Good Old Valves

The Citröen BX was first launched in 1982, but it wasn’t until 1987 that a high performance 16-valve model was launched. It was also the very first French car to be made with a 16v configuration.

Based on the original design by Marcello Gandini, the 16v also made use of the Citroën hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension used in previous BX models, providing it with a soft and smooth ride, even when it was putting its 160 naturally aspirated bhp onto the road. The 1.9 litre engine used was capable of launching this BX model to 100kph in just under 7.5 seconds, which was pretty respectable for its class. All models were featured with anti-lock brakes and discs on all four wheels.

On the exterior, the 16v was easily recognizable from the others BX thanks to its new sideskirts and, later on, new fibreglass bumpers and other cosmetic changes. Later models also got a slightly harder suspension and a thicker anti-roll bar. It went into production until 1994, when Citröen stopped making the BX.

What’s so great about these BX models, even the low performance ones, is that nowadays, about twenty years later, they are still capable of putting a smile on the face of everyone who watches them start and begin to lift its suspension, as if it was magic. Gandini certainly got the design right, and Citröen got all the specs spot on.

Details

Engine: 1900cc inline 4, 16-valve
Power: 160bhp
Drivetrain: FWD
0-100kph: 7.4s
Brakes: 4-wheel discs

Video

A BX 15 RE “playing” with its suspension: