1997 Citroen Xantia V6 Activa review from Switzerland

Air conditioning failed due to leaks - has to be fixed.

Some suspension bushes had to be replaced at 150'000 km, which I consider normal.

Some minor leaks in the cooling system appeared at 160'000 km - could be fixed by sealing fluid.

Rear wheel bearings recently started to squeak (165'000 km).

I think this is one of the best handling cars, while it's still very comfortable to drive (soft suspension and generous leather seats). Interior and boot are roomy, and I like the airy feeling that is given by the large glass area.

The equipment is very complete, although one may miss some things that are present on more modern cars, like radio central locking (rather than infrared) or immobilizer without the keyboard. With the fully electrical leather seats, a perfect position can easily be found, but I wonder why they aren't equipped with heating. Another point that could be improved is the lack of storage space in the interior - the glove box is really a joke, and only suitable for very small gloves ;-)

The V6 engine is one point I like very much about this car. It can be driven between 1000 and 2000 revs easily, but also revs up to 6500 - which gives very decent acceleration and good sound, too. When driven peacefully, gas mileage is quite astonishing. The drawbacks of this engine are sometimes expensive maintenance and the heavy weight on the front axle, which makes the car a bit clumsy in corners.

Otherwise, it's a car that likes curves, and on sinuous roads with little traffic, the Activa system makes handling marvelous. Fast driving in the Swiss Alps or French country roads is where this car is a pure source of fun. Good steering and brakes add to this, but they lack the specific Citroën feeling I liked so much with my CX I had before.