Overall Rating |  |
Synergie, along with Ulysse and Peugeot 806, is a practical but unremarkable first generation family MPV. Neither as stylish nor as popular as Galaxy/Sharan, it's relatively affordable now.
For
- Cheaper than most MPV rivals
- Easy to drive with good all-round vision
- Flexible passenger accommodation and load space
Against
- Boxy body looks dated
- Some versions lack air conditioning
- Eight-seaters are rather cramped
Road Test
Synergie isn't the prettiest MPV - its angular lines are shared by a light commercial vehicle. And it's showing its age by comparison with the current C8. But it's spacious and flexible inside, with big sliding rear doors that make it particularly family-friendly.
Turbodiesels are favoured; the early 1.9TD (to early 2000) is a sturdy slogger, which is bettered by the newer, livelier and less thirsty 2.0 HDi. The old eight-valve 2.0 petrol unit does the job, but again it's the post-2000 2.0 16v that beats it for pulling power and fuel economy.
Unlike some MPVs, Synergie is quite light to drive, with accurate steering and not much body roll. It's easy to manoeuvre in town and when parking.
Standard equipment on X and LX models is meagre - ABS and air con were only options; both are desirable. Safety is adequate: the 806 earned three NCAP stars.
Need To Know
NCAP: Not tested
Best Models: 2.0 16v SX; 2.0 HDi SX/Exclusive; 7-seaters
Worst Models: 2.0i X/LX 5-seaters
Replacement: by Citroen C8 in 2003
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling Comfort  Quality & Reliability Performance Roominess Running Costs Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav  |
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