Citroën BX 1986–1994 car dimensions: 4240 mm long, 1680 mm wide and 1360 mm high. Unladen weight is 885 kg. Braked towing is 1,100 kg.
The cabin is light and spacious with good head, leg and shoulder room for five. Seats are ergonomic and supportive with cloth or velour trim depending on grade. higher models add tilt adjustment and map pockets. Heating and ventilation is efficient with multiple vents. Air conditioning is available on some models. Post-1986 cars have conventional analogue dials and stalks. Electric windows and central locking feature on mid and higher grades. No modern electronic driver aids are fitted.
Boot space is practical at 445 litres with seats up. Split-folding rear seats create a flat load floor of 1455 litres with no suspension intrusion. The tailgate opens to floor level for easy access.
Self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension keeps ride height constant under full payload or when towing, and can be raised or lowered for hitching or rough ground. Braked towing capacity is typically 1100 kg with unbraked around 465 kg. Payload is around 500 kg. The design suits load carrying and towing well thanks to the suspension.
The cabin is light and spacious with plenty of head, leg and shoulder room for five. Ergonomically designed seats with cloth or velour upholstery offer good support and a soft sofa-like feel. Higher grades add tilt-adjustable driver's seats, height adjustment and lateral bolster support. An efficient heating and ventilation system keeps the interior pleasant, with air conditioning available on some models. Electrically operated tilt-and-slide sunroofs appear as standard from mid grades upward or as an option lower down. The hydropneumatic suspension delivers a consistently smooth ride that stays level regardless of load.
Fuel-efficient engines with mixed consumption around 7.3 L/100 km on representative models
Full service interval of 12,000 miles needing about 2.5 hours per year
All-round disc brakes with hydraulic assistance and anti-dive geometry
ABS standard on 16-valve, GTi and 19 TRI models and optional on many others
High-strength steel safety cell with impact-absorbing zones and collapsible steering column
Self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension eliminates conventional shock absorbers
The BX uses light construction materials including synthetic bonnet and tailgate panels to keep weight down and improve fuel economy. Engines run on unleaded petrol and deliver low consumption figures while retaining lively performance. Self-levelling suspension maintains constant ride height and aerodynamics even when fully loaded, further aiding efficiency.
Servicing is straightforward and low-cost. The hydropneumatic system needs no shock-absorber replacement, clutch and brakes are self-adjusting, and the gearbox is lubricated for life. Full scheduled attention is required only every 12,000 miles and typically takes no more than 2.5 hours a year. Oil and filter changes occur more frequently at roughly 6,000-mile intervals.
Safety is engineered into the structure with high-strength steels forming a rigid passenger cell, bonded laminated windscreen and impact-absorbing front and rear sections. The steering column collapses safely on impact and the fuel tank sits protected under the rear seat. All-round powered disc brakes provide strong stopping power. ABS prevents lock-up on higher models and is widely available as an option. Child locks and seat-mounted belt buckles complete the standard kit.
Living with a BX means enjoying a quiet, comfortable cabin and the unique adjustable-height suspension that makes loading and rough-road driving easier. Corrosion protection is extensive with zinc-coated steels, cataphoretic priming and wax injection. Regular fluid checks and adherence to the service schedule keep the hydraulic system and engines reliable for high mileages.
Length 4240 mm, Width 1680 mm, Height 1360 mm, Wheelbase 2655 mm (BX 1986–1994)
Sources: manufacturer data, auto-data.net and carsweek.ru.