Citroen Xsara Hatchback
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Pick one up used for the best deal in the class.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Servicing quite cheap. Insurance group 6. No repair bills as yet.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Handles very well indeed, even with the slightly vague steering and the soft suspension. Great around town or on the motorway. Better than the Astra or Escort by miles.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding! Seriously, it's quite nippy for a non-turbo diesel. By no means is it sluggish. Initial take-off is urgent enough.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Hasn't let me down in the 6 months I've had it.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Dull as dishwater with old fashioned styling. Has some often overlooked nice touches, but ultimately is not the sort of car you gaze back at when you leave it in the car park.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Most comfy car in its class with armchair seats and lots of room. Amazingly, for Citroen, this car feels very well built.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    They're so dull, nobody want to nick them! Immobiliser as standard. Front and side airbags. NCAP 3 stars.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Service is okay. Nothing more.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Airbag light came on. (Nothing wrong with Airbag). Sorted during service.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No