Entry into the hydropneumatic galaxy - Citroën BX 16 TZI

As cars get older and more collectible, special technical features become the focus of fans. That's why the two-stroke models are doing well at Saab. The 900 Turbo is in demand in the US, and Turbo plus 32-bit Trionic make the 9000 exciting. In the case of Citroën, it would be hydropneumatics that exert a certain irresistible appeal.

I think you should have owned a hydropneumatic Citroën at least once in your motoring life. Getting started with the art of elegant levitation is not expensive. A Citroën BX 16 TZI (1991) would be ideal.

The real challenge if you want to venture into the hydropneumatic galaxy is to find the right model to get you started. The DS and CX are meanwhile priced ahead, the GS and GSA are hard to find, and the XM might be a bit daring for newcomers. But the BX, the success and baguette and butter car of the French, is ideally suited.

Unfortunately, the offer is as sparse as the water level of the Loire in a dry summer, you need perseverance and some nerves of steel until you have found the right specimen.

Citroën BX 16 TZI (1991)

In Switzerland, the home of many well-kept classics, a BX 16 TZI (1991) is for sale that would be worth getting into good hands. The abbreviation TZI is a cryptic abbreviation for a higher, technical level of equipment.

The sedan chair from Citroën spoils at this level with, among other things, a rev counter, door locks with radio remote control and electric exterior mirrors and window regulators. The function monitor (Original sound Citroën) in the center console conveys a touch of technology and computers in the 80s. The sporty seats for the driver and front passenger come from the GTI models.

None of this was a matter of course in 1991. The BX is considered almost luxurious, and compared to the German market competitors there was a lot of equipment for the money. The 1,6 liter PSA engine puts out 89 hp, and as the BX weighs in at just under a tonne, it handles it well.

In the hierarchy of the BX models, the 16 TZI is above the entry-level models and marks the popular middle class.

Maintained and original

Good BX's have become rare over the years. They suffer from the problem that plagues all hatchback vehicles, regardless of brand. They are practical, because they are excellently suited as station wagons and sedans, and are unscrupulously consumed during their cheap phase as used vehicles.

That and the fact that the BX has real tough qualities has wiped out many vehicles. Plus, the BX has never been expensive. Neither as a new car nor as a year-old car, or as a youngtimer. Guaranteed low entry prices attracted the wrong audience, by today's standards.

The BX in Switzerland seems to have done better. It only has 111.000 km on the odometer, it seems neat and in original condition. That makes them exciting and the ideal introduction to the hydropneumatic galaxy. Despite its condition and the few kilometers it is still not expensive. CHF5900,00 (about 5.950 €) the retailer writes on the price tag, which is manageable.

A definitely appealing classic

What you have to know, of course, if you dare to tackle such a definitely attractive project, is that there hasn't been any support from the manufacturer for a long time. The Stellantis Group doesn't have tradition at the top of its list of priorities, relying on what the market has to offer.

There is good news and less good news. Many consumable and wear parts can be obtained inexpensively from independent suppliers, and it is possible to keep a BX running at low cost. Specific components, for example for the interior, are difficult or impossible to acquire. When purchasing, you must therefore ensure that the item is complete and in good condition.

With images from autoscout24