Citroen BX I Break (Phase II, 1987) 1.8 TRD Turbo (90 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Citroen BX:

The Citroën BX is a large family car which was produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1982 to 1994. In total, 2,315,739 BXs were built during its 12-year history. The hatchback was discontinued in 1993 with the arrival of the Xantia, but the estate continued for another year. The BX was designed to be lightweight, using particularly few body parts, including many made from plastics.
The Citroën BX was announced in June 1982, but its commercial life really only began in the Autumn of that year, with a Paris presentation on 2 October 1982 under the Eiffel Tower. The BX was designed to replace the successful small family car Citroën GS/GSA that was launched in 1970, with a larger vehicle. The French advertising campaign used the slogan "J'aime, j'aime, j'aime" showing the car accompanied by music written specially by Julien Clerc. The British advertising campaign used the slogan "Loves Driving, Hates Garages", reflecting the effort of Citroën to promote the reduced maintenance costs of the BX, over the higher than average maintenance costs of the technologically advanced GS/GSA; while still performing in the Citroën style on the road....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Break (Phase II, 1987) Overview:

Citroen BX (I Break (Phase II, 1987)). With 180 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1075 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.1 s). The top speed reaches 174 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8 TRD Turbo (90 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A strong performer for a diesel of its time, offering robust torque and decent acceleration for highway cruising.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy for a turbo-diesel estate, making it a very economical long-distance runner.

Best Use Case: Highway / Long-distance

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride comfort due to hydropneumatic suspension
  • • Spacious and practical station wagon body style
  • • Distinctive and aerodynamic design for its era
  • • Good fuel economy on turbo-diesel variants
  • • Versatile interior with large boot capacity

Cons:

  • • Dated passive safety features (predates modern standards)
  • • Some engines can feel underpowered (especially non-turbo diesels)
  • • Hydropneumatic system requires specialized maintenance
  • • Interior design and materials are typical of the late 80s
  • • Potential for electrical issues in older models

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (Phase II, 1987): 1987 - 1989).

General:
Brand:Citroen
Model:BX
Generation:I Break (Phase II, 1987)
Modification (Engine):1.8 TRD Turbo (90 Hp)
Start of production:1988
End of production:1989
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:90 Hp @ 4300 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:50.9 Hp/l [162mm more]
Torque:180 Nm @ 2100 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:XUD7 TE More details about the engine XUD7 TE
Engine displacement:1769
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:80 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88 mm mm
Compression ratio:22:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:6.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.1 sec
Maximum speed:174 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.9 kg/Hp, 83.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6 kg/Nm, 167.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1075
Max. weight:1620
Max load:545
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1803 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:512 l
Fuel tank capacity:66 l
Size:
Length:4399 mm mm [162mm more]
Width:1682 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1431 mm mm [71mm more]
Wheelbase:2655 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1420 mm
Rear (Back) track:1364 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [above average]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size165/70 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionHydro-pneumatic element
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

Behind the wheel of the Citroen BX. How does it handle on the road?