Through a combination of keen pricing, shrewd niche marketing and access to some of the best engines the PSA Group has to offer, the Citroen Xsara has become an unlikely success story. Although few would know it, its based on the Peugeot 306 platform, a chassis thats a bit of a museum piece in todays high-tech world. Despite this many will attest to the fact that whatever Xsara you opt for, its a rattling good drive. Used examples reflect Citroens ruthless price slashing tactics and low mileage cars can be yours for prices that read like a misprint.
Here is an affordable family hatchback developed with a phone, satellite navigation and stereo system that responds to the sound of your voice. A car with curtain airbags that save you from flying glass in an accident and electronic brakeforce activation to prevent the likelihood of accidents in the first place. A car with radar sensors that guide you into tight parking spaces. Youll need to purchase one of the plusher models or more likely find one that features the best part of the options list to enjoy all of this of course, but low prices should leave you some manoeuvring room to do so.
Theres a stereo that adjusts its volume to the speed of the car, hazard warning lights that switch themselves on under emergency braking and front airbags with two levels of inflation, depending on what speed you crash at. User-friendly is the phrase that springs to mind. High equipment levels are also evident, with big car features like audio controls on the rake and reach-adjustable steering wheel fitted as standard on every model. These are added to more conventional inclusive fare like power steering, central locking and a good quality stereo.
