1991 Citroen BX 16v review from UK and Ireland

Cambelt snapped after 40 miles - ended up rebuilding engine.

A few leaks and lots of service parts - expected on a 100,000 mile car.

The Citroen BX 16v is a very different creature from the standard Citroen BX range, even the 8 valve GTi. The main difference is that the comfort of the car is more compromised for better performance. The engine is harsher, louder, more powerful, etc... The ride is also stiffer and better damped. However, the car is still very comfortable and the performance gains more than justify the drop in comfort.

The 16v suspension spheres, which provide the damping and stiffness, are unique to this exact model. For myself, I feel the suspension setup is perfect for a fast road car with the ability to control oversteer with the throttle. Also the steering is free from the usual non-constant assistance to steering rate ratio that you get with most modern cars. This allows the driver to smoothly operate the steering.

The car provides a very unique driving experience which is very unlike anything else I have driven. For this reason I have grown very attached to this car and have never considered getting rid of it even when it has gone wrong or been inconvenient to keep.

The worst thing about this car is that it can very easily look scruffy it a few pieces of plastic trim are damaged.

Also the interior isn't brilliantly well made, but for what you get it is a very cheap car and this is the sacrifice you have to make.