Citroën CX

Citroën CX Sedan (1974-1985)

The Citroën CX is a model of the upper middle class of the French car manufacturer Citroen. The name comes from the French term for the drag coefficient ( drag coefficient ).

Between late summer of 1974 and spring of 1991, 1,170,645 copies of Berline ( sedan ) and B (combined ) were prepared.

• 3.1 Commercial Vehicles
• 3.2 Cabriolet

Model history

Development

In 1969, the Board gave the starting signal for the development of a successor to the DS series. The project was internally code-named "L". Designed to be a vehicle to continue the charm of the previous model produced since the fall of 1955, but was much less expensive to produce.

In the design department, headed by Robert Opron the body design was transferred to Jean Giret. His opportunities to create innovative vehicles, Giret had already shown in his collaboration on the design of the Citroën SM. For the interior, Michel Harmand responsible.

On 28 August 1974 a few weeks before the Paris Motor Show, the CX as Berline ( sedan ) was introduced for the first time journalists. The presentation took place in Lapland. The journalists then had the opportunity to roll back the cars to Paris. The public was not presented as the official successor to the DS, the CX. As a result of the oil crisis vehicles had come under criticism with high consumption, Citroën claimed to only want to fill the gap between the top model and the smaller Citroën GS. The drag coefficient of the CX was 0.39, which was slightly higher than that of the DS.

More victims of the oil crisis was the plan to offer a Wankel engine for the purpose of increased smoothness in the CX series. In fact, the development engineers double rotary engines tested with a power of about 170 to 180 hp in various pre-production, which permitted a maximum speed of 215 km / h.

The body design of the CX -oriented hardly the predecessor DS, only reduced in its track width rear axle and the hatchback style was resumed. When you drive on the other hand sat on two proven engine versions. The CX 2000 took over the engine of the DS 20 with 1985 cc and 102 hp ( 11 CV after the French tax system ) reached this vehicle a top speed of 174 km / h The CX 2200 had a sample taken from the DSuper5 engine with 2175 cc and 112 hp (12 CV), which could accelerate the vehicle up to 179 km / h. This second model had been developed only relatively shortly before the public presentation and therefore was also offered a little later.

CX ( Series I, 1974-1985 )

The response from customers has been positive. Although the sales prices were relatively high with 25,785 or 30,768 FF FF, but also strong features were offered. In addition to the contemporary styling and good clarity, and the increased efficiency for potential driver was interesting. Compared to the previous model, the measured reduction in fuel consumption was between two and three liters. Regularly both roadholding and the little fading -prone brakes came in contemporary tests as unique features for language. In contrast, processing defects clouded the picture. However, the CX was voted Car of the Year 1975. He referred the VW Golf I place 2

The production figures broke through in 1975 the threshold of 100,000 units per year - a value that the DS could reach only once (1967). This success was a good base for the still incipient in the same year evolution of the model family. First, the CX 2200 appeared in the luxurious variant "Pallas". Shortly thereafter was the CX 2200 D, the first diesel engine available. The engine had as the petrol version a displacement of 2175 cc and kept the applied already in the diesel version of the pickup truck concept at C35. With 66 hp ( 9CV ) and a top speed of 146 km / h the vehicle was above the average of the competitors in its class.

In September 1975, the station wagon was added, traditionally referred to as a break, which had an extended wheelbase by 25 cm compared to the Berline. Thanks to the hydropneumatic suspension and the chassis stable constructed the payload in excess of 700 kg was - for that time a considerable value. The second new release came a few months later, the Prestige on the market, who used the same floorpan as the break. Here, the extra space gained was beneficial but only the rear passengers. His technical data were at 115 hp ( 13 CV) and 181 km / h As a technical highlight sat Citroën a hydraulically assisted power steering. The so-called DIRAVI ( direction à rappel asserVI, a transfer from the Citroën SM) differs from conventional power-assisted steering systems by some getting used peculiarities. Thus, the steering assistance was dependent on speed: they decreased with increasing speed, the steering force applied by the driver was larger and the steering harder. The wheels were also returned to the state in the straight ahead position. In addition, the steering was designed very direct. The servo assistance drew its strength from the central hydraulics. As long as the system was under pressure, the steering commands were transmitted hydraulically. The mechanical connection did not come to fruition. Only in the emergency program is a direct connection of the steering wheel to the steering gear was effective, but she did a great steering play and very high power effort. The Prestige was also the first CX, 1977, could come up with an electronic fuel injection, resulting in an increase in power to 128 hp (13 CV ) or 190 km / h resulted. Of this has been derived for the shorter wheelbase CX GTI 2400, which took account of the contemporary trend for sporting activities.

