Citroen - Cars of continuing interest
Many of the ideas which now seem fundamental to modern car design were developed first by Citroen. Of course most large manufacturers launch experimental prototypes from time to time to test public opinon or simply to assert their credentials as engineers. What marks Citroen as true innovators is their record of being first Into production with cars which put major new ideas into practice. The CX, which incorporates not only aerodynamics but self-levelling suspension, a unique power steering system, powered braking and transverse front wheel drive remains a landmark in large car design. With the BX, Citroen were the first manufacturer in the world to adopt modern synthetic materials in a volume production saloon car. This achieved some of the most significant weight savings in car design since the introduction of monocoque construction- again without compromising strength. The BX was designed using computer-aided design techniques that maximised interior space, reduced the number of parts that make up the body and further reduced body weight. The BX is also manufactured using a high proportion of robots to humans.The new AX models take the robotisatlon of manufacture even further- computer controlled the production line includes a stage where the entire dashboard assembly is lifted by a robot arm, swung through the windscreen opening and positioned inside the car. More importantly, clever design including computer aided techniques - and the use of new materials -reduced the weight of the AX by an amount equivalent of travelling with one less passenger in the car. The result, with It's superior aerodynamics and a low friction engine, is a power to weight ratio which makes the new AX one of the most fuel efficient cars ever built. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (liters per 100kn). Figures given in this order - urban cycle; at a constatnt 56 mph (90 km/h); at a constant 75 mph (120 km/h).
AX10E: 50,4 (5,6); 72,4 (3,9); 50,4 (5,6)
BX DTR Turbo: 40,9 (6,9); 62,8 (4,5); 44,8 (6,3))
Whilst at the same time giving a 100 mph top speed.
AX Sport models have already made their debut in competition with the launch of the AX Sport Challenge Trophy in which 20, 000 entrants competed to qualify for just three places in the Citroen Works Team. Contenders were required to complete a slalom course against the clock driving standard production AX Sport models. A special AX model has also been prepared for the FISA Super-production category. This 350 HP brute is piloted by Women's off-road Champion Carole Vergnaud ex-Formula One driver Jean-Pierre Jarier.
CITROEN BX DIESEL MODELS - CHANGING THE DRIVER'S PERCEPTION OF DIESEL PERFORMANCE
BX diesel models have already narrowed the performance gap between petrol and diesel cars. They combine new-generation diesel engines with a bodyshell whose advanced design and construction enhances the car's power to weight ratio. As a result, BX diesels are notably tractable, offerring smoother progress and greater economy in stop-start city traffic and reduced gear changing on winding or hilly roads. Efficient aerodynamics match improvements at higher speeds with the added benefits of reduced wind noise and better handling. The latest BX diesel range includes a new .intercooled turbodiesel model which exploits turbocharging's ability to increase overall output from a smaller capacity engine. The new BX turbodiesels employ a block of only 1769cc capacity to produce considerably more power than the conventionally aspirated BX diesel models. Compared with a con-
ventional diesel of identical cubic capacity, the new turbo engine produces 50% more power overall and a massive 60% extra torque. The turbo does this without a significant increase in fuel consumption, achieving nearly 63 mpg at a constant 56 mph. And, by employing an intercooler as well, the new BX Turbo Diesels get even more from the turbochargmg principal, bringing a new level of performance to the diesel market with a top speed of 112 mph with acceleration (0-60 mph in just 10.0 seconds) to match.
SOLD AND SUPPORTED RIGHT ACROSS EUROPE
Every Citroen is sold with a warranty of one year on mechanical parts and a 6 year anti-perforation warranty on the body, subject to just two routine maintenance inspections. Models with self-levelling suspension - CX and BX- carry a 2 years or 65,000 miles (whichever comes first) labour and parts warranty on the suspension system. Every car built must satisfy customers of a dealer network in over 170 countries with widely varying and demanding road, traffic and weather conditions. Wherever you go in Europe you're never far from a Citroen dealer or service centre.
