1993 Citroen ZX Reflex Plus from UK and Ireland - Comments

Other than general wear and tear absolutely nothing has gone wrong in five years of ownership!! Very impressed.

When I passed my driving test five years ago I was sure exactly what car I wanted, a Citroen. My first choice was a BX, but having tested numerous examples decided I'd be buying trouble.

I bought a Peugeot 309 diesel. I hated it and within 6 weeks, sold it to my dad. I then set out to find a Citroen to replace it with. The local paper threw up two possibilities; a 1993 Xantia TD with 100,000 miles and a 1993 ZX with a full service history and only 38,000 miles. I convinced myself that the ZX would have gone already so rang up about the Xantia, but there was no answer despite ringing numerous times. I decided that I'd try the ZX number. It was still available.

I viewed the ZX that evening. It has obviously been cherished and was in showroom condition. It drove like a brand new car. I bought it for £2000, £200 off the advertised price which was already well under the book price.

This might not seem a bargain now, but bear in mind that this was five years ago!!

As I have owned the car for five years this November and clocked up just under 60,000 miles in it I can safely say I'm extremely impressed with it.

The styling of the ZX is aging very gracefully when compared to its contemporaries. Indeed the bodywork it holding up very well also, these are very well rustproofed (although mine has been washed, polished and hoovered nearly every week since purchase). Mine also looks great in it metallic light blue (ice blue).

The interior has lasted brilliantly, exhibiting no signs of wear and tear. The seats are comfortable (although not the best for massive journeys), its well styled, quite spacious with a reasonable boot. With its large glass area its both easy to park/place on the road and light and airy. It is also very refined/quiet for a car of this age. The pull up rear sun blind and security flap on stereo are excellent features.

This car has a great chassis set up including passive rear wheel steering.

The car really does handle like its on rails, with excellent feedback through the steering wheel. Couple this to a responsive, peppy, refined engine and great gear change and it makes for a fabulous drive.

When unveiled in 1991 the ZX was panned by some Citroen fans for ditching Hydro pneumatics. I have a 'hydro Citroen' also a would say the the ZX's ride comfort runs it pretty close. Theres not a huge amount in it.

Overall I would say that the ZX is one of the best cars of the 1990's. It's a car that has stood the test of time both stylistically and physically.

The ride comfort of BX, CX, DS, GS/GSA and less the XANTIA and XM are superior to a ZX. A ZX doesn't come even close.

Hi, I wrote the above view and drive a Hydro pneumatically sprung 1990 BX14 TGE also who's suspension has recently (and expensively) been completely overhauled. I don't think the ZX totally matches the ride of the BX, but I still feel there really isn't a huge amount in it especially at lower speeds where the ZX may actually better the BX which can become noticeably busy.

Well done on an excellent review. I must agree with most of your points. I purchased my first zx which was a 1994 aura td in 2000.

A mate in the motor trade had lent it to me while my 306 was in for some tlc. I wasn't too keen on its styling, but I overcome this once I had 150 miles of twisted narrow road completed!

I had eight happy months endured in my aura, but being me I had itchy feet and fancied a change. My good friend in the trade once again tempted me. This time to a mint 1995 Volcane td!I bought this car over the phone which caused picture and no sound back in the homestead!

I still have it and never intend to part with it!

I have driven Citroen in the past 9 years. All over from BX 19 TRI, CX 22TRS, CX 25 GTI (pressed) to ZX 1,8 Advance Weekend. The ride in the ZX, is not to compare to BX, CX, DS, GS/A etc. but, but, it is by far to be compared with ordinary cars. I would say, that the ride in the ZX, is better than the BX I had, but beaten by my two CX´s.

Just like many other Zx owners, it will not be parted from the house hold, before the day it die a natural death. I love it!

"The ride comfort of BX, CX, DS, GS/GSA and less the XANTIA and XM are superior to a ZX. A ZX doesn't come even close."

For a start the BX's ride is in no way comparable to the DS, GS/A and CX.. Xantia and Xm also out-ride the BX. For a hydropneumatic setup the BX has a far more 'normal' feel on the road; its still very smooth, but slightly firmer than previous Citroens of this type. I agree with the review having driven countless Citroens over the years I also think the a good ZX and a good BX will be pretty closely run for ride comfort.. plus the ZX will outhandle it... not that BX have poor handling... indeed they have great handling.. its just that the ZX has exceptional handling.

"The best small family car of the early 1990's!"

Having accidentally come across launch details of the ZX recently it seems the motoring press at the time were in agreement with this reviewer. In the 1992 new car honours (Auto Express) the ZX scooped 'Best car', 'Best diesel' and 'Best compact car'.

What car described ZX as 'The nearest thing yet to the perfect family car'.

Autocar hailed it as 'The best car in the real world'.

Yes, it was widely regarded as the best of it's type... until the 306 came along, (same car really, but prettier).

My ZX TD is still going strong at 146k miles. Still a pleasure to drive around the twisties.

I have a 94 zx 1.9 diesel, I find it hard to engage gear, could you tell me if it would be difficult to fit a new clutch.

Regards.

Tommy.