1995 Citroen ZX Aura 1.9 tdi
Summary:
A fast, smart looking car, good value for money
Faults:
The central locking does not always operate the boot, sometimes it needs to be opened with the key, other times it works automatically.
The radiator needs topping up every 100 miles, water is disappearing somewhere! (Roughly 1 pint needed each time)
It is becoming impossible to put the transmission into reverse gear without an awful crunching noise and pressing the clutch pedal almost through the floor!
I had to have the offside front lower suspension arm and anti-roll bar connecting rod replaced, as the car was wandering all over the road, the steering was sticking.
General Comments:
To be honest, I am just not that thrilled with the car, there are several disappointing factors.
I find the gearbox very gritty and lumpy, and being tall, with the seat back almost to its limit, it is a long stretch to put the car into 1st, 3rd and 5th gears, I have to always lean forward.
The power steering leaves a lot to be desired, it is still very heavy, despite having good tyres, tracking and balance all fine, it is still heavier steering than my Fiesta was which didn't have power steering.
The vision is also disappointing for reversing and general parking. Because the back window is high, it's impossible to see the bonnet or lower part of a vehicle behind, all you can see is the windscreen, and it's a case of slowly does it, hoping not to touch the bumper of the car behind!
I was also a bit disappointed with the fuel consumption - the dealer told me I would get "at least 60 to the gallon", but although I am a steady driver, the best it has ever returned is 48 mpg.
Having stated all the negatives though, I have to say that on the whole it is a good car, the bodywork is excellent, not a speck of rust (unlike my poor Fiesta) and the car is very fast, reliable and very tidy to look at. I love the electric windows and sunroof, good stereo and the interior trim is smart and comfortable.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 3rd April, 2004
4th Apr 2004, 15:14
I've got to say I agree with a lot of your comments.
I've had a '94 Aura TD for a couple of months now. I agree that the power steering is a bit heavy, but I quite like that, it gives the steering a bit of feel. I don't find mine too heavy, just right, but I know what you mean, it's heavier than some cars.
I think you should be happy with 48mpg, the most I've gotten was about 45, the least 38. I reckon if I really tried for economy I could get maybe 50. That salesperson was obviously talking a load of rubbish! Even the new HDi diesels can't really manage that.
I had a leaking radiator too until a few weeks ago, the top hose was leaking, I didn't realise at first as it was such a small amount. Maybe you could look at that.
Oh, and the reverse 'crunch' thing, I know exactly what you mean, it's almost impossible to engage reverse without crunching even a little bit! Hope this doesn't mean the clutch is on the way out. Mines only done about 86k miles, not sure if it's had a clutch yet.
If you can live with the niggles you will enjoy the car. I think the handling of it is amongst the best of any car of it's type.