- Responsive 2.0-litre petrol engine
- Impressive ride/handling balance
- Accurate and well-weighted steering
- Cramped rear leg room
- Driveline vibrations
- For manual transmission, torque reaction through the gear lever
- For 2.0-litre petrol engine, poor programming of automatic transmission
- Limited rear visibility
- Concerns over durability of electrical items
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).
| Variant | Edition | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6i | VTR | 5sp man. | 83 kW at 5750 rpm | 150 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 2.0i | VTS | 5sp man. | 124 kW at 6500 rpm | 196 Nm at 5500 rpm |
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
