Citroen CX: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Citroen CX catalogue covers two generations of Estate 5-door models, with production dates running from 1974 to 1991 and an overlap in 1985. The first generation, dated 1974–1985, offers 11 versions; the second, dated 1985–1991, lists 19 versions, although 12 are shown in the supplied specifications.
The Citroen CX catalogue covers two generations of Estate 5-door models, with production dates running from 1974 to 1991 and an overlap in 1985. The first generation, dated 1974–1985, offers 11 versions; the second, dated 1985–1991, lists 19 versions, although 12 are shown in the supplied specifications. Every listed version is FWD and uses independent hydropneumatic suspension at both ends where the data is complete. The buying decision therefore centers on engine output, transmission, performance, fuel use, and weight rather than a change of body or drive layout.
Citroen CX generations: what changed?
The 1 generation, produced from 1974 to 1985, is an Estate 5-door with 11 versions. The engines shown span 1998–2500 cc and 67–131 hp. All listed first-generation versions use a 5-speed Manual gearbox and FWD. The range includes Gasoline and Diesel engines, naturally aspirated, Turbo, and Compressor configurations. A buyer seeking the strongest specified first-generation option should compare the two 2.4 MT Turbo versions: the 128 hp car has measured performance, while the 131 hp version provides 3 hp more but has no measured acceleration or top-speed figure.
The 2 generation, produced from 1985 to 1991, is also an Estate 5-door. It has 19 versions in the catalogue, with 12 represented in the supplied version data. Its shown engine range is 1995–2500 cc and 75–136 hp. It adds 3-speed Automatic alternatives alongside 5-speed Manual versions, while every version remains FWD. Buyers can choose Gasoline or Diesel power, including a 120 hp Turbo Diesel. Compared with the strongest shown first-generation version, the strongest second-generation version adds 5 hp, rising from 131 to 136 hp.
Citroen CX engine and version specs
Repeated names are distinguished by power, fuel, boost, or transmission so that each exact database version name remains intact.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — 2.4 MT (116 hp) | 116 hp | not measured | 2359 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 2.4 MT (120 hp) | 120 hp | not measured | 2359 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 2.2 MT (67 hp) | 67 hp | not measured | 2179 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Compressor | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 MT (106 hp) | 106 hp | not measured | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 2.4 MT (128 hp) | 128 hp | not measured | 2380 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 2.5 MT (75 hp) | 75 hp | 153 Nm | 2500 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 2.5 MT (95 hp) | 95 hp | not measured | 2500 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 MT (106 hp, incomplete chassis data) | 106 hp | not measured | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 2.4 MT (128 hp, measured performance) | 128 hp | not measured | 2380 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 2.4 MT (131 hp) | 131 hp | not measured | 2380 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 2.5 MT (75 hp, measured performance) | 75 hp | 153 Nm | 2500 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.5 MT (75 hp Diesel) | 75 hp | 153 Nm | 2500 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.5 AT (75 hp Diesel) | 75 hp | 153 Nm | 2500 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.5 MT (120 hp Diesel) | 120 hp | 256 Nm | 2500 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.5 MT (121 hp Gasoline) | 121 hp | not measured | 2500 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.5 MT (136 hp Gasoline) | 136 hp | 211 Nm | 2500 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.5 AT (136 hp Gasoline) | 136 hp | 211 Nm | 2500 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.0 MT (106 hp) | 106 hp | 166 Nm | 1995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.2 MT (115 hp) | 115 hp | 178 Nm | 2165 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.5 MT (123 hp Gasoline) | 123 hp | 187 Nm | 2500 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.5 AT (123 hp Gasoline) | 123 hp | 187 Nm | 2500 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.5 MT (136 hp, measured performance) | 136 hp | 211 Nm | 2500 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.5 AT (136 hp, measured performance) | 136 hp | 211 Nm | 2500 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
On power per litre, the 2 generation 2.0 MT produces about 53.1 hp per litre, the 2.2 MT about 53.1 hp per litre, and the measured-performance 2.5 MT with 136 hp about 54.4 hp per litre. The first-generation Turbo 2.4 MT with 128 hp produces about 53.8 hp per litre, while the 131 hp version reaches about 55.0 hp per litre. The 120 hp Turbo Diesel 2.5 MT produces 48 hp per litre, compared with 30 hp per litre for the naturally aspirated 75 hp 2.5 MT Diesel.
Citroen CX performance and fuel economy
The quickest version with measured acceleration is the 2 generation 2.5 MT with 136 hp: 0–100 km/h takes 9.7 seconds and top speed is 195 km/h. Its 13.6 l/100 km city, 7.3 l/100 km highway, and 9.0 l/100 km combined consumption place it among the strongest all-round choices when acceleration matters.
The 1 generation 2.4 MT with 128 hp records 9.8 seconds to 100 km/h and 191 km/h. Fuel consumption is not measured. It is only 0.1 second slower than the quickest measured 136 hp car and has a 4 km/h lower top speed. The 131 hp 2.4 MT has acceleration, top speed, and consumption listed as not measured.
