Citroën Xsara Hatchback (2000-2004) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 4 out of 54.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 33 - 62 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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Service intervals for new cars are 12,500 miles apart, all engines are fuel-efficient, but insurance is, curiously, slightly higher than other mainstream cars in the class.

Xsara is an environmentally friendly model. With an average of 147 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are comparably low for a small family hatchback. However, it’s worth noting that the line up has a high number of diesel models, bringing the average down and giving buyers more choices of low-emission versions. Diesels typically produce less CO2 than petrol engines with similar power outputs.

Eco-conscious buyers should consider the 1.4-litre diesel, which is one of the greenest models in the range. The range is impressively frugal, averaging 48 mpg.

No major problems, but plenty of build-quality related niggles. Long service intervals may encourage complacency and on low mileage cars, the oil might not have been changed for years.