Best ride in its class (Citroën Xantia Estate 2.0 HDi 110hp SX)

Member Name: aminfilou

Product:	Citroën Xantia Estate 2.0 HDi 110hp SX
Date:	24/02/01 (1709 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ride, engine, fuel economy

Disadvantages: Bland design, build quality

My father owned a 2.0 litre, 16V Citroen estate for three years, and it was a disaster from day one.
Why then did he buy another Xantia; this time a 2.0 litre HDi - he thought he'd give Citroen one last chance and was glad he did.

The 2 litre HDi engine is wonderful. No longer does diesel mean tractor. This diesel is barely louder than a quiet petrol car with a lovely soft purring. On acceleration the engine comes to life and is SO smooth to be unbelievable. Acceleration is admittedly still slower than an equivalent petrol car; but only just. Fuel consumption on the other hand is far superior. The Xantia can do around 50 miles per gallon which is only a bit less than the acclaimed Prius Hybrid car, so it is very economical. The steering has improved over the previous model but is still a bit 'vague' and is perhaps over-powered.

One serious niggle is the pedal layout. The brake pedal is on the small side and set back at at a lower level than the clutch. This means that when moving from the accelerator to the brake it is difficult to find and several times I have felt that in an emergency this could potentially be dangerous. Overall driving position is good with good visibility all round, and large electronic door mirrors. Of course the legendary Citroen ride is evident in the Xantia, and the suspension is undoubtedly class leading with its 'self-levelling' technology that ensures the car is always at the same height no matter how much weight it is carrying.

The design of the interior is questionable. 'Bland' and 'tacky' are words that spring to mind as the black plastic feels distinctly cheap. The steering wheel mounted radio controls are good though as are all the controls. Front and rear leg space is good and the back seats hold three adults (just). The boot however is huge and swallows anything thrown at it. The handbrake is poor but works ok if the foot brake is applied whilst using it. On the small side is the glove box due to th
e passenger airbag but there are various other cubby holes around the place that make storage easier.

Equipment levels are high with four airbags, electronic front and rear windows, air conditioning, 5 head restraints, 6 CD multichanger (in boot but doesn't take up space) so value for nmoney is good.

Overall this is a solid family car that can swallow the week's shopping and comfortably transport its occupants; it is just a little on the bland side.

Summary: