Vehicle Segment:
Compact family car (C-segment)
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking a practical, comfortable, and stylish hatchback or estate car.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 307, Renault Mégane.
Design Philosophy:
Citroën's emphasis on comfort (e.g., Hydractive suspension on some variants, though less common on the 2.0i 16V), distinctive styling, and practicality.
Powertrain Focus:
The 2.0i 16V engine provides a balance of performance and refinement for everyday driving and occasional spirited use.
Manual Benefit:
Enables DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics to perform accurate diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services and extending vehicle lifespan.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, powertrain control modules (PCM).
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission (specific type dependent on vehicle configuration), clutch system, drivetrain components (driveshafts, CV joints).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD), wheels and tires, chassis alignment.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC), infotainment system, lighting (interior and exterior).
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, fuse box locations, body control module (BCM), lighting controls, accessory circuits, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Maintenance:
Routine service intervals, oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation, circuit testing, component testing.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs, bodywork repair procedures.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, component clearances, technical data for all major systems, diagnostic parameters.
Scope:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Digital Format:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Likely fully searchable text, allowing quick access to specific information.
Image Quality:
High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs for clarity.
Digital Reproducibility:
Printable for on-demand use in a workshop environment.
Digital Format:
N/A (Digital file)
Digital Format:
N/A (Digital file)
Engine Name:
2.0i 16V (EW10J4)
Engine Type:
Inline-4, naturally aspirated gasoline
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1 (typical)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder), Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on intake.
Horsepower:
136 PS (134 bhp / 100 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
192 Nm (142 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point electronic fuel injection (MPI) with sequential injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 recommended)
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, Euro 3/4 emissions standard.
Type:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized system.
Type:
Wet sump, pressurized lubrication.
Type:
5-speed manual transmission (ML5C or similar).
Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (AL4 or similar).
Gear Ratios Manual:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: ~3.46, 2nd: ~1.92, 3rd: ~1.33, 4th: ~1.00, 5th: ~0.84, Reverse: ~3.00, Final Drive: ~4.06).
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated dry single-plate clutch.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-80 synthetic gear oil (e.g., Total Transmission Gear 80W-85).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) – e.g., Mobil ATF 3309 or equivalent.
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 5-door estate (break).
Length:
Approx. 4136 mm (hatchback), 4275 mm (estate)
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm (hatchback), 1470 mm (estate)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2609 mm
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1250-1350 kg (depending on body style and equipment).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's VIN plate for exact GVWR.
Luggage Capacity Hatchback:
Approx. 324 liters (seats up)
Luggage Capacity Estate:
Approx. 454 liters (seats up)
Euroncap Rating:
4 stars (for original Xsara generation, 1999 model tested). 2005 model may have updated features but likely retains a similar structural integrity baseline.
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) typically standard on 16V models.
Traction Control:
Optional (ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation) on some variants.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags often optional.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
Chassis Design:
Engineered for crumple zones and safety cage to absorb impact energy.
Audio System:
Factory fitted CD player with RDS, often with steering wheel audio controls on higher trims. Speaker configuration varies.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (RT2 or similar) available on some models.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control and speed limiter functionality available on some variants.
Connectivity Options:
Limited by modern standards; typically basic radio/CD connectivity. Later models might have auxiliary input or phone pre-wiring.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 20,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. (Using synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 40,000 km or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 km (typically iridium or platinum tipped plugs).
Coolant Replacement:
Every 60,000 km or 4 years. Use Citroën-approved long-life coolant (e.g., Type D).
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Use DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Specification:
ACEA A3/B4 or API SL/SJ, viscosity grade SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 (synthetic).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (including filter).
Coolant Specification:
Citroën Type D antifreeze/coolant (red/pink, ethylene glycol based).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent.
Engine Performance Issues:
Potential for ignition coil failure, lambda sensor issues, occasional idle control valve problems leading to rough idling.
Transmission Issues:
Wear on clutch components for manual transmissions. Automatic transmissions (AL4) can sometimes suffer from solenoid issues or torque converter problems if not maintained.
Suspension And Steering:
Wear in front suspension components (wishbone bushes, ball joints) and rear axle bearings are common on higher mileage examples.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion in connectors, faulty window regulators, and issues with interior electronics (e.g., central locking, dashboard lights) can occur.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial to replace the timing belt and tensioners every 120,000 km or 6 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Citroen Legacy:
Citroën has a long history of innovation in automotive engineering, known for its comfortable ride and avant-garde designs.
Xsara Lineage:
The Xsara replaced the Citroën ZX and was produced from 1997 to 2006. It was part of Citroën's strategy to offer stylish and comfortable compact cars.
Facelift Impact:
The 2005 model represents the latter part of the Xsara's production run, potentially benefiting from minor updates or refinements over its lifecycle.
Production Period:
1997-2006
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily France (Aulnay-sous-Bois) and Spain (Vigo).