1997 Citroen ZX Temptation review from UK and Ireland

Nothing has gone wrong so far, parts have only been changed when they were starting to wear out for example;

New head gasket at 90,000 miles.

New catalytic converter at 100,000 miles.

New break calipers at 100,000 miles.

As I am only 17 this is my first car and so far it has been brilliant. The insurance was cheaper than many smaller engined cars such as Ford Fiesta 1.2's and is the only one in the college car park!

Some people think that the ZX is more dated and less attractive than its sister the 306 but I think the front and rear sports colour coded bumpers, chrome exhaust, front fog lights and sharp lines make the car much more interesting and sporty looking than the equivalent 1.4 306.

For a 1.4i the performance is impressive both pulling away from traffic lights and cruising on the motorway, even at 100mph+. It will beat any fair competition such as Astra 1.4's and Golf 1.4's in all areas, especialy from 70-90mph in 4th.

Handling, even if there is some body role is again very impressive on twisty back roads and roundabouts, but when the road is damp the back end likes to come out which is strange for a front wheel drive car.

The interior is pleasant and light due to a glass sun roof and the seats are very supportive, but can be a bit soft on long journeys. I replaced the head unit with a kenwood CD/radio and the door speakers with 150W 13cm Alpine speakers, which are great. The leg room is above average as friends are always surprised how much space there is in the back.

Having done over 100,000 miles the paint work and body work is in brilliant condition, no rust anywhere, only the annoying dinks from other drivers in car parks!

The only down side are the poor brakes that seem to take for ever to stop the car and petrol consumption over 80mph drops considerably.