Test Drive Citroen XSARA 2000 - 2004 Hatchback
Practical nature
Citroen-Xara 1,6SX Citroen XSARA 1,6SX
For the first time, Citroen Xara was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1997, and after three months, sales began in Russia. Release with a five-door body in X, XS, and exclusive. Equipped with 1.4-, 1.6- and 1.8-liter gasoline engines. Transmission - mechanical five-speed or four-stage automatic. There are three-door hatchback with a two-liter power unit - VTS coupe. French cars have not yet gained wide popularity in Russia. Meanwhile, they are distinguished by a good value-quality ratio. On our test, the French novelty of the golf class is Citroen Xara 1,6SX worth $ 19 140.
Xara came to replace the obsolete model ZX. Designers tried to keep all the best qualities of the previous model and clothe them in a new form. Let's see how much it was.
The front doorways are wide enough, but the cumbersome front panel does not allow it to be easily pressed. You have to go to the cunning: first to sit in the chair, then make a leg and head into the salon. Approximately the same principle of landing on the rear seats. The range of driving chairs adjustments allows you to conveniently stay not only in the short one, but also a two-meter giant. There is also an adjustment of the height of the pillow, working on the principle further - below, closer - above. If the driver's growth does not exceed 180 cm, then behind it can be very comfortable. And then the threesome are closed behind. Strongly inclined rear racks are literally pressured on extreme passengers.
But back to the driver's seat. The steering wheel is convenient, especially since it can be lifted-omit or move-push. An interesting feature: when the ignition is turned on on a liquid crystal odometer, the residual mileage is displayed until the next technical inspection.
Steal switches, in our opinion, are overloaded. For example, on the left, in addition to the traditional control of the rotation pointers, rotating rings include dimensional lights, headlights and fog. In addition, typically in French, on its own end - the button of the audio signal. Not easier and with the right switch. The front and rear wiper wiper with washers are inserted on it, and besides, the heating of the rear window (by the way, with the timer) - again the end button. Well, of course, what kind of Citroen without original technical solutions. In an inexpensive Xar, the designers abandoned complex hydropneumatics, nevertheless the rear suspension is original and very compact - torsion with almost horizontal shock absorbers. This design allows you to significantly increase the luggage compartment.
If you go calmly, smoothly gaining momentum, the engine is smoothly, without failures and noticeable pickups accelerates the car. But it is worth only to set Gaza - you will immediately feel that it is even a distant, but still a relative of Dakarov winners. Of course, having a 1.6 liter under the hood and 90 forces, feel like a rider is unlikely to succeed. But there is one trick in this engine: it is equal in power to its 1.8-liter European counterfeit. This is done specifically for countries where customs duties are more profitable for importation of cars with a volume of motors up to 1.6 liters.
The car does not annoy the roll, rolls in turns. The suspension is impressive with energy intensity and even at maximum load allows not particularly paying attention to asphalt colidum. Xara is perfectly listening to the steering wheel, she has effective brakes. It is a pity that the ABS is not included in the standard package. It is not bad for noise insulation of the cabin. The engine is almost not heard even on high revs, does not tire and obsessive buzz of tires. However, on the winter road covered with snow, the tires behave significantly quieter.
Among classmates Citroen Xara is close at the price ($ 19 140) to the purebred Europeans (Volkswagen Golf - 20,000), but more expensive Koreans (Daewoo Nexia - 14,700, Kia Sephia 1.5 - 14,000), European Ford (Escort 1.6 - 15900) and Skoda (Felicia 1.6 - 14,700). By the way, the same class also gets Vaz 2110 - $ 9 100.
Like many foreign cars, Xara requires 95th unleaded gasoline and corporate service. It is necessary to do it every 15 thousand km, while the first is free. Warranty - year without mileage limit and five years on the body. Corporate SERVICE Only one in Moscow (the cost of normo-hour - $ 42),
but it is possible to serve the car in Peugeot or Fiat stations. The editors thanks the company Torgtrans for the provided
on test car.
+ Elastic engine, energy-intensive suspension, spacious trunk.
- Bad visibility through the inner mirror of the rear view, the lack of ABS and airbags as standard.
Through clicking the rear window you will not see a lot.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
General data: Number of places - 5; Curb mass - 1030 kg; Full weight - 1580 kg; Maximum speed - 175 km / h; overclocking time up to 100 km / h - 13.1 s; fuel consumption in conditional country and urban cycles - 6.2; 11.0 l / 100 km; Fuel supply - 54 l; Fuel - gasoline AI-95 unleaded. Dimensions, mm: Length - 4167; width - 1698; Height - 1401; base - 2540; The volume of the trunk is 408/1190 l. Engine: gasoline, with distributed injection, four-cylinder row, 8-valve, located in front cross; Working volume - 1580 CMZ; cylinder diameter and piston stroke - 83 x 73 mm; compression ratio - 9.5; Power - 66 kW / 90 l. with. at 5000 rpm; Maximum torque - 147 NM at 2600 rpm. Transmission: Drive on the front wheels; gearbox - mechanical five-speed; Transmission numbers: I - 3.45; II - 1.87; III - 1.28; IV - 0.95; V - 0.80; s. NS. - 3.33; Main gear - 4.06. Suspension: Front - independent type Mac-Fersson; Rear - Independent torsion with a transverse stability stabilizer. Brakes: hydraulic with vacuum amplifier; Front - disc ventilated, rear - drums. Steering: Rush with a hydraulicel. Tire size: 185/65R14. Body equipment in the SX equipment: air conditioning, front electric windows, central locking with remote control, audio preparation adjustable by height driver seat.
SUMMARY
Xara came to Russia under the slogan changing images and styles. There are no former Citroenovskaya extravagance and in risen - just a good European car for a person without special racing ambitions, as well as a family car for all occasions.
Vladimir Oleynikov.
Photo Sergey Ivanov
A source: Journal "Behind the wheel"
