Citroen BX I (Phase II, 1987) 16 TGI (88 Hp) CAT


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 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 (Phase II, 1987) Overview:

Citroen BX (I (Phase II, 1987)). With 128 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 965 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.6 s). The top speed reaches 174 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.

16 TGI (88 Hp) CAT Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate performance for daily driving, offering a smooth power delivery suitable for city and occasional highway use.

Fuel Economy

Moderate fuel consumption, slightly impacted by the catalytic converter but still competitive for its class.

Best Use Case: City / Mixed Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride comfort due to hydropneumatic suspension.
  • • Spacious and practical interior for a family car.
  • • Distinctive and aerodynamic design.
  • • Wide range of efficient diesel and potent petrol engines.
  • • Good value on the used market.

Cons:

  • • Hydropneumatic system can be complex and costly to maintain if neglected.
  • • Interior quality and ergonomics can feel dated compared to modern cars.
  • • Some lower-powered engines feel underpowered for highway use.
  • • Rust can be an issue on older models.
  • • Lack of modern safety features (common for its era).

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (Phase II, 1987): 1988 - 1989).

General:
Brand:Citroen
Model:BX
Generation:I (Phase II, 1987)
Modification (Engine):16 TGI (88 Hp) CAT
Start of production:1989
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:88 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:55.7 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:128 Nm @ 2700 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:XU5 M3/Z More details about the engine XU5 M3/Z
Engine displacement:1580
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:83 mm mm
Piston Stroke:73 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.6 sec
Maximum speed:174 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11 kg/Hp, 91.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.5 kg/Nm, 132.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:965
Max. weight:1430
Max load:465
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1455 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:445 l
Fuel tank capacity:52 l
Size:
Length:4237 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1682 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1361 mm mm [1mm 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]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size165/70 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionHydro-pneumatic element
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

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