Citroen is a name not usually associated with high performance European hatchbacks. Its Xsara VTS coupe, however, is more than capable of holding its own against the likes of the Alfa Romeo 147, Peugeot's 206 Gti and Renault's Clio Sport.
Value for money
Pricing
The Xsara VTS is priced at $32,990, with a five-speed manual transmission. There is no automatic option.
Warranty
Two years/unlimited kilometres. Three years is the industry average.
Standard features
Automatic airconditioning, an in-dash CD player, leather-wrapped wheel, six airbags, power everything, trip computer and remote central locking are included. Cruise control should be there at the price. A full-size spare (on a steel wheel) is mounted externally under the boot.
Retained value
The 2.0 litre five-door Xsara hatch retains 63 per cent of its value after three years, which is slightly below average
Design and function
Ergonomics
You sit relatively high in the VTS, wherever you position the seat with the ratchet type height adjuster. The wheel is also height and reach adjustable. Some drivers may want more front seat travel.
Vision around the VTS is good for a coupe, due to quite thin rear pillars and the elevated driver's seat. The dash layout is logical and efficient, though the various functions on the three wands take time to master. Air and audio controls are easily accessible, and a snap to use. Plenty of oddment storage space is provided.
The white instrument dials feature chic arty blue/orange lighting. The headlights are average.
Innovation
The Xsara features sophisticated multiplex wiring, but mechanically it is quite conventional.
Safety
The Xsara scored three stars out of five in Euro NCAP crash tests.
Security
An engine immobiliser plus remote central locking are standard.
Comfort
Excellent for a sports coupe. The velour upholstered driver's armchair is characteristically Gallic - soft, supportive and good for a full day at the wheel. Some luxury car seats are less comfortable than this.
Space and practicality
The VTS' back seat, like most coupes, is a place where you would hesitate to put your friends. Access is good via the single-action tilt/slide front seat.
The rear seat backrest comes up only to your shoulder, headroom is adequate for passengers up to 180 cm, and legroom is tight for all. Three lap/sash belts and head restraints are fitted - though the seat is wide enough for only two - and the hinged side windows open.
The boot is reasonably spacious, though shallow. A net and load cover are provided. Three child restraint anchors are immediately under the tailgate, where they will restrict the boot's usefulness when restraints are fitted. The 60/40 split fold rear seat back considerably increases carrying capacity - the extended floor is long and flat.
Build and finish quality
The interior resembles a typically elegant French prestige sedan rather than a spartan sports cabin. The test car felt nice and solid, but had a few quality glitches. The occasional rattle and squeak in the cabin betrayed fit and finish which could be improved. The cheap, nasty carpet was a low rent touch among otherwise high quality materials. The driver's door closed with a tinny clang - whereas the passenger's door emitted a more reassuring thunk.
On the road
Fuel Efficiency
The Xsara is very fuel efficient considering its performance. On the highway it used only 6.8 litres/100km, while in the city it returned 8.9 litres/100km. These figures are more comparable with a low powered 1.6 than a 2.0 litre sports engine.
Performance
The Xsara's 2.0 litre four produces a class leading (with Renault's 2.0 litre) 124 kW at 6500 rpm.
It's a fine sports engine, with the ability to pull from only 2000 rpm, solid midrange punch from 3000-5500, then a strong, rasping top end which extends past 7000 rpm.
The five-speed's intermediate ratios are just close enough to let you keep the 2.0 litre singing in the high register on a tight section of bitumen. It's great fun to drive, and at the quick end of the Euro hatch class.
Low gearing - 3000 rpm/100 km/g in fifth - and plenty of torque also make the VTR an effortless highway cruiser by four-cylinder standards.
The five-speed's ratios are well chosen, but it's no sports gearbox. Its action is quite vague, with a longish throw; the 2-3 shift in particular can be clumsy.
Ride
Ride comfort is a given with Citroen. Despite the VTS's sports character, it still soaks up bumps with ease, isolating occupants from hits large and small. In the hot hatch context, it's luxurious.
Handling and steering
The VTS's dynamics are outstanding for a front-wheel drive. It is light, responsive and poised, with great stability and security on rough roads. Suspension tuning is of the highest order, with disciplined control over wheel and body movement.
The VTS flows through a set of bends with that easy, fluid grace which defines a top class Euro sporty. The steering requires virtually no conscious input - you simply point it in the right direction and it looks after itself.
A set of 16-inch alloy wheels shod with a more aggressive tyre would more appropriately complement the VTS's handling ability. Larger wheels would also look more convincing too - the 15-inchers don't properly fill the wheel arches.
Braking
The ABS equipped brakes have electronic force distribution. Power, progression and feel at the pedal are excellent.
Smoothness and quietness
Like many four-cylinder European engines, the Xsara's 2.0 litre has intermittent periods of mild vibration, usually when cruising or idling. It's not annoying. Engine and road noise in the VTS are relatively low, certainly by sporty hatch/coupe standards. It's sufficiently refined to be a relaxing long distance proposition.
Summary
The Xsara VTS deserves a wider audience. Its profile is non existent compared with hero European rivals like the Renault Clio Sport and Alfa 147, but on the road it is every bit as capable and enjoyable. Definitely worth a test drive if you're looking in this class.
The writer of this report does not necessarily represent the views of the NRMA and this report is provided for you as an alternative to our own NRMA car reviews.
The writer of this report does not necessarily represent the views of the NRMA and this report is provided for you as an alternative to our own NRMA car reviews.
