Citroen ZX (N2, Phase I) 3-door Volcane 2.0 i 16V (121 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 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)

(N2, Phase I) 3-door Overview:

Citroen ZX ((N2, Phase I) 3-door). With 176 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1060 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.4 s). The top speed reaches 220 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.

Volcane 2.0 i 16V (121 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A spirited engine offering good acceleration and a more engaging driving experience than the base models.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is acceptable for a performance-oriented engine of its time, though not its strong suit.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast Driving / Mixed Use

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Comfortable ride quality
  • • Spacious interior for its class
  • • Economical diesel options
  • • Good handling (especially Volcane models)
  • • Practical hatchback design

Cons:

  • • Dated safety features
  • • Some engines lack power
  • • Interior plastics can feel cheap
  • • Rust can be an issue on older models
  • • Limited availability of parts for specific trims

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((N2, Phase I) 5-door: 1991 - 1992).

General:
Brand:Citroen
Model:ZX
Generation:(N2, Phase I) 3-door
Modification (Engine):Volcane 2.0 i 16V (121 Hp)
Start of production:1992
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:121 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:60.6 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:176 Nm @ 2750 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:RFX XU10J2CL/Z More details about the engine RFX XU10J2CL/Z
Engine displacement:1998
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5.4 l
Coolant:8.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.4 sec
Maximum speed:220 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.8 kg/Hp, 114.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6 kg/Nm, 166 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1060
Max. weight:1600
Max. roof load:75 kg
Max load:540
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1146 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:324 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1100 kg
Fuel tank capacity:56 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:530 kg
Permitted towbar download:70 kg
Size:
Length:4085 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1707 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1386 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2540 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1422 mm
Rear (Back) track:1415 mm
Front overhang:859 mm
Rear overhang:686 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):116 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.3 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 brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/55 R15
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Wishbone
Rear suspensionHydro-pneumatic element, Trailing arm

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Citroen ZX rank in your book?