2001 Citroen Xsara VTR review from UK and Ireland

Rattle from metal bar under fuel tank, cured by cutting some old fuel pipe and fitting around it.

Rattle from area around rear n/s side seat catch, very annoying.

This is my first car with some degree of comfort built in after a MK2 XR2 and a 1.6 205 GTi.

The car isn't that quick below 3,000 rpm, but after that the second cam kicks and it will pull strongly. I've never had a lead foot anyway and tend to treat any car with kid gloves so this is only a minor issue.

Economy is very good averaging 35 - 40 mpg easily.

The car looks great in Metallic Red, but I simply had to replace the hideous steel wheels and saucepan lid wheel trims and have fitted some Wolfrace alloys. It now looks far more purposeful.

At the three year (but only 14000 mile) service I was disappointed at leaving the car at 8am and not being able to pick it up until 5.30 pm as the dealer didn't start work on it until the afternoon. Not only that, I was miffed at £25 for a pollen filter and they said it was all washed and ready to go when in fact it hadn't had a sponge anywhere near it.

Overall, although the build quality could be better (squeaks and rattles abound) I'm starting to warm to the car. It's comfortable, quiet and quick if it has to be. Not much room in the back, but I don't care - I never sit there!