Citroen Xsara VTS 2002 Review

Pidgeon-holing the Citroen Xsara VTS coupe is a hard job. Price-wise it's lineball with Renault's Clio RS, and on engine performance also, but in outright performance and handling the sporty Clio makes the Xsara look slightly dull, more a grand tourer.

Then there's the Honda's Integra Type R from Japan which offers all the joys of a road-bred racecar and little of the creature comforts. But the Xsara manages to keep these two hotshoes in sight while offering plenty of practicality and a compelling value for money equation.

Citroen offers two Xsara coupe models, the 1.6-litre VTR and the 2.0-litre model we've tested here. Both are standard with a five speed manual gearbox - no auto option is available.

The 2.0-litre engine, with some cylinder head and crankshaft modifications produces 124kW of power, practically lineball with that other French coupe, the Renault Clio RS. Citroen claims the Xsara VTS will accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds, somewhat slower than the Clio, but then the Xsara is carrying an extra 200kg.

The engine doesn't launch the 1219kg Xsara with the attack you'd expect of a sports coupe, though the throaty growl emerging from the exhaust makes a great aural accompaniment. Overtaking and in-gear acceleration is a Xsara strength, the 2.0-litre engine's 198Nm of torque provides strong and instant response in any gear. Xsara's close ratio gearbox helps, and we thought quite highly of its notchy, intuitive action though it will miss gears if hurried. The clutch has quite a late take-up, again a trait typical of Citroens in general.

The Xsara feels very light and frisky on its all-independent suspension, which soaks up the bumps and rough surfaces with aplomb. Those in a hurry will find the handling neutral, with a tendency to understeer on the limit, though grip levels from the 15in tyres are surprisingly high.

The steering, variable rack and pinion, is fine at speed, but loads up around town and can be quite heavy when parking. There is some kickback through the steering, but this is nothing out of the ordinary for sporty front drive cars, and certainly not a reason to steer clear at purchase time.

In terms of fuel economy, Citroen claims a frugal 6.8l/100km on the highway and a thirsty 13.6l/100km around town, but that's the trade-off for a quick, responsive engine.

The VTS is not that visually different to the smaller engined VTR coupe, 15inch alloy wheels the only major giveaway, though keen observers will pick the slighter lower stance on low profile sports tyres, deeper front spoiler, and of course the VTS badging. The VTS also gets anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution.

A single slot CD player is standard, along with air-conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, trip computer and rain sensing windscreen wipers. Front and side airbags are standard.

Internal space is not an issue with the VTS, access to the front and rear seats coming easily. Rear legroom is likewise impressive for a two door coupe of this size, and headroom is fine in the back. Our 'close' driving position allowed fairly good visibility past the B-pillar, though drivers who sit further back may have problems.

Cars of this nature sell as much on looks as they do on performance and price, and the Citroen's unique styling helps it stand out in any crowd. Those chasing outright performance should look elsewhere because the VTS is not the best in class, even though it's certainly no slouch in the sprint. The Xsara's strength is its ability to add versatility and practicality to its four star performance credentials to offer a much more liveable sports coupe alternative to the opposition.