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