1995 Citroen XM VSX from UK and Ireland - Comments

Dot matrix display doesn't work.

Slurry automatic rectified by a change of transmission fluid.

The XM lacks the style of previous big Citroens, its styling is not 'ageless' in the way of the Traction Avant, DS, SM or CX. However, it still possesses a degree of quirkiness. I particularly like the 'band of light' and general stance of the car. However, the flat slab of a bonnet is rather bland and I wish it had continued the tradition of fared-in rear wheels.

The cabin is supremely comfortable and simply huge, with very high equipment levels. Whilst the colour and design is rather gloomy and lacks the flair of the CX, for a conventional interior it does work well ergonomically.

With a 2 litre (albeit turbocharged) engine it's not particularly fast, but it's quick enough and handles well for such a large car. My biggest criticism is the dropping of the diravi (Variable assist, high ratio and power to centre) steering from the CX in an effort to make the XM more accessible. It makes it less manoeuverable and slower handling than it would have otherwise have been. The other aspect of driving which warrants criticism involves the headlights which are very poor when dipped.

It's not the most refined car, but it is quiet enough, whilst the ride is second to none. This latter can be improved still further by changing the centre spheres for ones with higher pressure and by various other tweaks. I have not replaced the 4 spheres on the end of each wheel with 'comfort spheres' as, in my opinion, it makes the car under-damped.

Reliability wise, although it has a disastrous reputation, I have found it to be very reliable and cheap and easy to service. The build quality feels solid (it's a Mark 2 which in respect of the interior and electrics is much better than the Mark 1). For example, the doors are well sealed against the ingress of rain and mud from the country roads I drive on.

Overall, the XM is different, provides decent performance and handling, has proved to be reliable and well built (I understand it also has a very good crash rating-although I hope I never have to test that) and above all is extremely comfortable.

HI I HAVE A 1992 CITROEN XM OF WHICH WICH IS TOTALY RELIABLE.I've JUST REPLACED THE EXHAUST SYSTEM INC CAT PIPE AND ITS TOTALY SMOOTH. I USED TO HAVE THE CITROEN CX AND FIND THE XM LIGHT TO DRIVE IN COMPARISON ALSO THE SUSPENSION NOT SO REFIND BUT THE SMOOTHNESS IS STILL THERE. I HAVE ORDERED COMFORT SPHERES FOR THE REAR AS MY FRIEND HAS THEM ON HIS XM AND IT REENACTS THE SMOOTH SOFTNESS OF THE CX. I WILL PUT HTEM ON THE FRONT AND THEN THE CAR WILL DRIVE LIKE A MAJIC CARPET RIDE LIKE THE CX DID. THE CAR HAS A SYLING OF ITS OWN THE LEATHER INTERIOR IS SECOND TO NONE. OF COuRSE THERE ARE THE NGGLES OF WINDOW RELAY AND RANDOM MESSAGES OF L REAR BRAKE LIGHT THEN RIGHT DISPLAYING OUT OF ORDER BUT EXCEPPT ITS FRENCH.enjoy the message

Nice review, good to read, I just can't quite agree with you on its styling, maybe it's just my individual preference?

When I first saw the XM in 89 I was stunned, Citroen had done it again and made heads turn, I think that's the whole point of the big Citroen, you either love it or hate it. 2 XM's, lots of quirks but that's just the nature of the XM and probably will be merited on it as years go by. I am looking forward to my 3rd XM, but as you say it's a shame the diriva system wasn't introduced into the UK market, I loved that auto centre steering and you could fool your passengers with that "magic" trick "look no hands".

Thanks for your review, pleasure to read.