Buying Guide
Never one for convention, it’s more than 40 years since Citroën’s unique take on the large saloon and estate hit the market. Here’s what to watch out for when choosing one today
Citroën CX
Citroën never played by the standard car design rule book, and when it came to the CX, Robert Opron and his team kept that book firmly locked in a desk drawer. The DS was a difficult act to follow, though the CX is considered the last true Citroën prior to Peugeot’s involvement. But its replacement is as striking today as it was back on its launch in 1974, something that accounts for its strong following among those who appreciate design flair.
It’s also affordable, so what do you get for your money? Space, for one thing, especially if you opt for one of the cavernous Safari estates that could also be had in eight-seater Familiale form. There was plenty of room in the saloon too, along with a typically quirky cabin – Series 1 cars have rotating drum instruments, replaced by normal dials for the 1985-on Series 2.
The performance of the early diesels was leisurely, but there was plenty else to entertain, including the magic carpet ride quality provided by the hydropneumatic suspension. There was also the novelty of the DIRAVI self-centring steering fitted to most examples, along with a semi-automatic C-Matic transmission that arrived in 1977. Engines improved over time but for real pace buyers had to wait for the 168bhp CX GTi Turbo in 1985. By 1989 saloon production ended to make way for the XM, and the estate disappeared two years later. Today, the CX remains as fascinating as ever and for relaxed, comfortable and charismatic classic motoring it’s almost unbeatable. It’s not without fault – corrosion and parts scarcity are bugbears – but try one and you’ll be hooked.