Citroen refreshed the ZX lineup for the last time in 1996, and the five-door version was still the main selling version of the compact-segment vehicle.

Introduced in 1990, the ZX replaced the older GS lineup and received a mid-life cycle update in 1994, which brought more powerful engines and a refreshed styling.

Citroen introduced the compact-segment ZX in 1991, five years after its predecessor's dismissal, the GSA, which was on the market since 1970.