CITROËN AUSTRALIA

The Xsara is well protected against theft and break-ins. All the models in the range are equipped with remote central locking of the doors and hatch. A high frequency remote control unit is fitted on all models. With this feature, the driver no longer has to aim at the receiver in order to lock or unlock the vehicle.

The new key features three buttons, one for locking, one for unlocking and one to open the boot. The system uses the newest high frequency radio transmitter and is, therefore, safe against the use of infrared remote control capture devices that have enabled thieves to record signal when a car is opened and return to the car later to steal it.

Moreover, the boot has a speed sensitive lock. When the Xsara is driven above 20 kmh, the boot automatically locks itself, keep the car secure in stop start traffic.

To prevent picking, the locks have two rows of cylinders. The number of possible combinations thereby increases from 2,000 to 100,000. To reduce the risk of a thief copying the key by stealing the fuel cap, the fuel cap lock has only one row of barrels. Moreover, the locks are freewheeling and the rods secure against picking. Removing the lights and number plate cannot access the boot lock.

The fuel cap opens with the ignition key. This makes it necessary to remove the ignition key and so prevents the vehicle from being stolen in petrol forecourt when the driver accidentally leaves the key in the ignition – a form of theft many insurance companies now will not cover.

All Xsara models are equipped with a transponder as standard. A microchip in the key initiates a dialogue with the engine computer, which checks the code. If the code is wrong then the engine will not start, even if they key is the correct shape.

It is impossible for the driver to forget the key in the ignition, since a timed alarm is activated as soon as the door is opened.

A third “garage” key makes it possible to lend the vehicle while preventing access to the boot and glove box. This key, which is of a different colour, can be given to the person servicing the vehicle.

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