Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | Xantia |
| Generation | Xantia Break (X2) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 S (190 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1998 year |
| End of production | 2001 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 17.3 l/100 km (13.6 US mpg, 16.3 UK mpg, 5.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.7 l/100 km (20.1 US mpg, 24.1 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 284 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 222 km/h (137.94 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 2 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8 kg/Hp, 125.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm, 176 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 267 Nm @ 4000 rpm (196.93 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | XZF ES9J4 |
| Engine displacement | 2946 cm3 (179.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1517 kg (3344.41 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Max load | 483 kg (1064.83 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 512 l (18.08 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1690 l (59.68 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 85 kg (187.39 lbs.) |
| Length | 4712 mm (185.51 in.) |
| Width | 1760 mm (69.29 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1980 mm (77.95 in.) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2740 mm (107.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1502 mm (59.13 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1478 mm (58.19 in.) |
| Front overhang | 983 mm (38.7 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 989 mm (38.94 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element, Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Citroën Xantia Break (X2) 3.0 V6 S Automatic, produced between 1998 and 2001, represented the top-of-the-line engine and transmission offering for Citroën’s large family estate car. Positioned as a premium variant within the X2 Xantia Break range, it combined a powerful V6 engine with the convenience of an automatic transmission, targeting buyers seeking both performance and comfort. The Xantia, launched in 1993, was intended as a replacement for both the BX and the XM, offering a more affordable and technologically advanced package. The Break (estate) version further enhanced the Xantia’s practicality, making it a popular choice for families and those requiring significant cargo space.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Xantia Break 3.0 V6 S Automatic is the XFZ ES9J4 engine, a 2.946-liter, naturally aspirated V6. This engine, part of Citroën/Peugeot’s XFZ family, features a 60-degree V-angle and utilizes a cast iron block with an aluminum cylinder head. It employs multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine produces 190 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 267 Nm (196.93 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The automatic transmission is a four-speed unit, providing smooth shifts but sacrificing some of the responsiveness found in manual versions. This transmission was chosen to provide a more relaxed driving experience, appealing to buyers prioritizing comfort over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0 V6 Automatic Xantia Break offered a distinctly different driving experience compared to the lower-powered variants, such as those equipped with the 1.8 or 2.0-liter engines. While not a sports car, the V6 provided ample power for effortless cruising and confident overtaking. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did result in a slight reduction in acceleration compared to the manual transmission options. The gear ratios were tuned for comfort and fuel economy rather than outright performance. The Xantia’s renowned hydropneumatic suspension system, regardless of engine choice, provided a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. However, the added weight of the V6 engine and automatic transmission did slightly impact handling agility.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.0 V6 S Automatic trim level was generously equipped. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, power steering, and an upgraded audio system. Interior upholstery was usually a high-quality cloth or leather option. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded sound systems, and metallic paint finishes. The dashboard layout was typical of Citroëns of the era, featuring a functional and ergonomic design. The Xantia Break also benefited from the estate car’s inherent practicality, offering a large and versatile cargo area.
Chassis & Braking
The Xantia Break utilized an independent McPherson strut front suspension and a hydro-pneumatic rear suspension system. This unique rear suspension, a Citroën hallmark, provided self-leveling capabilities and exceptional ride comfort. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations. The chassis was designed to balance comfort and handling, prioritizing a smooth ride over sharp cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Xantia Break 3.0 V6 S Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and powerful engine. However, the fuel economy was often criticized as being relatively poor compared to the smaller-engined variants. Compared to the 2.0-liter 16V models, the V6 offered significantly more power but at the cost of increased fuel consumption and a higher purchase price. The V6 Automatic was positioned as a luxury variant, appealing to buyers who prioritized comfort and refinement over outright economy.
Legacy
The Xantia Break 3.0 V6 S Automatic, while not a high-volume seller, remains a desirable classic car today. The ES9J4 V6 engine is generally considered to be reliable, provided it receives regular maintenance. The hydropneumatic suspension system, however, can require more specialized attention and is prone to leaks as the cars age. In the used car market, these Xantias command a premium over the lower-spec models, particularly those in good condition with a well-documented service history. The Xantia Break 3.0 V6 S Automatic represents a unique blend of French engineering, comfort, and performance, making it a fondly remembered and increasingly collectible vehicle.
