Citroen Xsara scores a nip and tuck

CITROEN has provided the first glimpse of its facelifted Xsara, due to be officially launched at the Paris motor show later this month.

The updated model gains a dramatically restyled nose featuring large, angular headlights along with a new grille and bumper. But the rear end has been left virtually untouched.

In Europe the Xsara is available in three body styles - hatchback, wagon and coupe - but only the first of these will be offered here, as is the case now.

Australian-spec cars will be powered by a choice of 1.6 and 2.0-litre units. The current 1.8-litre engine will be discontinued.

Citroen Australia spokesman Mr Edward Rowe says the revised Xsara range will make its local debut at the Sydney motor show in November.

It is due to go on sale here in late December or early January, with pricing expected to remain more or less unchanged.

This suggests an entry level price just over $25,000.

A replacement for the ageing Xantia will also be unveiled at the Paris motor show.

Mr Rowe says the new-generation Xantia - dubbed C5 - may make its first Australian appearance at the Sydney motor show.

The car goes on sale in Europe in early 2001, but it is not due to hit the local market until April or May.

Citroen is on track to record around 700 Australian sales this year, compared with 562 last year and 461 in 1998.

"We want to continue the trend of steady growth," Mr Rowe says. "Our sales next year will depend largely on supply."