24 Nov 05
Predating the Peugeot buy-out, the GS and CX are often called the last "real" Citroens. The CX incorporated much of the technology developed for the SM - the steering set-up, the independent-circuit braking, the most sophisticated iteration of the suspension system.
Two engines from the DS continued, badged 2000 and 2200, but transversely mounted; later, the larger 2400 unit and diesels (a too-sluggish 2200 and better 2500) followed. 1977 brought the 128bhp CX 2400 GTi, with Bosch fuel injection.
Full leather upholstery was optional and the specification of all CXs became increasingly lavish. Despite an early reputation for poor rust-proofing, the CX sold well; nearly 133,000 were made in 1978, its peak year.
The range was modernised for 1979, with all-new light-alloy OHC 2.0-litre petrol engines finally replacing the aged DS units and new details such as the quirky spherical ashtray& Entry-level Reflex and Athena models made the CX more accessible.
Further updates in 1981 brought a new fully-automatic transmission in place of the former C-Matic semi-auto and minor restyling.
A more major overhaul came in 1983, after sales had flagged: a new 2.5-litre petrol engine (badged CX25), a more powerful 95bhp turbodiesel and then, a year later, the new 168bhp Turbo2 GTi. This awakened a certain interest in the range, but not enough to resurrect the CX's reputation for rust - including severe structural rot - its sensitive suspension and temperamental electrics.
Crashing depreciation didn't help, either: as James Ruppert noted in his "Pre-Owned" column in Car magazine: "In car-dealing circles, and to people who don't know any better, a Citroen CX is about as welcome as a trading standards officer with a clipboard. Which is why one of the most advanced and distinctive cars of all time could be yours for next to nothing." CX20 models cost a good £9,000-plus in 1980, with the later top-spec Turbos priced at over £20,000, but all were fetching only banger money by five years old.
Citroen ended production of the CX saloon in 1989, though coachbuilders Heuliez - also making the BX estate for Citroen - took on a contract to continue to build the CX estate to order. The final CXs were registered as late as September 1991, after the load-lugging XM had already gone on sale.