1978, the CX was both visually and mechanically evolved. The diesel was now also in the equipment package available Pallas, also came after extensive conceptual work on the existing aggregate of the CX 2500 D with 75 hp at the start. This only specific for limousines drive meant that the CX 156 km / h the title as the fastest car with a diesel engine could claim. This comprehensive model policy was rewarded by the buyers: 1978, with over 150,000 units, the most commercially successful year to the end of production.

Currently well positioned, it was for those responsible now to develop a concept for the 1980s. It turned the CX 2000 is a problem, its still derived from the DS 20 drive could no longer be considered timely. Meanwhile, had the new majority owner, Citroën, Peugeot, Renault developed together with an innovative 2.0-liter engine, which had successfully found already in the Renault 20 TS its use. This engine should now also be found in this series use. Therefore, the 2000 disappeared from the sales lists and was replaced by the models Reflex and Athena. Both were 1995 cm ³, 106 HP (10 CV) and 176 km / h top speed with respect to their technical performance identical. However, they differed in their facilities. Shortly afterwards, was presented with the CX Limousine another variant of the public. Equipped with the chassis of the Prestige / Break, a 2.5 -liter diesel engine and the interior design of Athena, this car the highest French upper class was assigned to.

Beginning of the 1980s, the development work on the CX were scaled back. Back in 1978, Peugeot had taken over Chrysler to Simca. The Group therefore had to plan the use of its financial resources carefully. Since the CX continued to sell well, he did not have priority on this issue. Here was also the reason why the highly demanded by the customers tailgate was never realized instead of used small trunk lid beneath the rear window. After all the rust protection was improved. Since 1981, replaced a anaphoresis method, the previous method based on a cataphoresis.

In July 1982, several improvements have been made. On one hand, the series has been reorganized. From that point on it was divided into CX 20, 20, and 25 TRE D. On the other hand, there were cosmetic changes ( new front grille, slightly larger bumpers, altered color of the speedometer ). In addition, the DIRAVI and electric front windows were standard from this point on all vehicles. Despite these measures, the decision makers identified in the PSA group, the need for a comprehensive facelift.

Initially believed those responsible, machining of the engine range could solve the problem conclusively. Therefore, a gasoline engine with 2500 cc and fuel injection was presented in 1983. He developed 138 hp (12 CV ) at a top speed of 202 km / h and replaced the engine with 2300 cc. In the same year the ³ diesel 2500 cm received a turbocharger to increase performance. The now reached 174 km / h at 95 hp ( 7 CV) resulted in a noticeable improvement in performance.

In the summer of 1984, the CX GTi Turbo arrived in the showrooms of dealers. With 2.5 -liter petrol engine and turbocharging, he made 168 hp. Top speed of the factory 220 km / h were reported. For French customers beyond the fiscal classification with only 12 CV was interesting. Problem, however, was the high fuel consumption at higher speeds. The francophone journal L'Auto -Journal was nevertheless impressed by the vehicle and called it a real powerhouse. As of March 1985, the GTi Turbo was the first French vehicle that could be ordered by customers with an ABS system available as an option.

Citroën CX 2400 GTI (1978 )

Citroën CX 25 GTi Turbo ( 1984-1985)

Cockpit

CX ( Series II, 1985-1991)

In July 1985, the CX came out strong truly cleaned on the market, because a year earlier, in the spring of 1984, the Renault 25 was presented. As a direct competitor provided for CX, the car had a contemporary modern hatchback body with five doors and a low drag coefficient of 0.28. The positive reception in commonly courted customers forced to PSA response.

