Citroën CX is the successor to legends such as Traction Avant and DS. But did it really become a legend on par with its predecessors?
In the 70s, Citroën chose to strictly link the design to recognized aerodynamic principles outlined by car designer Wunibald Kamm . The special thing about the Kamm shape is the end of the rear. A slightly sloping roofline interrupted by a completely vertical line. This design principle was introduced in the GS and GSA, and later in the Toyota Prius and others. The Kamm shape allowed few design liberties. Nevertheless, the CX did not get any sensationally good CW values. After the facelift, it was 0,36. This is the same as the Volvo XC90 had when it was launched. The Audi 100/A6 (C4) which was launched in 1991, had a CW of 0,30, by comparison – without resembling Kamm's concept cars.
The biggest objections to the CX were the production quality. The model was designed by Citroën before the company was acquired by PSA, but put into production soon after the acquisition was a fact (1974). It is not good to say. Maybe the production plant and the follow-up were not completely ready? It is unfortunately a well-known fact that especially the first cars had many errors and problems. Several cars were pure "Monday cars".
Large family cars were not PSA's strongest point in the 70s and 80s. In addition to the CX, they also produced the Peugeot 604 and Talbot Tagora. This trio helped perpetuate the myth that French cars were unreliable. The CX was an advanced car for its time, with hydraulic suspension, speed-sensitive power steering and ultra-sensitive brakes. Nevertheless, most of the problems were related to relatively banal faults where the electrical system was a regular occurrence for many.
The CX received a facelift in 1986. Then it received new plastic parts, - such as more aerodynamic and colour-matched bumpers, channel skirts, fender skirts and new mirror housings. The special – and quirky – instrument panel with rotating drums was replaced by ordinary clocks. If I were to choose the best version, I would choose a facelifted version with a 2,5 liter turbodiesel. Here at home it became quite popular on green signs.
The CX is a fascinating car, but hardly a legend on par with its predecessors.
Undeserved bad reputation!