Test Drive Citroen XSARA 2000 - 2004 Hatchback

Citroen Xsara.

It is impossible to disagree that the XSARA of the previous generation was not particularly highlighted in the stream of cars. But after the appearance of the Picasso single-complusive, his good-natured smile and widely opened headlights seem to become a corporate style Citroen.
The cooking hobby in any way was in no way affected the Citroen brand. New directions developed by designers of the company are not reminded of cars of the long-speded years, and are completely individual in the world of automotive industry. The first carrier of the new original Citroen style was the Picasso single ban, and now other XSARA modifications, and promising models have received more expressive and solid features.
 
XSARA has a completely new face. Large headlights in the style of XSARA Picasso with a reflector of a complex shape, which increased in the dimensions of the double chevron and the grille of the radiator, on which it is located, the new bumper with wide slots, the more profiled and expressive hood radically changed the front of the machine. But the back part has changed slightly: the castle has disappeared from the trunk lid, since it is now electric, and the antenna moved to the roof. The profile line is also practically no different from the silhouette of the previous model. And only thanks to changes in the front of XSARA began to look more impressive. The appearance of the machine 15-inch wheels with Michelin Tires in size 195/55, which are installed on all modifications.
 
The changes were practically not affected by the salon, except that the Citroen emblem on the steering wheel became noticeably larger, and the display on the center console increased in size and was combined with the audio system and the CD player. And for Exclusive version there are magnificent seats with developed side support and trim lever of the gearbox, the lower part of the central console and the insertion under the tree on the glove box. Passengers now protect four airbags, and the body itself in the modernization process was noticeably reinforced, and a convenient grid appeared in the trunk for fixing the cargo.
 
Citroen XSara mechanics also underwent a serious audit. Main novelty New gasoline 2-liter 16-valve engine. It develops power 137 hp At 6000 rpm and torque 190 nm at 4100 rpm. These indicators, of course, cannot be called outstanding, but it is necessary to consider that 170 nm of the moment the motor gives at 1800 rpm.
 
Click the button on the key chain, turn the ignition key, and the motor came to life. The grip, the first gear, let go of the pedal, and without adding the gas, the machine quietly rides, not giving and a hint of a lack of moment on low revs. Confident acceleration begins with the smallest revolutions. Moreover, if the gas pedal and the gearbox is actively working, overclocking up to 100 km / h is only 8.6 s. After several shurts from the traffic light, the drivers of the machines following parallel courses are starting to look at a silver mademoisel. In general, it can be said that the external appeal is fully supported by internal content. Transmissions on Exclusive version stretched, and therefore acceleration occurs quickly, but at the same time without fuss.
 
XSARA versions with gasoline engines with a volume of 1.6 and 2 l, as well as diesel 2.0 HDI equipped with disk brakes on all wheels and ABS. Easy touching the brake pedal and starts a slowdown, pressed a little stronger and Xsara freezes like inserted. It is almost impossible to bring on dry asphalt before the anti-lock system is almost impossible. Only when sand appears under one of the wheels, the pedal under the foot will beat the driver, writing the driver that everything under control. The rear suspension with a submissive effect remains the same as on the machines of the previous generation. It is necessary to get used to it, because at first with high-speed turning turns, its behavior causes some surprise. At that moment, when it would seem, the rear axle demolition should occur, the car suddenly sees himself in turn, preventing a dangerous breakdown. If you prefer a measured movement without extreme accelerations, then this version will also fit. The control is very easy, the suspension is comfortable and reliable. And if at low speeds XSARA has become a little tougher, then on large this stiffness does not turn into a lot of rigs. Citroen engineers have achieved a good compromise between sports rigidity and comfort. By the way, the fuel consumption is very and very affordable.
 
It seems that Citroen Xsara expects the second youth, and to the million cars, which is already running along the roads of the world, will add the second.
Specifications Citroen XSARA
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm 4188x1705x1405
Curb weight, kg 1173
Engine type gasoline row
4-cylinder 16-valve
Working volume, cube. CM 1997.
Max. Power, hp / rpm 137/6000
Max. Moment, nm / rpm 190/4100
Transmission mechanical 5-speed
Brakes front / rear disc ventilated / disk, ABS
Tires 195/55 R15
Max. Speed, km / h 210
The acceleration time is 0-100 km, from 8.6
Fuel consumption (city / route), l / 100 km 11.4 / 5.6
Volume of tank, l 55
Lev Togasin
Photo by Alexander Vasilyev
 
 
 
 

A source: Magazine "Autopanoram"