Citroen Xsara Break (N2, Phase I) 2.0 16V (135 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.4 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Citroen Xsara:

The Citroën Xsara is a compact C-segment family car, produced by the French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroën, under their Citroën marque, from 1997 to 2006. The Xsara was a development of the Citroën ZX and Peugeot 306, which shared a platform and running gear.
It came in three and five door hatchback and five door estate body styles; the estate was marketed as the Break and the three door as the Coupé. The styling shared cues with the larger Bertone designed Xantia, but was regarded as bland by the motoring press....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Break (N2, Phase I) Overview:

Citroen Xsara (Break (N2, Phase I)). With 180 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1190 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.2 s). The top speed reaches 206 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.0 16V (135 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The most potent engine, providing strong acceleration and good top-end power, transforming the Xsara into a surprisingly swift estate.

Fuel Economy

Higher fuel consumption compared to the diesels, but acceptable for a performance-oriented petrol engine of its size.

Best Use Case: Mixed / Enthusiast

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and practical interior with a large boot capacity
  • • Comfortable ride quality, typical of French cars of its era
  • • Excellent value for money on the used market
  • • Economical and robust diesel engine options (especially HDi)
  • • Good visibility and easy to drive

Cons:

  • • Dated exterior and interior styling by modern standards
  • • Some petrol engines, especially with automatic transmissions, are underpowered and inefficient
  • • Interior plastics can feel cheap and scratch-prone
  • • 3-star Euro NCAP rating is not competitive with newer vehicles
  • • Torsion beam rear suspension can be prone to wear over time

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe (N0, Phase I): 1997 - 2000).

General:
Brand:Citroen
Model:Xsara
Generation:Break (N2, Phase I)
Modification (Engine):2.0 16V (135 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:135 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:67.6 Hp/l [187mm more]
Torque:180 Nm @ 4200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:RFV XU10J4R More details about the engine RFV XU10J4R
Engine displacement:1998
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.25 l
Coolant:7 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:86 mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm
Compression ratio:10.4:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.2 sec
Maximum speed:206 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.8 kg/Hp, 113.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.6 kg/Nm, 151.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1190
Max. weight:1710
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1512 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:517 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1100 kg
Fuel tank capacity:54 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:630 kg
Permitted towbar download:70 kg
Size:
Length:4354 mm [187mm more]
Width:1698 mm [Same width.]
Height:1426 mm [25mm more]
Wheelbase:2540 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:1994 mm
Front track:1423 mm
Rear (Back) track:1430 mm
Front overhang:868 mm
Rear overhang:946 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/55 R15
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionTorsion

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