CITROEN Xantia 1993-1998 Photos, engines & full specs

Citroen introduced the Xantia in 1993 as a replacement for the successful but aging BX lineup. The result was impressive by all standards, especially in the handling department.

With the wedged shapes of the '80s gone and the rising bio-design trend on the market, Citroen managed to create a vehicle that aged well and was a pleasant surprise for its customers. In addition, it was a shocking discovery for its competitors since it established a world record for handling, outpacing all supercars in the world at the elk-avoiding test. It was a benchmark even decades after it was introduced in December 1992.

After the successful BX, Citroen chose to work with Bertone studios again to create a stylish vehicle. Thus, the Xantia featured a slim front end with narrow headlights and a three-slat grille supporting the "double-chevron" chromed badge. In addition, the raked windshield, short roof, and sloped rear end created an image of a sporty yet spacious vehicle.

Inside, Citroen didn't want to go for a conservative design, and, unlike most carmakers, it didn't feature a raised instrument cluster. That was in line with the rest of the dashboard and extended over the center stack. Also, Citroen arranged the unessential gauges for the fuel and temperature on the sides of the instrument panel, leaving the speedometer and tachometer in the driver's main visibility area. Due to its sloped rear end, it looked like there was no headroom on the car's back seats, and yet, it was adequate for average-sized adults.

Citroen offered the Xantia with a wide choice of gasoline and turbo-diesel engines. But the most impressive part of the vehicle was the Hydroactive suspension that could keep the car flat as a brick even during high-speed cornering.