Citroen Xsara 2.0 HDi SX
Test Drive

Citroen Xsara 2.0 HDi SX

Citroën press reports say that 1998 vehicles with HDi engines have been sold since 451.000, of which nearly 150.000 are Xsara models alone. Apparently, the time has come to strengthen its presence in the market by increasing the supply. So now, in addition to the 66 kilowatt (or 90 hp) version, Xsara also has an improved 80 kilowatt (or 109 hp) version.

In addition to the reinforced strut, the maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1750 rpm also contributes to the engine's sovereign performance. You will understand the value of these rather dry numbers (which on paper provide a decent mowing with kilometers) on the road on long journeys without annoying, unwanted and too frequent stops at gas stations.

The average fuel consumption in the test, taking into account the capacity, was 7 liters per 100 kilometers. The two-liter engine retains another useful feature of the HDi: spinning pleasure. Namely, they are one of the few diesel engines that can use the operating range without much hesitation, this time starting at 4750 rpm. Therefore, this engine in the Xsara has an undesirable effect.

Despite the good maneuverability of the engine, we do not recommend driving in fourth or fifth gear below 1300 rpm. And not because of the well-known "hole" of turbocharged engines, but because of the intolerable drumbeat generated by the engine in this area. Thus, the shift lever and right hand will become better, and they will be visited more often than we would like. There is nothing to drum with the ear, let alone the machine itself.

Thus, the Xsara has retained all the already known advantages, but also disadvantages. Thus, criticism still deserves space, or lack thereof. Taller ones will move with their heads very close to the roof, and even any impact on the side skirting of the roof should not surprise them. The upper edge of the windshield is also low, as for the installation of the interior rearview mirror. This is more daring for adults when taking right turns.

The seats are still too soft and have too little lateral grip. Despite the adjustable lumbar support, the latter is not effective enough, which is especially noticeable on long trips.

The fact that the Xsara is targeting smaller is once again evident in the pillows. The height adjustment of the latter is not sufficient to provide a sufficiently high level of comfort, not to mention the safety supports in the event of a rear-end collision.

On the one hand, the chassis is typically French because of its softness, but also not French because of the reduced comfort. Most headaches are caused by short humps, and although the corners are soft, he does not bend over too much. But overall, the position of this front-wheel drive car is quite predictable (understeer). The brakes are trustworthy, and with standard ABS, reasonably precise control of effort but not exactly short braking distances, they operate quite sovereignly.

Citroën has managed to modernize its Xsare range with a flexible, powerful and above all, not overly voracious engine. I dare say that it is almost entirely a good combination of body and engine, but it needs some work to "silence" and "calm" the shaking engine.

Peter Humar

PHOTO: Uro П Potoкnik

Citroen Xsara 2.0 HDi SX

Basic data

Sales: Citroën Slovenia
Base model price: 13.833,25 €
Test model cost: 15.932,06 €
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Power:80kW (109


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 11,5 with
Maximum speed: 193 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 5,2l / 100km

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - in-line - diesel with direct fuel injection - displacement 1997 cm3 - maximum power 80 kW (109 hp) at 4000 rpm - maximum torque 250 Nm at 1750 rpm
Energy transfer: engine-driven front wheels - 5-speed manual transmission - tires 195/55 R 15 H
Capacity: top speed 193 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 11,5 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 7,0 / 4,2 / 5,2 l / 100 km (gasoil)
Mass: empty car 1246 kg
External dimensions: length 4188 mm - width 1705 mm - height 1405 mm - wheelbase 2540 mm - ground clearance 11,5 m
Inner dimensions: fuel tank 54 l
Box: normally 408-1190 liters

evaluation

  • The Xsara HDi delivers powerful yet economical motoring. The problem arises when you want to be a little lazy with the gear lever. In this case, the engine will drum unbearably below 1300 rpm, which will at least affect your well-being, if not the “well-being” of the machine itself.

We praise and reproach

engine

fuel consumption

flexibility

brakes

drum engine below 1300 rpm

congestion in the cabin

swallowing short blows

big key

pillows are too low

interior mirror

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