AFTER THE REVOLUTION, EVOLUTION.

While around it have grown a plethora of derivative designs, some of which are perceived as having sacrificed style and individualism in pursuit of aerodynamics, the  CX remains a startling piece of machinery to look at. Though it now features some exterior changes, principally, moulded bumpers and side panel protection and more aerodynamic wing mirrors, the big improvements are under the skin.

Without compromising the benefits of transverse mounting, the CX range now offers a choice of some four different power units. Diesel and petrol engines ranging in emphasis from the brand new intercooled turbo diesel unit - capable of an astonishing 58mpg fuel economy -right up to the intercooled turbo petrol engined CX 25 GTi Turbo 2 which accelerates from 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 138mph. All manual transmission CX models have a five speed gearbox giving top speed in fifth rather than in fourth gear, saving on engine wear and fuel used without compromising performance.

The - by now familiar - turbocharger utilises, otherwise wasted, exhaust gases to turn a turbine which forces more air into the engine. Output for a given engine size can be increased by up to 50% with-out unacceptable increases in fuel consumption. Intercooling works on the principle that cold air has a reduced volume, so more air/fuel mixture can be fed into the engine by the turbocharger, further improving already startling turbo performance and economy.
The CX's new levels of performance have  been  matched  by  further improvements in handling with new stiffer suspension, and wide alloy wheels with TRX tyres.

The Antilock Braking System, standard on all petrol injection and turbo diesel CX models, further enhances the front wheel drive advantages of the CX in adverse weather - making this one of the few large cars to offer safe performance in all conditions. ABS automatically simulates  the  pumping  action  of cadence braking practiced by skilled drivers when they detect wheel lock on slippery road surfaces. The difference is that ABS detects lock instantly using a sensor at the brake disc and applies and releases braking as quickly as ten times a second. The result is a dramatic reduction in stopping distances in the wet, or on ice, and the car is less likely to slew off course under braking where one side of the road is slippery and the other not. Further. with ABS, the driver can often steer out of trouble while braking where, otherwise, the vehicle might skid straight on into an impact. The driver can easily tell when the ABS is being
triggered, by the feedback through the brake pedal. This is a useful warning that road conditions require additional care. The CX 25 GTi Turbo 2 also includes a digital outside air temperature indicator on the dashboard to forewarn of icy conditions.