Segment:
Compact family car (hatchback, estate, coupe)
Target Audience:
Families seeking practicality, comfort, and innovative design
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Renault Mégane, Opel Astra
Citroen Advantage:
Known for distinctive styling, ride comfort (Hydractive suspension on some models), and innovative features
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, spacious interior, user-friendly cabin layout
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 5-door estate (Break), 2-door coupe (Xsara পারেনা)
Suspension System:
Advanced independent suspension, with optional Hydractive 3 suspension on higher trims for enhanced ride comfort and handling
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair and overhaul
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, discs, calipers, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, comfort features
Body And Chassis:
Bodywork repair, doors, windows, interior trim, safety structures
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service and repair
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and top-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults and symptoms
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation
Component Replacement:
Detailed guides for replacing major components like engines, transmissions, and body panels
Adjustment And Calibration:
Procedures for adjusting brakes, clutch, steering, and electronic systems
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic user maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Focus:
Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting trees for electronic and mechanical issues
Petrol Engines:
1.4L (TU3JP), 1.6L (TU5JP), 1.8L (XU7JP), 2.0L (XU10J2, EW10J4)
Diesel Engines:
1.9L (DW8 - naturally aspirated), 2.0L (DW10TD - HDi)
Power Range Petrol:
75 PS to 137 PS (approx.)
Power Range Diesel:
70 PS to 90 PS (approx.)
Fuel Delivery Petrol:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Direct injection (DI) for DW8, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) for DW10 HDi
Euro Standards:
Euro 2 and Euro 3 compliant (depending on engine and year)
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (e.g., BE gearbox)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., AL4)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios detailed for each engine/transmission combination within the manual
Euro Ncap Rating:
3 stars (for early models, improved on later iterations)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard on higher trims, optional on others)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (ASR) available on some higher-spec models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard; side airbags optional on some trims
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Chassis Structure:
Crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell for impact absorption
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player with steering wheel controls on higher trims.
Dashboard Features:
Digital odometer, trip computer (optional), analogue tachometer and speedometer, warning lights.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on some models.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically factory fitted during this production period, but retrofittable.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; typically features like power windows, central locking, electric mirrors. Bluetooth or USB connectivity not standard.
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Typically 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine variant)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically 10,000 km or 12 months for naturally aspirated diesel, 15,000 km for HDi (refer to manual)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Varies by engine, e.g., 90,000-120,000 km or 5-6 years for many petrol engines. Critical for engine integrity. Consult manual for precise interval and procedure.
Engine Oil Type:
Depends on engine and climate. Common specifications include 5W-40 or 10W-40. Manual specifies PSA (Peugeot-Citroën) approvals, e.g., PSA B71 2290 for diesel, PSA B71 2300 for petrol.
Coolant Type:
Long-life OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically blue or purple, meeting PSA standards.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 specification gear oil, typically 75W-80 or 75W-90
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Specific ATF fluid meeting Dexron II or III equivalent, often with PSA approval. Refer to manual for precise type.
Common Faults Petrol:
Ignition coil failure, lambda sensor issues, exhaust manifold cracks (especially 1.8L XU7JP), starter motor issues.
Common Faults Diesel:
Glow plug failure, injector seal leaks (HDi), turbocharger issues (HDi).
Common Faults Suspension:
Rear axle beam wear (common to many PSA vehicles of this era, affecting camber and toe), worn suspension bushes.
Common Faults Electrical:
Faulty central locking actuators, window regulator failures, instrument cluster intermittent faults.
Common Faults HVAC:
Heater control flap issues, A/C compressor clutch faults.
Citroen Legacy:
Citroën has a long history of innovation in automotive engineering, focusing on comfort and unique design.
Xsara Predecessor:
Replaced the Citroën ZX.
Xsara Successor:
Succeeded by the Citroën C4.
Facelifts:
Received a significant facelift in 2001 (the Xsara II), with updated styling and features, but this manual covers the pre-facelift (Xsara I) models.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France and Spain.
Safety Awards:
While Euro NCAP ratings were modest, Citroën vehicles are generally known for innovative safety structures. Detailed awards specific to the Xsara model itself for safety are not prominently documented.
Reliability Perception:
Varied; petrol engines generally considered more reliable than early automatics. Diesel variants, particularly the HDi, are known for durability.
Manufacturing Standards:
Manufactured to ISO 9001 quality management standards.
