Overall Rating |  |
Xantia is an unconventional, individualistic family car. Comfort and space come at a price - problems with Citroen's integrated hydraulic systems can bring big bills. Bought carefully, it's a bargain.
For
- Superb ride thanks to hydropneumatic suspension
- Spacious interiors, especially in the estate
- Good value if you avoid the pitfalls
Against
- Potentially troublesome unless serviced carefully
- Most buyers prefer more conventional cars
- Body and interior suffer at higher mileage
Road Test
Xantia offers lots of car for your money; £5000 buys an economical X-reg 2.0 HDi SX estate. Comfort is assured by 'floating' suspension, soaking up uneven surfaces and giving superb ride control. The cabin is light, roomy and well equipped except on basic fleet versions.
Petrol engines are unremarkable, though the 1.8i 16v sold well; it's turbodiesels that the Citroen cognoscenti want, particularly the 110bhp 2.0 HDi unit from 1998 - smooth pulling power and 50+ mpg if you're careful. The 2.0 Turbo Activa goes well but costs a lot to service; the 3.0i V6 is just too thirsty.
Heavily assisted steering and brakes plus that weird but wonderful suspension mean Xantia doesn't feel responsive to drive, though it's safe and sure-footed.
Reliability and a mediocre safety rating may deter cautious buyers. But seek out a fully maintained car without too many miles, and you should be pleasantly surprised.
Need To Know
NCAP: 2
Best Models: 1.9TD, 2.0 HDi, 2.0i 16v; estates
Worst Models: 1.6i, 1.8i 8v, 1.9D
Replacement: by Citroen C5 in 2001
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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