The Citroen Evasion 2.1 TD, produced primarily for the European market during a limited run in 1999, represented a practical and spacious people-carrying option within Citroen’s lineup. Falling within the U6U generation of the Evasion (also sold as the Peugeot 806 and Fiat Ulysse under a joint venture), the 2.1 TD variant was positioned as a mid-range offering, balancing fuel efficiency with adequate performance for family transport and leisure activities. It was a late-production model, representing a refinement of the original design launched in 1994. The Evasion, and its sister vehicles, aimed to provide a comfortable and versatile alternative to traditional station wagons and larger sedans.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | Evasion |
| Generation | Evasion (U6U) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.1 TD (109 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 2 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 109 Hp @ 4300 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2000 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 4300 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | P8C XUD11BTE |
| Engine displacement | 2088 cm3 (127.42 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 21.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10.5 l (11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1615 kg (3560.47 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2385 kg (5258.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 770 kg (1697.56 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 340 l (12.01 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2100 l (74.16 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4454 mm (175.35 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Height | 1714 mm (67.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2824 mm (111.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Rear track | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Front overhang | 881 mm (34.69 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 749 mm (29.49 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent torsion suspension, Wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Evasion 2.1 TD is the P8C XUD11BTE engine, a 2.1-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is a member of the XUD family, known for its durability and relatively simple design. The ‘TE’ suffix denotes a turbocharged version. The engine utilizes a precombustion chamber injection system, a common technology for diesel engines of that era, which improves combustion efficiency and reduces noise. The turbocharger provides a boost in power and torque compared to naturally aspirated versions of the XUD engine. The engine produces 109 horsepower at 4300 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 2000 rpm. The engine features an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with three valves per cylinder. The Evasion 2.1 TD was exclusively offered with a 5-speed manual transmission, designed to efficiently manage the engine’s torque output.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.1 TD engine in the Evasion provided a reasonable balance between performance and fuel economy. While not particularly quick – 0-60 mph took around 13.4 seconds – it offered sufficient power for comfortable cruising and carrying a full load of passengers and luggage. The turbocharger helped to mitigate some of the inherent sluggishness of diesel engines, providing a noticeable boost in acceleration when needed. The 5-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the more powerful petrol (gasoline) versions of the Evasion, the 2.1 TD prioritized fuel efficiency and lower running costs. The gear ratios were tuned for relaxed highway driving, rather than sporty acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Evasion 2.1 TD typically came with a fairly comprehensive level of standard equipment, reflecting its positioning as a family vehicle. This included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an adjustable steering column. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a practical and durable finish. Optional extras included air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a sunroof. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but generally focused on comfort and convenience features. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Evasion utilized an independent suspension system all around, with McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. This provided a comfortable ride quality, even when the vehicle was fully loaded. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The steering was rack and pinion, providing precise and responsive handling. The Evasion’s chassis was designed to accommodate the vehicle’s size and weight, prioritizing stability and comfort over sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroen Evasion 2.1 TD was generally well-received by critics for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. However, it was sometimes criticized for its relatively slow acceleration and somewhat dated interior design. Compared to the petrol-powered versions of the Evasion, the 2.1 TD offered significantly better fuel economy, making it a popular choice for drivers who covered long distances. Compared to other MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) on the market at the time, such as the Renault Espace and Volkswagen Sharan, the Evasion offered a competitive level of space and practicality at a reasonable price point.
Legacy
The P8C XUD11BTE engine, found in the Evasion 2.1 TD, is known for its robustness and longevity. With proper maintenance, these engines can reliably exceed 200,000 miles. Today, the Evasion 2.1 TD is a relatively rare vehicle, particularly in good condition. It appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate its practicality, durability, and classic French design. Parts availability can be a challenge, but many components are still available through specialist suppliers. The Evasion, and its Peugeot and Fiat counterparts, represent a significant chapter in the history of the European MPV, offering a versatile and family-friendly transportation solution.
