Citroen Xsara 2000 test drive - 2004 hatchback

For a loved one

Citroen-ksara for the driver
When they say or write a car for the driver, most are a limited circle of models, as a rule, very expensive. Meanwhile, you can get the pleasure of feeling a well -traveling apparatus under your lesser money.

The goods are face
Citroen Xara made his debut in 1997, and in 2001 was modernized. The interior and exterior have changed, the latest technical solutions increased safety, engines appeared more modern. But what is even more important for Russian buyers - over the past two years, we have been actively developing a company's dealer network. This is exactly what increased interest in the brand, seriously raising the sales of new cars.
Today, dealers offer Xaru with a hatchback or station wagon. There is, however, a three -door compartment, but it costs noticeably more.
The basic price of a hatchback with a mechanical five -speed gearbox is 15,200 euros, with a four -speed automatic machine - 16,200, and the station wagon will pull at least 16,900. For this money, an official dealer will offer a car with a 1.6 liter gasoline engine, 80 kW/109 liters. p., ABS, air conditioning, four airbags, audio system, fog lights, not counting the front electric windows and Electric drives of mirrors, heating the front seats, obviously, hydraulic power steering and something else. It is not bad, if we keep in mind that competitors will have to pay extra for one of the above. We chose a car with a machine gun for acquaintance (we talked about Xar with a mechanical box in ZR, 2001, No. 8).
Even before departure, our attention was drawn to a plastic muzzle lying in the trunk of a new car. The owner can independently install it in the front bumper skirt to protect the radiator from stones and garbage. Perhaps in winter it will protect against snow and the radiator will cool less.
The combination of an impressive guarantee and gentle prices for planned TO is attracted to buyers. Three years or 100 thousand km at the frequency of service of 15 thousand km and the cost of the first two euros along with consumables. As they say, who can, let him offer the best.
WHAT IS INSIDE?
First of all, convenience and practicality. There are no excesses in the name of high fashion or some special style. In the usual places you find everything you need. Two adjustments to the steering column - along the length and corner of the inclination and at the same time adjusting the driver's seat in height - an infrequent combination.
Well -readable devices, convenient controls. The fifth door opens access to a spacious trunk, where there are loops for fastening cargo and straps for a standard driver’s kit - a first -aid kit, a fire extinguisher.
The headrests of the rear seats are very useful in the backs so as not to interfere with the review. Some pleasant little things are also paid attention to. For example, barely turning his head back, the driver will see from his place whether the children's lock is turned on. If not, a red window-indicator will remain on the corresponding door.
Large passengers may seem insufficiently powerful seats, although it is unlikely that anyone will call them uncomfortable. The reserve in height in front will satisfy anyone who does not need non -standard large clothes, but not everyone will have enough air from behind. A person with tall above 180 cm will feel the roof of the crown, and those who jumped 185, perhaps, will have to slide slightly or stoop. However, in this class this is considered the norm - not a limousine after all.
The strength of Xara is undoubtedly trunk. The torsion suspension allowed it to make it wide, the A-LLA M-2141 reserve for the car provided a low floor (which means that the relatively large height of the trunk), and the large door opening from the bumper eliminates the need to strain too much when loading and unloading.
Well, how not to evaluate French practicality, when you find that the upholstery of the seats is fastened with lightning. If you get dirty - hand over in dry cleaning, or wash yourself, or buy new ones.

How is it going?
Back in the year before last, at the first acquaintance with Xara, we noted its excellent sled qualities. Then the most meticulous of us put a four car with a plus for the ability to go correctly. The steering wheel, suspension, the engine seemed to agree with each other, working out the driver’s teams. Softly, without unnecessary rolls, the car prescribed turns at any reasonable speed.
And here is a car with an automatic box. Already familiar suspension and steering are working properly, but an intermediary has appeared in their relationship with the engine - this is noticeable. In the usual mode of operation, a good machine in a general machine, you feel small delays between pressing the gas and the reaction of the car. The smoother and more solid the latter moves in space, the less noticeable they are, but with the growth of engine speed and the transition to more intense operation, the right delay pedal grows and the harmony is melting slowly. Fortunately, this is curable. It is worth clicking on the sport button - the character of the box is changing. She manipulates much faster than the transmissions, knows how to slow down with the engine and now hesitates you to small pranks. It is not entirely appropriate to already seem to be a steppe riding. And although the reaction of the car to the accelerator pedal with mechanics was faster, we have the right to state that with an automatic machine in the sport mode, Xaru can be attributed to cars for the driver.
Not the last role in handling is played by 15-inch wheels. They feel good at a congress from the asphalt to the lane. Here the car has small overhangs, in the liability - the lack of protection, which, however, can be put on the service.

Of the features, it is worth noting the ending on the gas tank cover (1), a hidden box in the door (2) and headlight nozzles (3).

EQUIPMENT
Abs
Side airbags
Air conditioner
Adjustable steering column
Fog lights
Audiosystem
Full -size spare wheel

Prices for spare parts and then, euro
Then 15,000 km (with a ramp. Mater.) 102
Then 30,000 km (with rabb. Mater.) 102
Then 45,000 km (with a ramp. Mater.) 170
Front brake pads 43
The brakes are rear
barab./Disk 127/38
Timing belt + videos + work 40 + 80 + 100
Bumper front soil./Negrunt. 125/105
Bamper rear soil./Negrunt. 125/105
Hood 213
Front door 240
The rear door is 220
Front wing 62
Windshield 186
Block Fara 125
Rear lamp 49
Norma for locksmith work 35
Norma for bodywork 30
 

 
 



Text / Alexander Budkin
Photo / Konstantin Yakubov
 

Source: The magazine "Driving"