Congratulations! The Citroën Xsara turns a quarter of a century old

The Citroën Xsara is celebrating, and it’s no wonder: it has just turned a quarter of a century old. It was manufactured in Madrid and Vigo and soon marked a milestone in the history of the chevron brand. It became the first model from the French marque to take the lead of the passenger car market, between 2000 and 2003. This saloon stood out for its safety equipment, versatility and comfort, all wrapped in an elegant “2 and a half box” bodywork typical of Citroën. A total of 1,343,000 units were sold in both body styles: the 5-door saloon and the 3-door Coupé.

This model also left its mark on the world of motorsport. The Citroën Xsara WRC, with drivers such as Sébastien Loeb, Carlos Sainz and Dani Sordo behind the wheel, won three World Rally Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships, as well as 32 victories in the top category.

Citroën Xsara, an evergreen model

Designed by Donato Coco and built at the Vigo and Madrid plants, the “Made in Spain” Citroën Xsara reigned on the streets and on rally stages during the early years of the 21st century. In Spain, it became the first model from the brand to head the passenger car market, a feat it achieved for four consecutive years: 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

What were the secrets of a model that managed to win over Spanish motorists from the moment it was launched? Simply put: comfort, class and engines that incorporated the latest technologies, such as the HDi diesel engines. The Citroën Xsara offered a spacious, functional, comfortable and safe cabin, with equipment and performance worthy of higher-segment saloons. Its exceptional comfort, combined with a high level of safety, made it one of the best options in its segment.

Add to this combination of comfort, performance and running economy the wide range of versions and trim levels (coupés, saloons, estates), from which each customer could choose the one best suited to their preferences and needs, and you have the secret formula that made the Xsara a successful model in Spain and across the rest of Europe.

The Citroën Xsara was one of the safest cars in its segment. With ABS brakes fitted as standard across the range, the option of ESP electronic stability control, emergency brake assist, cruise control, automatic activation of the hazard lights in the event of sudden deceleration, and roof airbags, it offered a level of safety that rival cars regarded as more upmarket could only envy. To all of these elements must be added: a reinforced cabin with progressive-deformation side impact absorbers, front seatbelts with pyrotechnic pretensioners and retractors, electric headlight levelling, power steering, electronic immobiliser…

The multiplexing technology made it possible to incorporate revolutionary features such as automatic lighting depending on ambient brightness. In this way, there was no longer any need to worry about switching the lights on and off when entering and leaving a tunnel, at nightfall or in poor weather. A sophisticated electronic system took care of it automatically. So, congratulations!