Were particularly marked modified bumpers that were henceforth made ​​of plastic and not stainless. In the interior, round instruments replaced the previous motion tachometer.

In addition, new model designations were introduced: CX 20 RE, 22 TRS, 25 RI, TRI 25, 25 GTi Turbo 2, 25 Prestige 25 Prestige Turbo, 25 RD 25 RD Turbo, 25 and 25 TRD TRD Turbo. At the same time, a new engine was available. The 22 TRS ( 2165 cc ) represented a derivative of the 2.0-liter, made ​​85 kW ( 115 hp) ( 11 CV ) and reached 186 km / h In addition, there was the CX 25 Prestige a 122 kW (166 hp) turbocharged petrol engine. At the end of the year, equipped with the turbo gasoline engines received by a charge-air cooling, a technical improvement.

In March 1986, the turbo-diesel engine was once again revised. It was the CX 25 D Turbo was now a charge air cooling and a revised turbocharger, whereby the power of 95 rose to 120 hp. Consequently, a new brand could also be exceeded in the maximum speed. With 195 km / h, the CX again claimed the title of world's fastest diesel-powered cars. In their sum, all these measures were able to keep the sales figures on an equally high level. On October 30, 1987, the 1,000,000 left. CX the production facilities in Aulnay.

Nevertheless, it was thought at Citroën on a successor who was finally presented on 23 May 1989 with the XM. Since this was initially only available as a sedan, the CX Break remained until May 1991 program.

In 16 years, a total of 1,170,645 vehicles were produced. The XM was able to achieve this value neither absolute nor in its annual production figures.

Cockpit (now with round gauges )

Citroën CX Familiale (1985-1991)

Special

The CX was the first Citroën, which had the so-called Operation satellites.

The Breakfast was available from Citroën - as it did in DS and Traction Avant - as Familiale: a wagon, but with a third rear seat and seating for seven, later even eight people. In the 1980s, the Citroën CX and the Peugeot 505 Break were the only combination models on the European market, which had a third rear seat in the direction of travel. Although there were for the T- model of the Mercedes -Benz W 124 (later E-Class ), the Audi 100/200 Avant and Volvo 240 Estate, a third rear seat, but the passengers were sitting there with his back to the direction of travel, and it then remained in these vehicles - in contrast to the CX Break / Familiale - also hardly any space for luggage.

Another unique feature of the CX Break was that he could be used as a single cluster due to its length and its available space without body modifications as health and hearse. In these designs, usually was (among other reversible changes such as partition, load rails etc. ) only mounted a modified tailgate.

The CX was due to its hydro-pneumatic suspension very high for a car load of about 700 kg, therefore, in the break like as express - delivery van - was used (for example, newspapers or as an ambulance because of its particularly patient-friendly suspension comfort here). The Familiale was often used as an " express bus", for example, for travel events such as ' Europe in five days. " One of these vehicles is said to have traveled more than 1.5 million kilometers on the first motor.

The luxury version CX Prestige has been used by some heads of state as a company car. The fleet of the GDR Council of State Erich Honecker included several CX Prestige, which were extended in addition, so that they even offered space for a third row of seats. The seats were arranged over the rear seats, and their seats were folded.

Externally, the Prestige models are often recognizable by the vinyl roof; most striking, however, are the extended 170 mm rear doors.

Turbo and Turbo 2 ( both diesel and petrol ) differ essentially in that the 2- models had an intercooler and a modified turbocharger.

Robert Opron, who was responsible for the design department Citroën during the design of the first series, the optical changes of the second series in an interview assessed critically: " Subsequently, the development of the CX- body was not happy. The second series was inflated by large bumper. Despite the prevailing general use of plastic you would, on the contrary, should favor a better integration in the original design. "

Interior

The extended version

Special body versions

Commercial Vehicles

There were body building firms, some built triaxial vans based on the CX, then often with payload of 1.5 tons. One of the most famous is Tissier of France, and others are Pijpops from Belgium and Mike's Garage in Germany, whose products have been known as LoadRunner. In Tissier, there were other special vehicles on CX- base ( and also on DS, SM and XM- base): tow truck, Car transporter, ambulances, refrigerated trucks and specialty vehicles for filming on the road.

