Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Citroen Xsara Picasso (N68, Phase I) 1.6 (95 Hp)
Overall Rating
Citroen Xsara:
The Citroën Xsara is a compact C-segment family car, produced by the French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroën, under their Citroën marque, from 1997 to 2006. The Xsara was a development of the Citroën ZX and Peugeot 306, which shared a platform and running gear.
It came in three and five door hatchback and five door estate body styles; the estate was marketed as the Break and the three door as the Coupé. The styling shared cues with the larger Bertone designed Xantia, but was regarded as bland by the motoring press....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Picasso (N68, Phase I) Overview:
Citroen Xsara (Picasso (N68, Phase I)). With 135 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10 l/100km). Weighing only 1240 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15 s). The top speed reaches 171 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.6 (95 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The entry-level engine, adequate for city driving but struggles with acceleration and maintaining speed on highways, especially when loaded.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a petrol engine, but the lack of power can lead to higher consumption when pushed.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with removable rear seats
- • Comfortable and supple ride quality, ideal for families
- • Large boot space and practical storage solutions
- • Distinctive and recognizable styling
- • Good value for money on the used market
Cons:
- • Uninspired driving dynamics and noticeable body roll
- • Some petrol engines can feel underpowered, especially when fully loaded
- • Potential for electrical gremlins and minor reliability issues
- • Interior plastics can feel dated and scratch-prone
- • Higher fuel consumption on some petrol variants
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Picasso (N68, Phase I): 1999 - 2004).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Citroen |
| Model: | Xsara |
| Generation: | Picasso (N68, Phase I) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (95 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 95 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.9 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 135 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | NFV TU5JP/L4 More details about the engine NFV TU5JP/L4 |
| Engine displacement: | 1587 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 6.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 78.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 171 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.2 kg/Nm, 108.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1240 |
| Max. weight: | 1790 |
| Max. roof load: | 80 kg |
| Max load: | 550 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2128 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 550 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 900 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 650 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 80 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4276 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1751 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1637 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2760 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1434 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1452 mm |
| Front overhang: | 838 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 678 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent suspension, longitudinal arms with transverse torsion shafts |
Driven it? Loved it? Hated it? Share your honest review!