Segment:
Family Car / Large Family Car
Key Selling Points:
Innovative hydropneumatic suspension, spacious interior, comfortable ride, distinctive French styling.
Key Competitors:
Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra, Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 406, Renault Laguna.
Unique Features:
Self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension (fully adjustable ride height and stiffness), unique dashboard design, excellent aerodynamic efficiency.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system
Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox (manual and automatic), driveshafts, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Hydropneumatic suspension (front and rear), wishbones, anti-roll bars, steering rack, power steering pump
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM), comfort electronics
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention
Maintenance:
Scheduled servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups
Repair:
Engine overhaul, gearbox repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault finding charts, common problem solutions
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (where applicable for later models), system-specific diagnostic steps
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Petrol Engines:
1.8L (XU7 JP), 2.0L (XU10 J2, EW10 J4), 2.1L Turbo Diesel (XUD11 BTE), 2.0L HDi (DW10 TD)
Petrol Engine Details 1.8L
Bore X Stroke:
83 mm x 81.4 mm
Power Output Hp:
90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp)
Torque Nm:
145 Nm (107 lb-ft)
Petrol Engine Details 2.0L Xu10
Bore X Stroke:
86 mm x 86 mm
Power Output Hp:
123 PS (90 kW; 121 bhp)
Torque Nm:
178 Nm (131 lb-ft)
Petrol Engine Details 2.0L Ew10
Bore X Stroke:
85 mm x 88 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1
Power Output Hp:
136 PS (100 kW; 134 bhp)
Torque Nm:
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Diesel Engine Details 2.1Td
Bore X Stroke:
85 mm x 92 mm
Compression Ratio:
21.5:1
Power Output Hp:
109 PS (80 kW; 108 bhp)
Torque Nm:
250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
Diesel Engine Details 2.0Hdi
Bore X Stroke:
85 mm x 88 mm
Compression Ratio:
17.6:1
Power Output Hp:
90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp)
Torque Nm:
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Petrol Injection:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Injection:
Direct Injection (Diesel), Common Rail (HDi)
Petrol:
Unleaded Petrol (RON 95 recommended)
Height:
approx. 1370 mm (normal mode)
Height:
approx. 1430 mm (normal mode)
Boot Capacity Litres:
480 litres (seats up)
Boot Capacity Litres:
510 litres (seats up), 1640 litres (seats down)
Kerb Weight Kg:
Varies by engine, approx. 1300-1500 kg
Track Front Mm:
approx. 1500 mm
Track Rear Mm:
approx. 1450 mm
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x108
Wheel Size Standard:
15-inch or 16-inch alloy or steel wheels
Tyre Size Standard:
185/65 R15, 195/60 R15, 205/60 R15, 205/55 R16 (varies by trim/engine)
Euroncap Result:
Not available for pre-2000 models with consistent testing standards. Early safety features included.
ABS:
Standard on higher trims, optional on some base models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some later models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard from mid-1990s onwards. Side airbags optional on some models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned seatbelts with force limiters, rear ISOFIX points (later models).
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones.
Radio Cassette Player:
Factory fitted radio with cassette player, often with steering wheel controls on higher trims.
Cd Player:
Optional CD changer or in-dash CD player on later models.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on some higher-spec models.
Parking Sensors:
Not commonly fitted on this generation, but possible as aftermarket.
Bluetooth:
Not factory fitted; aftermarket solutions available.
Manual Air Conditioning:
Available on many models, manual or automatic climate control.
Oil Change Petrol:
Every 12,500 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first.
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 25,000 miles or 2 years.
Fuel Filter Replacement Petrol:
Every 50,000 miles or 4 years.
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Every 20,000 miles or 2 years (depending on fuel quality).
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Every 50,000 miles (for standard plugs), 60,000 miles (for long-life plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 75,000 miles or 5 years (for petrol engines with belts). Diesel engines typically have timing chains.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years.
Hydropneumatic Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Engine Oil Petrol Viscosity:
5W-40 or 10W-40 (API SJ/CF, ACEA A2/B2)
Engine Oil Diesel Viscosity:
5W-40 or 10W-40 (API CF/CG-4, ACEA B3/B4)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
approx. 4.25 litres
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate (Ethylene Glycol based), mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Citroën recommends Type G or equivalent.
Coolant Capacity Approx:
7-8 litres
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Hydropneumatic Fluid Type:
LHM Plus (Citroën's hydraulic mineral oil) or equivalent ISO 32 hydraulic fluid.
Transmission Oil Manual:
SAE 75W-80 API GL-4 gear oil.
Transmission Oil Automatic:
LT 71141 specification ATF or equivalent.
Hydropneumatic System:
Leaking spheres, worn suspension seals (hydraucylinder seals), pump wear, fluid leaks, ride height issues. Requires specific tools and knowledge.
Electrical System:
Faulty window regulators, central locking issues, dashboard warning lights, ECU failures on some models.
Engine Issues:
Head gasket failure on some petrol engines, injector issues on diesels, glow plug problems on older diesels.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and leaks, catalytic converter failure.
Bodywork:
Rust around wheel arches, sills, and rear tailgate on older examples.
Citroen Philosophy:
Citroën has a long history of innovation in automotive technology, particularly with suspension systems (e.g., 2CV, DS, SM).
Predecessor:
Citroën XM (larger, executive), Citroën BX (smaller, still with hydropneumatic suspension).
Production Years:
1993-2000
Manufacturing Location:
Rennes-sur-Ille, France