Restomod: when an enthusiast transforms a Citroën ZX into a futuristic sedan
- Jérémy
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Citroën ZX gets a new life: a spectacular futuristic restomod from China
In the early 1990s, the double chevron brand reached a crucial milestone in its contemporary history. With the launch of the Citroën ZX, the French manufacturer marked its entry into the compact hatchback segment, which was then the most competitive and strategic in Europe. Renowned for its self-steering rear axle and benchmark comfort, the ZX enjoyed an exemplary career, not only in Europe but also in China under the name Fukang, where it became a true icon of popular motoring. After a quiet retirement far from the spotlight, this emblematic model is back on center stage thanks to the boundless imagination of a Chinese enthusiast. He has undertaken the creation of a modern, high-tech version, offering a completely new reinterpretation of the French compact car.
A masterpiece by Black Ma: The "Cyberpunk" restomod
We owe this spectacular metamorphosis to the Chinese creator Black Ma, well known on YouTube for his unconventional builds. Starting from a ZX (Fukang) base purchased for just 400 dollars, this enthusiast performed a true work of art to transform this hatchback—sometimes judged as too conservative—into a "Cyberpunk" style machine. The goal was not just to change the appearance, but to reinterpret the Citroën compact car into a modern vehicle that fits perfectly with current automotive design trends. This project scrupulously respects Citroën’s historical design codes while injecting a massive dose of futurism, proving that the ZX's lines possess unsuspected modernization potential.
A transformed exterior silhouette: heritage meets aerodynamics
The work on the car's exterior is impressive for its precision and historical references. The front end has been completely redesigned, now featuring an illuminated mask that immediately evokes the legendary glass-covered headlights of the Citroën SM. This modern gaze is complemented by a revisited profile where every detail matters. The hubcaps, for example, are strongly inspired by those of the Citroën BX Phase 2, but have been optimized to improve aerodynamics and brake cooling.
The creator also revised the profile's visual physiognomy. A notch was integrated into the front doors to house technological turn signals capable of displaying messages to the outside world. Even more radical, the C-pillar window has vanished in favor of a solid bodywork element, strengthening the vehicle's visual solidity—a subtle nod to the design of certain German compacts. However, three thin stripes are found there, another strong tribute to the BX.
To balance the volumes, Black Ma used clever colors and contrasts. Noting that historical Citroëns like the CX or C6 sometimes suffered from an overly long front overhang, he used black paint on the bumpers and the rear wheel arches to create an optical illusion that rebalances the proportions. At the rear, the metamorphosis is total: a LED light bar spans the entire width, modernizing an original period accessory of the ZX. The rear window has been moved forward to sit just behind the passengers, creating an open cargo space reminiscent of the Citroën XM or C6 architecture, offering surprising versatility.
An interior inspired by the brand's future concepts
The interior of this futuristic ZX is equally impressive. The original dashboard has been replaced by a minimalist and technological structure, largely inspired by the Citroën C-Zen Lounge concept car. The ergonomics have been completely redesigned to meet 2026 standards.
It features a fully digital instrument cluster, but the centerpiece remains the vast screen positioned at the base of the windshield. This device allows essential driving information to be projected directly into the driver's line of sight, much like an advanced head-up display. The atmosphere on board blends the simplicity dear to the brand with cutting-edge technology, transforming the driving experience of this venerable ZX into a journey into the future.
The ZX, an icon projected into the future
While the Citroën ZX seemed destined to remain in the shadows of enthusiast collections, the work achieved by Black Ma brings a modern and refreshing vision to the double chevron hatchback. This transformation is so well-executed that it gives the illusion of a natural evolution—as if the ZX had remained in the catalog and evolved through the years to reach its fourth generation today. This spectacular project brings a car with a remarkable technical heritage back into the light, while proving that the creativity of fans knows no borders. It is a beautiful way to celebrate Citroën's legacy while looking toward the future.
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