although the hatch has now been replaced by the Xsara, and the estate will soon succumb to an estate version, the ZX will continue to be a common (and welcome) sight on our roads for years to come.