The Citroën CX II Break 25 TRi, produced between 1985 and 1990, represents a refined iteration of Citroën’s innovative CX series, specifically in the practical and spacious station wagon (estate) body style. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the CX II Break lineup, the 25 TRi combined a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with a five-speed manual transmission, offering a balance of performance and fuel economy for family-oriented buyers. The CX II Break, built upon the CX platform (often referred to as the Series II), continued Citroën’s tradition of hydropneumatic suspension, providing a uniquely comfortable ride. This variant aimed to provide a more accessible entry point into the CX Break range compared to the more powerful and luxurious 25 GTI Turbo models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | CX |
| Generation | CX II Break |
| Type (Engine) | 25 TRi (138 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1985 |
| End of production | 1990 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.6 l/100 km (17.3 US mpg, 20.8 UK mpg, 7.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg, 9.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm, 144 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 138 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 55.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 211 Nm @ 4000 rpm (155.63 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M25.659 |
| Engine displacement | 2500 cm3 (152.56 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.75:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 12.5 l (13.21 US qt | 11 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1465 kg (3229.77 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2165 kg (4773.01 lbs.) |
| Max load | 700 kg (1543.24 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 485 l (17.13 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1163 l (41.07 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l (17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 730 kg (1609.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4929 mm (194.06 in.) |
| Width | 1770 mm (69.69 in.) |
| Height | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3095 mm (121.85 in.) |
| Front track | 1522 mm (59.92 in.) |
| Rear track | 1398 mm (55.04 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.37 |
| Minimum turning circle | 13.40 m (43.96 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the CX II Break 25 TRi is the M25.659 engine, a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine featured a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head, employing a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a Bosch multi-port fuel injection system, contributing to improved efficiency and smoother operation compared to earlier carbureted Citroën engines. The engine’s 8.75:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and the ability to run on the available fuel grades of the time. The five-speed manual transmission, a BE3 type, was chosen for its durability and relatively direct feel. Gear ratios were tailored to provide a balance between acceleration and highway cruising efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The CX II Break 25 TRi offered a unique driving experience largely defined by its hydropneumatic suspension. This system provided an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface with remarkable effectiveness. However, the 138 horsepower engine, while adequate, didn’t deliver particularly brisk acceleration. Zero to 60 mph took around 9.7 seconds, and top speed was approximately 121 mph. Compared to the more powerful 25 GTI Turbo, the 25 TRi felt noticeably slower. The manual transmission allowed for greater driver control, but the engine’s torque curve meant that frequent downshifts were often necessary, especially when overtaking or climbing hills. The steering, while hydraulically assisted, lacked some of the directness found in more modern vehicles.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 25 TRi trim level offered a reasonable level of standard equipment. Interior appointments typically included cloth upholstery, although leather was available as an option. The dashboard featured a combination of analog gauges and warning lights, providing essential information to the driver. Power steering was standard, as were front disc brakes. Optional extras included air conditioning, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. The CX II Break, in general, was known for its spacious interior and practical station wagon layout, offering ample cargo capacity for families and those needing to transport larger items.
Chassis & Braking
The CX II Break utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with independent suspension on all four wheels, courtesy of Citroën’s renowned hydropneumatic system. This system allowed for self-leveling, maintaining a consistent ride height regardless of load. The front suspension employed a complex arrangement of spheres and dampers, while the rear suspension featured a similar setup. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. The hydraulic braking system was also linked to the hydropneumatic suspension, contributing to a stable and controlled braking experience.
Market Reception & Comparison
The CX II Break 25 TRi was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and comfortable family car. However, its performance was often criticized as being somewhat underwhelming, particularly when compared to competitors from German manufacturers. Fuel economy was reasonable for the time, but not exceptional. Compared to the 25 GTI Turbo, the 25 TRi offered a more affordable entry point into the CX Break range, but at the expense of performance. The 25 TRi appealed to buyers who prioritized comfort, practicality, and a unique driving experience over outright speed.
Legacy
The Citroën CX II Break 25 TRi, while not the most powerful or fastest variant of the CX, remains a fondly remembered example of Citroën’s engineering innovation. The hydropneumatic suspension continues to be lauded for its exceptional ride quality. The M25.659 engine, while not known for being particularly robust, is generally reliable if properly maintained. Today, the CX II Break 25 TRi is a sought-after classic car, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate its unique design, comfortable ride, and distinctive character. Finding well-maintained examples can be challenging, and parts availability can be limited, but the CX II Break 25 TRi offers a rewarding ownership experience for those willing to invest the time and effort.
