Citroen Xantia

Xantia is something of an oddity. A rather forgettable ownership experience awaits those lucky enough not to suffer reliability problems. It does redeem itself with hydropneumatic suspension which gives a superb ride and there's plenty of space inside. However it doesn't have the character of Citroëns of old and will require specialist servicing to keep it on the road.

LX, SX, 16V, VSX, TURBO, D, SD, TD, HDI

Basic 1.6i has adjustable steering column, radio/cassette, split rear seat, twin rear foglights, colour-coded bumper skirts, side mouldings with chrome inserts, remote door mirrors, tweed upholstery; LX adds remote central locking, electric front windows, electric sunroof. SX has heated electric mirrors, front fog lamps, six-speaker RDS audio; VSX has electronic ‘Hydractive II’ suspension, alloy wheels. Revisions in June 94 brought frontal restyling, seatbelt pre-tensioners. Turbo Activa has ‘ARCS’ Active Roll Control system, rear spoiler, alloys, sports seats. Revisions May 97 gave LX models velour/Alcantara upholstery, fog lamps, electric mirrors, rear head restraints; SX has Alcantara trim, rear spoiler (on saloons), alloys; VSX have leather upholstery. 3.0 V6 Exclusive has ‘Auto Adaptive’ transmission, VSX kit plus cruise control, CD player, electric front seats, wood trim. Range was again revised in January 98: new bonnet, grille, stronger body with reinforced door bars, wider track; previous models continued in rebadged form as Temptation 2, Desire 2 and Athena 2 special editions to mid 1998.

3.0i V6