Review: Citroën Xsara hatch (1998-05)

Review: Citroën Mk.I Xsara hatch (1998-00)

Overview

Released in August 1998, the Citroën Mk.I Xsara was a mid-size, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Mulhouse, France, the front-wheel drive Xsara was initially available with 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrol engines (the 1.8i and 2.0i variants, respectively). From February 2000, however, an automatic-only 1.6i variant was released to replace the automatic 1.8i models. Of the engines,

• the 1.6-litre TU5JP petrol engine had a single overhead camshaft and two valves per cylinder;
• the 1.8-litre XU7JP engines were offered in two configurations: a single overhead camshaft with two valves per cylinder for models with automatic transmissions and double overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder for models with manual transmissions; and,
• The 2.0-litre XU10J4R petrol engine had double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder.

Compared to the Xsara coupe which it sold alongside, the Xsara hatch was 21 mm shorter (at 4167 mm) and 7 mm narrower (1698 mm), though height (1405 mm) and wheelbase length (2540 mm) were unchanged. The Xsara had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle (both with coil springs and anti-roll bars).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included a driver’s airbag and front seatbelt pretensioners; the 2.0i variants were also fitted with a passenger airbag and ABS.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Xsara – fitted with a driver’s airbag and front side airbags, but not a front passenger airbag – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 20. In the offset impact test, the driver’s airbag fired late and protection for the driver’s head and neck was marginal; chest protection for the front passenger was weak and the seatbelt pretensioners did not appear to have operated.

Features

Standard Xsara features included a six speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking power mirrors and front windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the 2.0i added 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and velour seat upholstery.

Review: Citroën Mk.II Xsara hatch (2001-05)

Overview

Released in February 2001, the Mk.II Xsara hatchback range consisted of the 1.6i and auto-only 2.0i; innovations included new engines, fuzzy logic automatic transmissions and multiplex wiring. The suspension was also revised with a wider track and 15-inch wheels were fitted across the range. Visually, the Mk.II Xsara hatchback could be identified by its teardrop headlights, enlarged grille with chevron badge, revised rear hatch and modified side panels; inside, there were reshaped seats.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners. The 2.0i was also equipped with ABS and electronic brake force distribution and, from July 2002, with electronic stability control and traction control. From October 2003, ABS and electronic brake force distribution were fitted as standard for the 1.6i.

Features

Standard features for the Xsara 1.6i included a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, remote central locking, power mirrors and power front windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. The 2.0i was differentiated by its velour trim.

October 2003: Xsara hatch update

In October 2003, the Xsara underwent a minor update with a wider, deeper front bumper and the fog lights were relocated from the headlights to the bumpers. Inside, there were new trim strips for the dashboard and instrument lettering.

Related links

• Press Kit: Citroen Mk.II Xsara Hatch (January 2001)
• Press Kit: Citroen Xsara Coupe and Xsara Hatch – update (October 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Citroën Xsara

Review: Citroën Xsara coupe (2001-05)

Review: Citroën Xsara coupe (2001-05)

Overview

Released in February 2001, the Citroën Xsara ‘coupe’ was a three-door liftback. Manufactured in Mulhouse, France, the front-wheel drive Xsara coupe range consisted of the VTR and VTS editions, powered by 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines respectively. Of these engines,

• the 1.6-litre TU5JP4 four-cylinder petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.6:1; and,
• The 2.0-litre XU10J4RS four-cylinder petrol had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.8:1.

Both engines were fitted with five-speed manual transmissions.

Compared to the Xsara hatch which it sold alongside, the Xsara coupe was 21 mm longer (at 4188 mm) and 7 mm wider (1705 mm), though height (1405 mm) and wheelbase length (2540 mm) were unchanged. The Xsara had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle (both with coil springs and anti-roll bars).

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the VTR included dual front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners. Beyond this, the VTS added front side airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution. From October 2003, the VTR was also fitted with ABS and electronic brake force distribution.

Features

Standard features for the Xsara VTR included a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, front fog lamps, a split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power mirrors and front windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Xsara VTS added 15-inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres and sports suspension, velour and Alcantara upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, power rear windows, power door mirrors with demisting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cargo net and trip computer.

October 2003: Xsara coupe update

In October 2003, the Xsara coupe underwent a minor update. In addition to the improved safety equipment for the 1.6 VTR, a subtle facelift introduced a wider, deeper front bumper and the fog lights were relocated from the headlights to the bumpers. Inside, there were new upholsteries, dashboard trim and instrument lettering; the 2.0i VTS was also fitted with leather-faced seats.

Related links

• Press Kit: Citroen Xsara Coupe (April 2001)
• Press Kit: Citroen Xsara Coupe and Xsara Hatch – update (October 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Citroën Xsara

Recalls: Citroen Xsara coupe

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Citroen Xsara coupe

No recall information is available for the Citroen Xsara coupe. To search for recalls of Citroen models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Citroen.

Problems and faults: Citroen Xsara coupe

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Citroen Xsara coupe

• The fuel gauge may provide inaccurate readings due to a problem with the fuel tank float.
• If the vehicle experiences electrical problems – such as the indicators not working, the ignition light illuminating when there is no key in the ignition or the vehicle won’t start – the BSI (Body Control) unit may need to be reset or replaced.
• For problems with the air conditioning speed, the blower/fan controller may be faulty.
• There have been reports of faulty instrument clusters providing incorrect information for the speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge, a pixilated LCD, randomly resetting gauges to zero and power failure.

Recalls: Citroen Xsara hatch

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Citroen Xsara hatch

No recall information is available for the Citroen Xsara hatch. To search for recalls of Citroen models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Citroen.

Problems and faults: Citroen Xsara hatch

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Citroen Xsara hatch

• The fuel gauge may provide inaccurate readings due to a problem with the fuel tank float.
• If the vehicle experiences electrical problems – such as the indicators not working, the ignition light illuminating when there is no key in the ignition or the vehicle won’t start – the BSI (Body Control) unit may need to be reset or replaced.
• For problems with the air conditioning speed, the blower/fan controller may be faulty.
• There have been reports of faulty instrument clusters providing incorrect information for the speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge, a pixilated LCD, randomly resetting gauges to zero and power failure.

Released in February 2001, the Citroen Xsara ‘coupe’ was a three-door liftback. Manufactured in Mulhouse, France, the front-wheel drive Xsara coupe range consisted of the VTR and VTS editions, powered by 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines respectively. Both engines were fitted with five-speed manual transmissions… Read full Citroen Xsara coupe review

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Released in August 1998, the Citroën Mk.I Xsara was a mid-size, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Mulhouse, France, the front-wheel drive Xsara was initially available with 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrol engines (the 1.8i and 2.0i variants, respectively). From February 2000, however, an automatic-only 1.6i variant was released to replace the automatic 1.8i models… Read full Citroen Xsara hatch review

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Images: Citroën Mk.II Xsara hatch (2001-05)

Released in February 2001, the Citroen Mk.II Xsara hatchback range consisted of the 1.6i and auto-only 2.0i; innovations included new engines, fuzzy logic automatic transmissions and multiplex wiring. The suspension was also revised with a wider track and 15-inch wheels were fitted across the range. Visually, the Citroen Mk.II Xsara hatchback could be identified by its teardrop headlights, enlarged grille with chevron badge, revised rear hatch and modified side panels; inside, there were reshaped seats.

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Euro NCAP: Citroën Xsara crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, the Xsara – fitted with a driver’s airbag and front side airbags, but not a front passenger airbag – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 20. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP – for additional information regarding this test, please go to the Euro NCAP website.