Used Citroën Xsara 1997 - 2004 review

The Xsara is an anonymous-looking small hatch with five doors, but a face-lift in 2000 tidied up its lines and brightened the cabin, losing the sludge-coloured seat fabrics used previously.

Inside, there's a fair amount of interior space, although shoulder room in the rear is tight for three and there's only a lap-belt for the centre passenger. The dash is clear but some buttons are fiddly and the driver's seat is short of support - something you'll notice on long journeys.

The boot is big and practical, with rear seats that split and fold. However, the spare wheel is slung underneath in a cradle, which makes life easy for thieves unless it's fitted with a security bolt.

The car rides softly and is OK to drive in a relaxed way, but its lifeless steering and modest grip through corners discourages you from being any more enthusiastic.