CITROEN has announced a major realignment of its ZX hatchback models ditching the Reflex, Avantage, Aura, Furio and Volcane names in favour of the Leader and SX and in the process chopping the line up from 36 vehicles to 16. And both the 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines have been dropped with the exception of a 1.8 litre automatic.

Citroen denied that the move is a run-out ploy although it is understood a ZX replacement is coming later next year. Citroen's national fleet sales manager Ken Forbes said: 'The ZX range realignment makes a good fleet car even better. Its logical line up ideally meets the needs of the fleet operator. There's the entry level ZX Leader which combines good specification, safety and security features with highly competitive pricing, whilst ZX SX models provide the ultimate in comfort and specification at a price that beats the competition hands down.'

The range starts at £10,270 on the road for the ZX Leader three door which has power steering, central locking, driver's airbag and a keypad engine immobiliser bringing special edition appeal to the mainstream model line up. Citroen says its 1.9 TD SX three door costs £12,185 - some £2,000 less than the old ZX Volcane Turbo Diesel - but the new model misses out on standard items such as alloy wheels and sports seats.