1986 Citroen BX 1.9L 4AT FWD (103 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Just three years after the model’s introduction, Citroen decided to launch an updated version of its compact-sized BX in 1986, bringing better engines and an enhanced overall look for the car.

Thanks to the funds obtained from its parent company Peugeot, Citroen was back in business, and the BX sold well. But since the original model was designed in the late ’70s, by the mid-80s, it already looked old. So the automaker improved the vehicle in several areas.

The most significant difference was at the front, where the car got clear-lens turn signals. By fitting them with amber-light bulbs, these could respect the requirements for safety while still offering a cool look. On the sides, most trim levels received a black rubber strip that crossed the car from front to back to protect the bodywork from paint chips in tight parking lots. The lower trim levels, on the other hand, sported unpainted, black bumpers, very effective for street parking in Paris.

Inside, the carmaker used the same angular design language but vastly improved over its predecessor. It sported round dials inside the instrument cluster and regular stalks for blinkers and a window wiper (yes, it was just one) instead of satellites mounted on the dash with buttons and turning knobs. Moreover, the steering wheel sported a thicker center area.

Under the hood, Citroen installed an unusually wide engine range for its segment. The most powerful version provided 160 PS (158 hp), and a new turbo-diesel with 90 ponies (89 hp) promised better fuel efficiency while still offering decent performance for those times.