CITROËN XSARA GAINS A NEW AUTOMATIC GEARBOX AND THE PERFECT ENGINE TO GO WITH IT

Citroën, a long term believer in matching engines and gearboxes, has launched an all few automatic gearbox for the Xsara and attached it to a new engine to make the perfect performance and economy combination.

"There is a mistaken belief that just because an engine works with a manual gearbox it is ideal with a self shifter and vice versa," says Miles Williams, General Manager of Citroën Australia. "Citroën has long recognized that an automatic gearbox requires different torque and power characteristics than a manual gearbox and that this is particularly true in smaller cars. In addition, the driving expectations of manual motorists are different from those who want to be behind the wheel of an automatic. For this reason Citroën has provided eight valve engines, with their excellent low down torque characteristics, for automatic Xsaras and free-revving, top end powered endowed 16 valves for the manual version. Now we've gone one step further: An engine specially designed for automatic use."

The new Citroën Xsara 1.6 litre has a 67 kW engine that develops 135 Nm of torque at a lowly 3000 rpm. The combination of this light new engine and the new auto adaptive triple mode 'fuzzy logic' gearbox means that it is both faster and more economical than the 1.8 automatic it will supersede. It also produces significantly lower emissions.

Developed by Citroën and its technology partners, the new automatic gearbox draws on the latest in manufacturing technology, computer software, electronics and, in particular, fuzzy logic. The four speed automatic offers the driver a choice of four modes, Normal, Sport and Winter/Slippery.

Beyond this each of the programmes has a further ten ranges of programmes it can use to provide the driver with the optimum gear changing solution for both his personal requirements and the driving conditions. These are chosen and mixed by the fuzzy logic software, so called because it takes decisions by classifying a very wide range of parameters in descending order of importance even if they are uncertain or contradictory.

The software also operates to minimize exhaust emissions by working in constant communication with the engine's control and management system and it has a complete service, error recording and limp home mode. It can even detect when the Xsara is going down a hill and provide engine braking as required.

The new gearbox also feature torque converter lock-up on all four gears to minimize fuel consumption under all conditions.

Although new to Australia, the 1.6 litre TU5JP engine has seen service in the smallest Citroën, the Saxo. For its new role in the Xsara it has been extensively re-engineered, with a new combustion chamber, roller rocker arms, new valve springs and a new engine management system with new non-fuel return fuel injectors, engine management computer and ignition coil assembly.

At the same time as launching the new addition to the Australian Citroën range, the French car maker has also amended its Australian pricing structure which sees all versions reduced in price by as much as $2000 across the range.

For further information please
e-Mail Miles Williams - General Manager on
100250.3324@compuserve.com

or use our Talk-to-Us button...

Site designed by InterStellar - ©1998-9 & 2000