Quelle diesel!

ONE OF THE more remarkable vehicles to pass through our hands during 1977 was the Citroën CX Diesel which was chosen by us for Long Term test. We reported on it after 12,000 miles (Autocar, w/e 22 October 1977); after that it covered almost another 6,000 miles before the time came for its disposal. Those miles were accumulated almost willy-nilly, in the hands of several different staff members. The Citroën's "owner", Andrew Shanks, left us soon after publication of the main report to follow his bent as a competition driver and manager. Some of its earlier mileage had been accumulated while towing his racing car on its trailer. At least it was now spared that heavy duty.

Looking at the log, it is clear that the car may have started as something less than desirable in most people's eyes, but that in the end the Citroën was valued as one of the best ways to cover very long distances. It combined all the comfort one has come to expect of the CX, with the remarkable economy of the diesel. To bring the fuel record up to date, the final 5,500 miles were covered at an average of 31.6mpg, rather below the 33.5mpg of the main test report.

This is still a remarkable figure for a car of this size, weight and not inconsiderable performance. My own feeling is that the consumption was made worse because a number of people drove the car who were not used to diesels. It does not take long to come to terms with diesel behaviour, but for the first few hundred miles a newcomer tends to change down when it is not necessary. He does not appreciate the diesel’s sheer lugging ability, or the need to adopt the "stand off and charge" approach to overtaking instead of just slipping down to third and blasting past.

Perhaps because of its good, clean shape, the Citroën more than most diesels (sic) cars showed up the paradox of their performance. Its cruising performance was so good that its limited acceleration came as something of a shock. I am sad to report that we were unable to take any final performance figures on the CX, because there was general agreement that it had become quicker during its time with us. The Road Test figures, quoted again here, show a mean maximum of 89mph, or 95mph on the optimistic speedometer. Yet I and others have seen the indicated 100mph on the road, not merely as a flash reading but held for long cruising periods. In the speed-limited Britain of today, this means that there are few places where the CX Diesel will not cover distance as fast as almost anything; Indeed, it will do better, for its big fuel tank and frugal consumption mean it does not have to stop so often. It is an interesting feature of the log book that most of its refuelling stops fall between 300 and 400 miles apart, with some intervals of more than 400 miles. Had the thought occurred to us, no doubt somebody would have tried to make 600 miles on a tankful, a figure not beyond the realms of reality.

Steering surprises

The Varipower steering remains a bone of contention among us. For those who are used to it, it takes a great deal of strain out of driving, since it almost removes the need to move the steering wheel, let alone devote any effort to it. Eventually one learns almost to "think" the car round a corner: but it is a trick that all take time to learn, and some seem never to. The Citroën does not help in that an over-large bite of steering brings with it a sharp lean of the body, almost before the car has started to turn. An over-correction will twitch the body the other way, and the result can be a wiggle which is not only undignified, but uncomfortable as well. The steering itself is not wholly to blame - in the Maserati Khamsin it is close to perfection - but rather the way it interacts with the car's roll stiffness and handling. By the time the Citroën left us, the cloth upholstery had picked up a few stains that could not easily be shampooed off. The cloth has a smoother and more solid texture than most, and while it gives a most agreeable sitting surface, it seems more prone to mark than most. For the rest, the car could hardly be faulted except that yet again, somebody had picked up a scratch just ahead of one rear wheel arch. The Citroën's enormous wheelbase seems always to catch people out like this (the Safari is worse still) and the bulbous sides make things even worse. It is well worth taking extra care swinging out between gateposts, though even the most experienced Citroen pilots manage to catch themselves out from time to time, at least where the tricky entry to the Dorset House car park is concerned.

Conclusion

Does the CX Diesel make sense? Of course it does, unless you are unable to adapt to the different driving style dictated by the engine. One misses the acceleration more in Britain than in most places, perhaps, but even here there are open roads and motorways where it is not needed, and towns where the acceleration is quite sufficient in any case. Don't forget that 90mph cruising speed if you are looking for a fast touring car; don't forget that over 30 mpg fuel economy if you are trying to save money. And don't forget the CX's almost spectacular roominess and comfort if you are in the market for a luxury saloon.