In 1993, Xantia made its debut - a middle-class car with a transverse engine and front-wheel drive. He replaced the Citroen BX. Today, it is considered that the design of this model determined the further development of the style of Citroen, although many found it somewhat strange for the traditions of this famous French brand. Xantia is considered one of the most successful models of the Citroen concern, which is confirmed by sales volumes that were quite high not only in France, but also in Europe.
Successful design, reliability, practicality, excellent driving performance, roomy interior, impeccable interior trim, along with the original technical features, were appreciated by the public. The authorship of the Xantia design belongs to the famous studio Bertone. Initially, Xantia was offered only with a hatchback body. Flat rear window, and a small ledge of the trunk lid visually increased the dimensions of the car. Xantia has its own characteristics. For example, an unusual ratio between classmates of the length of the body and the wheelbase. The simplest equipment included only central locking and power steering.
Infrequently it was possible to meet on cars of the first years of release the conditioner, ABS and an airbag. But in the expensive models there were all the modern safety attributes, including the prestigious leather interior and climate control. The line of power units was first represented by 1.6 liter (88 hp), 1.8 l (101 hp), 2.0 l (121 hp) petrol engines and 1.9 l diesel engines ( 69-90 hp). In addition to the five-speed manual gearbox, with some engines installed and automatic transmission. Separately, a few words about the diesel versions. Produced three identical in volume but differing in design 1.9-liter diesel engines.
The first one was offered in aspirated performance and developed 69 hp. The other two were equipped with turbochargers and had a power of 75-90 hp. The Xantia has a fairly roomy trunk (480 l), which also has a flat floor, and the folding seat allows you to carry large items, as the luggage compartment volume increases to 878 liters.
In 1995, new 1.8 liter (110 hp) petrol engines and a 2.0-liter 147-hp turbocharged engine were offered. At the same time, sales of the Break wagon began and a modification of the Activa appeared, equipped with an improved suspension with a stabilization system, which, however, did not receive wide distribution due to its rather expensive maintenance. For Activa, in addition to conventional gearboxes, offered automatic gearbox with electronic control. The five-door wagon received the same elegant and original appearance. The volume of its luggage compartment is 1690 liters (with the rear seats spread out).
The main highlight of Xantia lies in its hydropneumatic suspension. In fact, MacPherson is applied in the front with a lower triangular lever, in which the role of springs and shock absorbers is performed by hydrospheres divided in half by an elastic membrane and filled with compressed nitrogen on the one hand and LHM special liquid on the other. The interior design is designed in the corporate Citroen style.
Unobtrusive, slightly conservative design, pleasant to the eye and touch upholstery - everything is quite neat and cute. With ergonomics, Xantia has a complete order, everything is thought out to the smallest detail and conveniently located: a wide doorway, height-adjustable steering column, functional and conveniently assembled control panel with many options, including automatic climate control. They are responsible for safety: protective beams in the doors, an airbag for the driver, belts with height-adjustable upper mounts and pre-tensioners. In 1997, was restyled. He touched both the appearance and technical stuffing.
The front end was slightly updated, and the bumpers were changed, and a new dashboard appeared in the cabin. In the extended wheel arches accommodated large 15-inch wheels. The car has grown a little bit: hatchbacks have become 80 mm longer (total length 4520 mm) and generalists 50 mm (4710 mm). Radically changed the interior. The first became a more rounded front panel. The powerful handrail over the glovebox has disappeared, giving way to the airbag. Updated steering wheel, center console, door trim.
The list of standard equipment of modernized cars has increased, and the range of engines has also expanded: petrol 2.0 l (132 hp), V6 2.9 l (190 hp) and a diesel engine with direct fuel injection 2.0 l ( 110 hp) In addition to the front airbags, side airbags for front passengers can be ordered at an additional cost. A rain sensor appeared in the wiper drive. Beautiful extravagant design and unusual technical solutions, created in the aggregate a stylish, unique and interesting car called Xantia.
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