A SAFER AND SMOOTHER DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The Antilock Braking System is standard on the BX 16 Valve, the BX 19GTi and the BX 19TRl and is an easily affordable option on most BX TR level models, including diesel saloon and estates. The ABS principle -which is widely accepted to be a major safety breakthrough- is based on an idea that will be familiar to skilled drivers - cadence braking. This consists on applying and releasing the braks gently but rapidly when braking on wet or icy surfaces. The object being to release the wheel the instant it locks in order to try to avoid skidding. But no driver, however practised, can achieve the ABS system's automatic action of sensing whether any of the wheels has locked and releasing the brakes instantaneously up to ten times a second when this occurs. The result is that the car can be slowed or stopped without skidding - and so ensure that full steering control is retained.
Steering, cornering, braking and acceleration are all enhanced by the BX's Computer Aided Design which produced a bodyshell with around 40% fewer parts and a 36kg weight saving compared with some similarly sized cars. The use of new materials and body construction techniques means that the BXis weight efficient and strong -making for taut handling and a favourable power to weight ratio. Even the least expensive BX models display many of the qualities which make the new high performance models such exciting cars.
THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT I M PROVES AERODYNAMICSBR>
Aerodynamics isn't just a matter of styling and wind tunnel tests. On the road with occupants and luggage, a car is subject to very different forces. Load a conventionally sprung car with rear passengers and luggage and the body's angle to the road -and aerodynamic profile - change significantly. Not so the Citroen BX. Its self-levelling suspension maintains the same body angle whatever the load or its distribution. All of which helps make the BX more aerodynamically efficient than other cars on the road.
The BX is widely regarded as one of the best tow-cars available. Not least because its adjustable ride-height facilitates easy hitching. A lever at the driver's side permits the self-levelling system to be over-ridden so that the car can be raised for extra clearance over obstructions off-road or lowered to facilitate loading and tow-hook hitching (as below).
A POWER FOR SAFETY
The self-levelling suspension contributes to another vital function -positive, reliable braking. This is because the system gives the BX anti-dive braking and anti-lift acceleration - the last being significant because it can affect steering control and grip. The suspension's hydraulics are part of a larger system which is also used to power the brakes. With disc brakes all round and powered braking system, the BXhas immense stopping force, available instantly to take vital milliseconds off the total time the driver takes to respond. Full power is available from the moment the engine starts. This power is independent of engine vacuum or revs and with the engine stopped the brakes are backed by a pressure reservoir.