For a less powerful Gasoline alternative, the 2 generation 2.2 MT reaches 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds and 180 km/h, consuming 12.0 l/100 km in the city, 7.1 l/100 km on the highway, and 9.1 l/100 km combined. The 2.0 MT takes 12.4 seconds, reaches 165 km/h, and returns 12.0, 6.9, and 9.0 l/100 km respectively. The 2.2 MT therefore cuts 1.8 seconds from acceleration and adds 15 km/h while using only 0.1 l/100 km more combined.
Transmission makes a clear difference among the second-generation 2.5 Gasoline versions. With 123 hp, the 2.5 MT accelerates in 12.5 seconds and reaches 190 km/h, while the 2.5 AT needs 16.3 seconds and reaches 182 km/h. The Manual is 3.8 seconds quicker, 8 km/h faster, and consumes 2.0 l/100 km less combined: 9.9 versus 11.9 l/100 km.
The same pattern appears at 136 hp. The measured-performance 2.5 MT records 9.7 seconds, 195 km/h, and 9.0 l/100 km combined. The corresponding 2.5 AT records 12.3 seconds, 191 km/h, and 10.2 l/100 km combined. Choosing the Manual gains 2.6 seconds in acceleration, 4 km/h in top speed, and saves 1.2 l/100 km combined.
The measured first-generation 2.5 MT Diesel has 75 hp, a 16.8-second acceleration time, and a 156 km/h top speed. Consumption is 8.9 l/100 km city, 6.1 l/100 km highway, and 8.1 l/100 km combined. Performance and economy for the other 75 hp 2.5 MT entries, the 75 hp 2.5 AT, the 95 hp Turbo Diesel, and the 120 hp Turbo Diesel are not measured.
Citroen CX dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank
Exterior length, width, height, and wheelbase are not measured for every version in the supplied data. Wheel sizes are also not measured throughout the range. Ground clearance is consistently listed as 155 mm.
Among versions with measured kerb weight, the 1 generation 2.4 MT Turbo with 128 hp weighs 1360 kg, equal to about 10.6 kg per hp. The measured first-generation 2.5 MT Diesel weighs 1370 kg, or about 18.3 kg per hp. This gives the 128 hp Turbo a 7.7 kg-per-hp advantage.
For the 2 generation, the 2.2 MT weighs 1245 kg, approximately 10.8 kg per hp. The 2.0 MT weighs 1355 kg, approximately 12.8 kg per hp. Despite having 9 hp more, the 2.2 MT is 110 kg lighter. The 123 hp 2.5 MT weighs 1420 kg, about 11.5 kg per hp, while the measured-performance 136 hp 2.5 MT weighs 1480 kg, about 10.9 kg per hp.
Gross weight is 2080 kg for the 2.0 MT and 2165 kg for the measured 123 hp and 136 hp 2.5 Gasoline versions. Gross weight for the 2.2 MT is not measured. Kerb weight for the Automatic 2.5 versions is not measured.
A 68-litre tank is specified for the second-generation 2.0 MT, 2.2 MT, and measured 123 hp and 136 hp 2.5 Gasoline Manual and Automatic versions. Tank capacity for the remaining versions is not measured.
Which Citroen CX version should you buy?
For the best measured performance, choose the 2 generation 2.5 MT with 136 hp, 211 Nm, and measured performance. It combines the quickest 9.7-second acceleration, the highest measured 195 km/h top speed, and 9.0 l/100 km combined consumption. At 1480 kg, its weight-to-power ratio is about 10.9 kg per hp.
For the strongest Diesel specification, choose the 2 generation 2.5 MT with 120 hp and 256 Nm. It has 45 hp and 103 Nm more than the naturally aspirated 75 hp 2.5 MT Diesel. Its acceleration, top speed, consumption, weight, and tank capacity are not measured, so its advantage can be stated only from output and torque.
For a balance of measured performance, economy, and low weight, the 2 generation 2.2 MT is the most persuasive middle option. Its 115 hp output, 10.6-second acceleration, 180 km/h top speed, 9.1 l/100 km combined consumption, and 1245 kg kerb weight are all measured. Compared with the 2.0 MT, it is 1.8 seconds quicker and 15 km/h faster while being 110 kg lighter.
For an Automatic, the 136 hp 2.5 AT is the stronger measured choice. It has 13 hp more than the 123 hp 2.5 AT, accelerates 4.0 seconds quicker, and reaches a top speed 9 km/h higher. It also consumes 1.7 l/100 km less combined. Buyers who do not require an Automatic should prefer the corresponding 136 hp 2.5 MT because its measured performance and economy are better.
For a first-generation car with usable comparative data, choose the 128 hp 2.4 MT Turbo that records 9.8 seconds, 191 km/h, and 1360 kg. The 131 hp 2.4 MT offers 3 hp more, but its performance, consumption, and weight are not measured. The 128 hp version is therefore the more transparent choice on the supplied evidence.
The 75 hp 2.5 MT Diesel is the option for buyers prioritizing the lowest measured combined consumption in this catalogue: 8.1 l/100 km. The trade-off is equally clear, with 16.8-second acceleration and a 156 km/h top speed. For every version, reliability, problems, interior condition, engine-bay condition, engine mounts, swaps, prices, and availability are not measured, so none should be used to rank the cars.