1989 Citroen XM SEi review from UK and Ireland

Largely irritating but non-serious faults with the trip computer which are a common fault with the earliest models.

This car makes every journey feel quite special from the 'brake test' and 'suspension mode' display on start-up to the hydraulic adjustments throughout the journey.

Peculiarly, this car (to date) has only been slightly more expensive to run than my previous car, a Citroen ZX (if one adds up the cost of silly fault repairs). Whether this is luck of the draw I shall never know, but the 'needle-nose' has had a pampered life previously, having been owned, serviced and driven by an independent Citroen specialist.

Naturally fuel costs are higher but not as horrific as I imagined.

The ride seems to become smoother and even more unruffled as the car warms up, and it appears to be its most poised when driving at speed.

The shape and feel of the car remain completely unusual and exciting despite its age, but it invariably needs a clean and polish otherwise it can begin to look a little tired.

The engine performs with gusto, sounds tremendous and the brakes are magnificent.