Citroen ZX Break (N2, Phase I) 1.9 D (71 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Citroen ZX:

The Citroën ZX is a small family car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën between 1991 and 1998.
At the beginning of the 1990s, the ZX was Citroën's entry in the class traditionally dominated in Europe by the Ford Escort and Vauxhall/Opel Astra, a market segment Citroën had briefly abandoned with the demise of the GSA in 1986.
The BX had tried to address the small family car market and the large family car market by being "between sizes" but well packaged. For 1993, the Citroën ZX chassis was also used for the Peugeot 306 which, with its attractive Peugeot 205 derived styling, was an even more successful car than its twin. The Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner were also built on the front half of the same platform, the rear coming from the 405, an arrangement shared underneath the Xsara Picasso....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Break (N2, Phase I) Overview:

Citroen ZX (Break (N2, Phase I)). With 125 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.7 l/100km). Weighing only 1090 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16 s). The top speed reaches 161 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.

1.9 D (71 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Very sluggish acceleration, particularly with a full load; best suited for relaxed driving and not ideal for frequent highway use or quick overtakes.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel economy, typical for a naturally aspirated diesel, but not class-leading. Its efficiency is a trade-off for its limited power.

Best Use Case: City / Economical Commute

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and practical estate body style with large boot capacity.
  • • Comfortable ride, especially with the hydro-pneumatic rear suspension.
  • • Good fuel economy from the diesel engines, particularly the 1.9 TD.
  • • Generally robust and reliable for its era, with simple mechanics.
  • • Affordable to buy and maintain on the used market.

Cons:

  • • Dated interior design and materials, lacking modern amenities.
  • • Many engine options are underpowered, especially the naturally aspirated diesels and smaller petrols.
  • • No modern safety features or Euro NCAP rating.
  • • Some models can suffer from electrical gremlins as they age.
  • • Styling is functional rather than exciting.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Break (N2, Phase II): July, 1994 - 1997).

General:
Brand:Citroen
Model:ZX
Generation:Break (N2, Phase I)
Modification (Engine):1.9 D (71 Hp)
Start of production:November, 1993
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:71 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:37.3 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:125 Nm @ 2000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:D9B XUD9A/L More details about the engine D9B XUD9A/L
Engine displacement:1905
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:83 mm
Piston Stroke:88 mm
Compression ratio:23:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:6.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:16 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:16 sec
Maximum speed:161 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.4 kg/Hp, 65.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.7 kg/Nm, 114.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:15.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1090
Max. weight:1630
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:540
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1580 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:488 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1000 kg
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:545 kg
Permitted towbar download:40 kg
Size:
Length:4260 mm [Same length.]
Width:1702 mm [3mm less]
Height:1451 mm [6mm less]
Wheelbase:2540 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front overhang:849 mm
Rear overhang:871 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.5 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 brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/65 R14
Wheel rims size5.5J x 14
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Wishbone
Rear suspensionHydro-pneumatic element, Trailing arm

What’s the best feature of the Citroen ZX? Tell us in the comments!