Xantia Activa

Post by **pickles** » 15 Nov 2006, 08:20

Hi all....

Well after deliberating over it for some time I have decided to fill
an urge and got an Activa to try....

What was the standard Spec on these cars....Mine is a 'W' 2000 model...Its not got leather but has a sunroof whivch i beleive was extra...

I have seen mention of different ride settings for comfort, sport and a computer but cannot recall seeing any of this when I took a test drive....I have had and still have 2 other xantias, one is a HDI LX and one is a 2.1 TD SX....So what new toys can I expect in the Activa....

Any one out there can help....

Also...I am in the Cambs area and would like to take it to a xantia specilaist for a look over, anyone recomend anyone....?

Many thanks in advance...

Gavin...

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 15 Nov 2006, 08:33

pickles wrote:Hi all....

Well after deliberating over it for some time I have decided to fill
an urge and got an Activa to try....

What was the standard Spec on these cars....Mine is a 'W' 2000 model...Its not got leather but has a sunroof whivch i beleive was extra...

I have seen mention of different ride settings for comfort, sport and a computer but cannot recall seeing any of this when I took a test drive....I have had and still have 2 other xantias, one is a HDI LX and one is a 2.1 TD SX....So what new toys can I expect in the Activa....

Once you've taken on board the difference in the anti-roll bar rams
between the Activa and everything else, the spec matches that of the
VSX or Exclusive top-of-the-range models which are the highest
spec the Xantia got to.

The key difference between the SX model you've got is the suspension;
this uses the hydractive extra sphere at either end on top of the existing
corner ones giving a much smoother ride. There is a switch to alter
between a normal or sport mode on the parameters for the suspension
spheres ahead of the height adjustment leaver on the central console -
many think it's a gearbox mode setting...

Obviously the Activa is made to look different too with unique alloys,
bumpers and seats, extra temp gauge on the dash and of course the
CT turbo engine (which is one hell of an engine - hence the rip it out
and pimp my ride Pug merchants like them...).

Andrew

KevMayer · Post by **KevMayer** » 15 Nov 2006, 20:30

I had an Activa.

Living with one, when you're used to diesel economy, is a bit of a shock. I struggled to get 25 mpg average.

The cornering ability is impressive, but, if you push it too much it can slide sideways. Mine did a few times.

The power of the engine is ok. Turbo lag is present but once it takes off it pushes you back in your seat.

I fitted a manual boost controller for a while and that really made it a lot faster.

It's a fast car, but, you soon realise that the roads are too congested to be able to use it safely.

I always went too fast when I was in it. It leaves you feeling guilty when you get to the end of the journey.

The economy was annoying. But, if you can get one for the right price, it's a great experience to run one for a while.

My front and rear rams had leaks on the low pressure return pipes. I managed to seal them for a while but the rear one had started leaking again by the time I traded it in for a Saxo.

The rams are easy to change and about 250 GBP each.

cheers,

Kev

Richard Gallagher · Post by **Richard Gallagher** » 15 Nov 2006, 21:16

The sunroof on a 2000 model was an alternative to aircon or an extra if you wanted both. Leather came as combined option with electric seats at £2000 extra

.

The sports switch down by the height control lever just alters the parameters between the suspension switching from soft to firm according to how its driven, you'll be struggling to feel the difference between the two modes.

As for the ride quality an Activa has a much firmer ride than a 'normal' Xantia, particularly at the front due to the substantial anti-roll bar, whereas the rear is very soft giving a slightly uneven feel to the ride.

As a result I've been experimenting with different front sphere's (this is after changing all 10 sphere's [original specification]) and discovered that normal 2.0/TD front sphere's (and standard Activa rear) give an excellent balance between the front and rear suspension, with no rebound/oscillation issues whatsoever. Best of all being an Activa, no roll

What you will most likely notice with the ride is that should you encounter a bump on the outside of the corner, you will feel it a lot more than on any other car due the the anti-roll rams pushing the car body up on that side in order to level the car.

I totally agree with Kev's point about driving it faster than a normal car, I find that I'll enter bends quicker than I normally would in my own car just (still very much within safe limits though) just to experience the anti-roll function. Roundabouts are great fun

.

In reality like yourself I always wanted an Activa to experience its unique feature, but being totally honest I view the car as little more than a toy/plaything. Unless you constanly drive at high speed around corners I do question its overall worth in the long term, especially when you take into consideration factors such as the cost of new rams @ £300 each, ten sphere's and the complicated suspension set up that even has an adjustment facility for sideways height/lean.

Stempy · Post by **Stempy** » 15 Nov 2006, 23:34

Have you thought of taking it on a track day, Richard?

Richard Gallagher · Post by **Richard Gallagher** » 16 Nov 2006, 22:40

Stempy wrote:Have you thought of taking it on a track day, Richard?

I haven't yet, but I do have access to an airfield through work complete with a ready made course used for 'specialist training'

trouble is though that this time it will be my own tyres I'm wearing out

Stempy · Post by **Stempy** » 17 Nov 2006, 06:46

Private test track eh? now I really am jealous

Never mind the tyres, bet you wouldn't get much more than 5mpg under 'test' conditions either

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