Citroën Xsara
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën ZX |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Defunct | 2006 |
| Successor | Citroën C4 (hatchback) |
| Products | Compact family car (C-segment) |
The Citroën Xsara () is a compact family car classified within the C-segment, manufactured by PSA Peugeot Citroën under the Citroën marque between 1997 and 2006. Its development was based on the platform and mechanical components shared with the Citroën ZX and Peugeot 306 models.
Offered in various body configurations, the Xsara came as three- and five-door hatchbacks, as well as a five-door estate version—marketed respectively as the Coupé for the three-door and Break for the estate. The vehicle’s styling drew inspiration from the larger Bertone-designed Citroën Xantia, although critics generally regarded its appearance as somewhat conservative.
The engine lineup comprised inline-four petrol units ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 liters, including SOHC and DOHC versions, alongside naturally aspirated and turbocharged diesel engines spanning 1.4 to 2.0 liters. In certain regions like Portugal, a 1.5-liter TUD5 diesel engine was also available. Notably, the model was honored with the 1998 Semperit Irish Car of the Year award in Ireland.
Chassis design
The Xsara’s underpinnings utilized established PSA front-wheel-drive powertrains arranged conventionally, featuring a front suspension with MacPherson struts paired with an anti-roll bar, and a fully independent rear suspension employing trailing arms combined with torsion bars—a setup initially introduced on the Peugeot 305 estate.
Engineers at PSA integrated passive rear-wheel steering by means of specially engineered compliance bushes within the rear suspension system and developed bespoke shock absorbers for enhanced ride quality. Despite these innovations, vehicles with high mileage often encounter deterioration in axle mounting bushes and rear trailing arm bearings, which can result in expensive repairs or necessitate axle replacement.
To improve handling characteristics such as weight balance and reduce understeer, diesel and larger petrol engines were mounted with a backward tilt within the engine compartment, effectively lowering the car’s center of gravity.
Pre-facelift
Debuting in September 1997, the initial Xsara offered an extensive range of engines:
- Petrol variants ranged from 1.4L (55 kW) up to 2.0L (122 kW), including both SOHC and DOHC designs, with power reaching up to 166 hp in the sport-focused VTS model.
- Diesel options included a 1.5L (43 kW), naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.9L units delivering up to 66 kW, as well as 2.0L turbodiesels producing up to 80 kW.
This comprehensive array of powertrains was designed to meet diverse market demands across Europe by balancing efficiency and driving performance.
Facelift
In September 2000, for the 2001 model year, the Xsara underwent a major update that introduced a redesigned bonnet, front wings, bumper, grille, and headlamps featuring integrated fog lights. At the rear, light clusters were slightly modified alongside a new hatch adorned with a prominent badge. The vehicle’s weight increased by approximately 80 kilograms while its length grew by 21 millimeters. Structural improvements included reinforced A-pillars and side door beams, wider track widths, and standardization of 15-inch wheels. Inside, enhancements involved upgraded materials and trims plus a new steering wheel sourced from the Citroën C5, enabling installation of a larger airbag. Instrumentation was made clearer, with side and curtain airbags becoming standard on higher trim levels. Additionally, multiplex wiring technology was introduced.
The facelift saw older engines replaced by new 16-valve units at 1.6i and 2.0i displacements while discontinuing the previous 1.8L option. Available engines included:
- 1.4L (1361 cc 8-valve SOHC) TU3JP four-cylinder petrol
- 1.6L (1587 cc 16-valve DOHC) TU5JP4 four-cylinder petrol (new)
- 2.0L (1998 cc 16-valve DOHC) XU10J4RS four-cylinder petrol (until 2002)
- 2.0L (1998 cc 16-valve DOHC) EW10J4 four-cylinder petrol (new)
- 1.4L (1398 cc) HDI 50 kW DW4TD diesel (2004 only)
- 1.5L (1527 cc) TUD5 diesel producing 43 kW
- 1.9L (1868 cc) DW8 diesel (until 2002)
- 1.9L (1868 cc) DW8B diesel (updated version)
- 2.0L (1997 cc) DW10TD turbodiesel
- 2.0L (1997 cc) DW10ATED turbodiesel (new)
Minor interior revisions appeared in the 2002 edition including updated audio controls on the steering wheel. In February 2003, exterior refinements featured a redesigned front bumper along with an instrument cluster refresh adopting Eurostile font instead of Futura, incorporating dial designs inspired by the Peugeot 307.
Production of the Xsara hatchback ceased in Europe in November 2004, succeeded by the C4. Nevertheless, manufacturing continued for an additional year in China through Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile, a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Corporation and PSA Group.
In Europe, production of the Xsara Estate extended until 2006 without an immediate replacement model. Concurrently, the Citroën Xsara Picasso small MPV remained available alongside its C4-derived successor; over time 'Picasso' became Citroën’s designated nameplate for their MPV range.