Cabriolet

The Body Shop Guy Deslandes presented in the work order a two-door convertible forth on the basis of the first CX series called Orphée. The front doors remained unchanged, the rear doors were welded. At the rear end used Deslandes the rear lights of the Citroen Visa II Whether there was a series production, is doubtful. Some sources speak of a production in the single digits.

Considerations for the collector

The oldest CX now have the age of 30 significantly exceeded, so that they can be driven at sufficiently good condition in Germany with the low-cost H-plate.

First, between the first (until mid- 1985) and the second series to be distinguished. Vehicles of series I are effortless to recognize externally to the stainless steel bumpers and of the inside of the " magnifying glass speedometer ". Vehicles from mid-1985 have plastic bumpers and conventional hand instruments.

The sold from mid-1984 and to the first series associated GTi Turbo already had round instruments and color-keyed bumpers and metal as already pointed the way to the second series.

Generally vehicles of the first series among collectors and enthusiasts are sought after. Apart from that enjoy the combos ( Breaks ) and the turbocharged gasoline engine as well as the Prestige models are particularly popular.

The Citroën CX two fundamentally different engines were installed: cast iron and aluminum engines. Most vehicles come with a cast iron cylinder, a further development of the introduced in the late sixties in the D models short Huber. As OHV engine, it has an underlying camshaft which operated via pushrods and rocker arms, valves. With good maintenance, this engine easily reached 300,000 km and more. The speed stability and maneuverability keeps their design within limits, but at least compensated for the diesel engine with a still contemporary economy and elasticity.

The aluminum range come from a partnership with Renault and Peugeot; they are lighter and more modern. They feature an overhead camshaft ( OHC ), but are considered less robust. Although these engines were used in different variants in models such as the Peugeot 505 and the Renault 21 and in the 1990s in, they exist only in CX with carburetor and only with 2.0 and 2.2 liters, which is why they are less popular.

The mechanical transmission of the CX are considered durable, but this for the semi-automatic mode (C -Matic ) does not necessarily apply.

The hydro- pneumatic CX is mature and unproblematic. Generally vehicles are to mid-1985 soft suspension than the later. Before an untested use of spring elements of the first series of vehicles of the second series be warned.

It is generally asserted in the Citroën scene that the build quality was a bit better with the later years of construction. However, it is observed in all years enormous variations in quality, especially in terms of rust prevention. For the collector, this means thoroughly investigate a vehicle before buying in any case. Particular attention should he paid to the electrics, since most failures are observed. Sunroofs are stainless endangered, repair expensive. At the rear doors of prestige and Breakfast there is supply shortages, so they should be in rehabilitation state.

The supply of parts from the manufacturer is only sparse and is well complemented by independent parts distributors. Mechanical parts are generally not a problem; Difficulties may arise ( for example, in the longer rear doors of the Prestige models ) in the procurement of sheet metal parts rare models.

Kat retrofit

The current fine discussion, the corresponding sticker regulation, and existing and future environmental zones with driving bans for older petrol and diesel raise questions as to the possible improvement of the exhaust classification, the CX models.

All CX- diesel models in the series will not get any state emissions sticker. However, all diesel motors ( vacuum cleaners, Turbo 1 and Turbo 2) can be retrofitted with an oxidation catalyst, and then meet the limit values ​​for the red emission sticker. Particle filter for these engines are currently not available.

Gasoline without catalytic receive a sticker. For most installed in the CX petrol engines without catalyst works but there are aftermarket catalysts. So converted vehicles get the key issue number 77, and thus the green sticker.

The two petrol engines with factory catalyst ( M25/668 without turbo with 89 kW and M25/667 with Turbo with 115 kW) of the late model years each hold a to § 47 traffic regulations defined in Appendix XXIII limits. However, still in the vehicle documents only the emission key number 03 is often set. A recoding to 01 ( EURO 1 emission standard is observed, and hence also allocated to the green sticker ) but without technical changes possible.

For the motor with 89 kW and plant catalyst there is even a retrofit kit, with which then the D3 emission standard is met.