1974 Citroen CX

Citroën CX (Saloon/Estate), 1974-1991

The Citroën CX was in production from 1974 until 1991. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, front wheel drive saloon and estate range seating upwards of four adults.

The CX was launched to replace the ID-derived models in the large Citroën range, the D Super and D Special. Launched as a 2.0 and subsequent 2.2 using engines that had been proven in the DS, the range would expand to replace the DS with the launch of the 2.4 litre variants and the long wheelbase Prestige. It retained Citroën's hydropneumatics suspension and brakes, supplementing them in most cases with a fully powered steering system called DIRAVI, which included powered self centring. The 2.0 and 2.2 were replaced in 1979 by new variants using a 2.0 engine co-developed by Renault, which after the 1975 facelift would also be available as a 2.2. Larger engined variants retrained the older DS derived engine. Diesels were popular, especially following the launch of the turbocharged diesel in the mid 1980s late in Series 1 production. Safari estates were renowned for load lugging capacity and the low lip and adjustable suspension made heavy loads a doddle - while larger families loved the eight seat Familiale variant.

Replaced in 1989 by the XM, the CX estates continued until the new five seat only XM estate was launched in 1991. The XM would share its platform with Peugeot's 605, making the CX the last truly independent large Citroën design. Rare today, it is fiercely prized by its fans.

The closest thing to an alternative when the CX was new would have been the Leyland Princess, though its smaller size and less advanced hydraulics mean it was never as advanced. The DS offers one of the few opportunities to improve upon the ride of the CX. while the later XM offers better value. If you want a CX Prestige, your best chance of a rival would be something like the Jaguar XJ6 or the Mercedes S-class - more powerful and a perceived class above, but both with less space and comfort on offer than the Citroën.