CITROËN AUSTRALIA

The vehicle interior expresses reliability, solidity and refinement, with sensually curving lines, harmonious colours, noble materials and a high-quality finish. The aim is to make life on board a pleasurable, uncomplicated and reassuring experience.

The fluid, enveloping lines of the Xsara's passenger compartment give the vehicle a luxuriant air, reminiscent of both modern and classic styling. The dashboard with its protective, reassuring curves, and the hood that turns into a long console sweeping down between the front seats, gives the driver's station a look of security. The timed ceiling lights add a touch of refinement with their smooth, phased on/off control.

The seat upholstery, door panels and grained composite material parts are made of high quality materials that feel pleasant and luxuriant to the touch. The colours are easy on the eye. Throughout the development process, the styling specialists were guided by the criteria of elegance and refinement. This focus on tasteful design has made the interior of the Xsara a reference in its field.

The Citroën Xsara's spacious interior defies its exterior dimensions. Measuring 1.70 m from the accelerator to the rear seats, it boasts the longest cabin length in the segment. Passengers in the back (generally less pampered in this type of vehicle) travel in comfort, thanks to the extra legroom provided by hollowing out the back of the front seats. The generous elbow room (1.44 m) places the Xsara among the best in its segment.

The Xsara also boasts considerable stowage space. The 408 litre boot (1,190 litres with the rear seat folded down) is the biggest in its category. With its 2/3-1/3 split rear seat, the Xsara is able to offer the configuration best suited to the transport of bulky objects.

Passenger welfare does not stop here. Traveling comfort is further enhanced by the many convenient and roomy stowage bins and cubbies, with new door pockets added in the rear doors of the five door.

The spacious, carpeted glove box is lighted and lockable. The lid can be used to hold cups, pens and cards (credit cards, carwash cards or others).

The front doors are equipped with bins that can be used to store A4 format documents. The top part of the armrests tip up giving access to another deep, roomy storage space.

The back of the front seats have map pockets.

The boot is designed for maximum convenience. The rear parcel shelf can be stored vertically against the back of the rear bench. Elastic straps are provided to hold objects - such as an oil can - in an upright position.

When the rear seat is folded down, two recesses are provided to place the rear headrests against the back of the front seats.

With its height and reach adjustable steering wheel and height adjustable driver's seat, the Citroën Xsara easily adapts to different driver requirements. The central rearview mirror is fitted with two ball joints to that it can be adjusted for tilt and, above all, for height. Designed to adapt to all heights, this feature brings a real improvement in safety.

To make sure that the driver does not have to fumble for the controls, the dashboard layout is rational and logical. Designers sought to make the positioning of controls and functions intuitive.

The controls around the steering wheel group homogeneous functions. Lighting and horn on the left, windscreen wiping and washing on the right.

The colour red, the universal symbol for danger or emergency, is used for safety functions such as the hazard warning lights button, the tell-tale indicator on the child locks fitted on the rear doors (visible from the front), the lever opening the bonnet, the door locks and the locking of the rear bench.

Controls and information are accessible not only to the driver but also to passengers. The new central LCD display, which provides a range of information depending on the version, is visible to all the occupants of the vehicle.

The electric function controlling the external rearview mirrors is a model of simplicity, since it uses a joystick-type button.

The door check straps have three positions to make it easy to get in and out of the Xsara. The first notch opens the door slightly without knocking it against neighboring vehicles in car parks. The Xsara thereby shows its ability to adapt to the constraints of city life.

The question of easy maintenance was also a primary concern during the development of the Citroën Xsara. When the ignition is switched on, an indicator on the instrument cluster shows the distance to be covered before the next service operation. If the figure is less than 500 km, the display will start to flash.

The bonnet opens easily, with the assistance of gas struts. This equipment is usually only found further up the market.

Under the bonnet, the main points of inspection are clearly identified through the use of explicit colours and symbols. This makes routine maintenance operations simple to carry out.

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