Five petrol engined versions with four different trim levels, marketed as the ZX Collection, were available at launch - the Reflex 1,1 powered by the 1 124cm³ engine from the AX, the 1,4 Reflex and Avantage powered by the AX and BX 1 360cm³ unit, the Aura 1,6 using the BX 1 580cm³ unit and the Volcane 1,9 which used the 122 bhp fuel injected 1 905cm³ engine based on the unit fitted to the BX GTi.

In 1994, the range was further widened with a number of limited editions and options such as air conditioning were introduced.

The following year the range was face lifted with a new nose and a Break estate car was launched.

The ZX continued in production until it was replaced in 1997 by the Xsara which employs much of the ZX's underpinnings but housed in a new but less characterful body.

Interior room was maximised by virtue of a sliding rear seat which allowed the boot space to be increased or decreased as required.

The ZX is also built in China where there is a four door, three volume version called the Fukang 988 .

In 1994, Heuliez in conjunction with ASC proposed this ZX Vent d'Ouest drophead.

Car Magazine - Where's the progress? 1971 GSX3 compared with 1991 ZX Reflex

The ZX was launched on 16 March 1991 and filled the gap between the AX and BX .

Prior to the launch, the stupendously successful ZX Rallye Raide was entered (and thrashed the competition) in a number of events including the 1990 Baja Aragon and the Paris Dakar to arouse interest in the ZX although mechanically, they were as alike as chalk and cheese.

Work on this project had started in 1986 and the car was similar in size if utterly different in conception from the GS . Where the GS employed self levelling hydropneumatic suspension, the ZX used front Macpherson struts and rear torsion bars and unlike the GS, the (outboard) brakes were unpowered albeit fitted with a servo and anti-lock system on some models. Rear drums were standard on base models with discs being fitted on up-market variants.

Power steering was also available while engines and transmissions were familiar fare, having been fitted to the AX and BX ranges.

Only one body style was available at launch - a five door hatchback but this was soon extended to include a three door variant and an estate.

Mechanical innovation was not completely dead however - the rear suspension incorporated a passive rear steer axle which enabled the ZX to outhandle most of its rivals while still offering the kind of ride quality for which Citroën is renowned.

Maximum advantage was taken to reduce costs and the ZX shared many of its components with the Peugeot 305 including the floorpan.

In 1991 the ZX was made available with a 1,9 diesel engine in Reflex, Aura and Avantage trim levels and in 1992, the three door body was introduced. The same year, all engines were fitted with fuel injection and catalytic convertors were also fitted. The same year, the Aura 1,8 and Volcane 2,0 16V were launched, the latter being fitted with the engine from the Peugeot 405 Mi16 and an eight valve 2,0 litre engine was also offered together with a 1,9 Turbo Diesel. The 1,1 litre version was only available in three door guise and automatic gearboxes were available on all models apart from the 1,1 and 1,4.