Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | Xsara |
| Generation | Xsara Coupe (N0, Phase I) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 i (101 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.9 l/100 km (18.2 US mpg, 21.9 UK mpg, 7.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 220 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 177 km/h (109.98 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 2 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp, 97.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.8 kg/Nm, 147.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 101 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 153 Nm @ 3000 rpm (112.85 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | LFZ XU7JP |
| Engine displacement | 1761 cm3 (107.46 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.4 mm (3.2 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.75 l (5.02 US qt | 4.18 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1035 kg (2281.78 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 595 kg (1311.75 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 408 l (14.41 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1190 l (42.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 54 l (14.27 US gal | 11.88 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1100 kg (2425.08 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 590 kg (1300.73 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 70 kg (154.32 lbs.) |
| Length | 4167 mm (164.06 in.) |
| Width | 1698 mm (66.85 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1994 mm (78.5 in.) |
| Height | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2540 mm (100 in.) |
| Front track | 1423 mm (56.02 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Front overhang | 868 mm (34.17 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 759 mm (29.88 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| 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 with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R14 |
The Citroën Xsara Coupé 1.8i Automatic, produced between 1998 and 2000, represents a specific variant within the N0 series of the Xsara Coupé. This three-door, five-seater vehicle was positioned as a stylish and relatively affordable option in the European market, offering a blend of practicality and sporty aesthetics. It was built upon the PSA Group’s 1HX0/A3 platform, shared with the Peugeot 306 Coupé. The 1.8i Automatic trim aimed to provide a comfortable and accessible entry point into the Xsara Coupé range, prioritizing ease of driving over outright performance compared to its manual transmission and higher-powered siblings.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Citroën Xsara Coupé 1.8i Automatic utilized the LFZ engine code, representing a variant of the PSA XU7JP inline-four cylinder engine. This 1761cc engine featured a naturally aspirated configuration with two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. Fuel delivery was managed by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine produced 101 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 153 Nm (112.85 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The automatic transmission was a four-speed unit, designed to provide smooth and convenient gear changes. This transmission, while offering ease of use, contributed to slightly slower acceleration times compared to the five-speed manual versions.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.8i Automatic Xsara Coupé offered a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, driving experience. The automatic transmission prioritized smooth shifts over rapid acceleration. The 101 hp engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, but overtaking maneuvers required careful planning. The four-speed automatic transmission’s gear ratios were geared towards fuel efficiency and comfort rather than maximizing performance. Compared to the manual transmission versions, the automatic felt noticeably slower, especially in the mid-range. The suspension, tuned for comfort, provided a relatively smooth ride, absorbing most road imperfections effectively.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.8i Automatic trim level typically included features such as power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an AM/FM radio. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a sunroof. The overall interior ambiance was functional and practical, reflecting the car’s positioning as an affordable coupé.
Chassis & Braking
The Xsara Coupé featured an independent McPherson strut front suspension with a coil spring and anti-roll bar, providing decent handling characteristics. The rear suspension utilized a torsion beam setup, which was cost-effective but less sophisticated than a fully independent system. Braking consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroën Xsara Coupé 1.8i Automatic was generally well-received as a stylish and practical coupé. Critics noted its comfortable ride and ease of driving, but also pointed out its relatively modest performance compared to rivals. Fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to the 2.0i 16V manual version, the 1.8i Automatic offered a more accessible price point but sacrificed performance. The 1.9 TDI diesel variant provided superior fuel economy but lacked the petrol engine’s refinement.
Legacy
The XU7JP engine, in its various forms, proved to be a reliable and durable powerplant. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not known for its cutting-edge technology, generally held up well over time. Today, the Citroën Xsara Coupé 1.8i Automatic represents an affordable entry point into classic French motoring. Parts availability is generally good, and the car’s relatively simple mechanical design makes it accessible for DIY maintenance. However, potential buyers should be aware of potential age-related issues such as corrosion and wear on suspension components. The 1.8i Automatic variant remains a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and stylish coupé without the higher running costs of more powerful models.
