Opinions, please?

rmunns · Post by **rmunns** » 15 Aug 2010, 16:06

I would like to change my Xantia 90Hdi for another Xantia, this time a bit more 'exciting'.
Which model do people suggest?
I'd want it in estate form. And would like activa suspension. Or would Hydractive be a big improvement on my 'normal' set-up and with less potential problems than activa?

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 15 Aug 2010, 17:16

Hi,

Whilst you may very well be more fortunate than we are here in the Uk with
Continental Europe seeing the Activa fitment with differing engines to the
TCT 2.0i Turbo engine that was the ONLY choice here, it was never AS FAR
AS I KNOW, fitted to an estate bodyshell ANYWHERE from the factory. The
best I could suggest is a V6 engined estate and with hydractive - that'd be
very useful AND entertaining - I've enviously seen these on ebay.fr!

Hydractive is a whole lot tauter and less compliant (firmer?) than the normal
hydropneumatic so whilst it may allow spirited handling to feel more rewarding,
this also means some 'float' is lost with the suspension's ride so it will really
depend what you expect to do/get out of the car you change your current
one for.

In the UK, the best solution to your shopping criteria would be an Activa
engined (TCT 2.0i Turbo) in a VSX/Exclusive specification and it was called
the TCT estate.

Have fun shopping!
Andrew

Post by **xantia_v6** » 15 Aug 2010, 17:36

As Andrew said, there never was an Activa Break (I have heard of one that was built from parts in the UK).

So this V6 estate is about as good as it gets. I have seen a V6 estate with manual transmission advertised in Germany, but I have not noticed any in France.

A nice V6 Activatends to be rather rather expensive, unless you are prepared to take on a project. This early TCT Activa could be the mirror-image of Jim's one (leather and winter-pack), and looks like good value.
If you are looking for a project, This TCT Activa or this Activia 2.1TD seem to be bargains (but perhaps getting up in miles).

Post by **Peter.N.** » 15 Aug 2010, 17:40

It depends what you want, as Andrew says the hydractive suspension tend to be stiffer, which is not really what hydrophumatic suspension is about. The 2.1 td engine will be more powerful at 110 bhp but its not exactly a V6.

Peter

Post by **myglaren** » 15 Aug 2010, 19:48

Pity there wasn't an Activa estate that you could throw a V6 engine into

Post by **CitroJim** » 15 Aug 2010, 21:14

Hydractive suspension is not what I'd call stiffer exactly, unless you are dealing with an Activa but it certainly feels more taut.

Hydractive generally, and especially Activas, are a lot more critical on sphere pressures than normal ones and the ride can soon deteriorate.

Even an Activa can be reasonably soft and comfy when properly maintained.

A V6 Activa Estate

Now you're talking Steve!!!! My perfect Xantia.

But with my knee how it is just now, it would have to be an automatic....

Diabolical · Post by **Diabolical** » 15 Aug 2010, 21:47

I have use CT Exclusive Estate that I had modded, re-mapped ECU (done via OBD2 port no replacing chip) and Dump Valve.
Goes like a bat out of hell, BE warned! fitting a DV. Turbo always spinning creates left side torque steer when accelerating out of roundabouts.

I had this done 6 years ago very hard to find a place to do it, lots of tuners now do piggy back ECU that that can be remapped.

However they have lite way Turbo and lite way head so don't go over 200 BHP.

Post by **myglaren** » 15 Aug 2010, 22:30

CitroJim wrote:Hydractive suspension is not what I'd call stiffer exactly, unless you are dealing with an Activa but it certainly feels more taut.

Hydractive generally, and especially Activas, are a lot more critical on sphere pressures than normal ones and the ride can soon deteriorate.

Even an Activa can be reasonably soft and comfy when properly maintained.

A V6 Activa Estate Now you're talking Steve!!!! My perfect Xantia.

But with my knee how it is just now, it would have to be an automatic....

I am still awed by your Activa Jim, the ride was absolute perfection in my mind.
My GS was as floaty as a floaty thing but your Activa was a perfect balance of soft and compliant suspension that was well damped but then taught and reactive through bends.

The thought of the costs involved with maintaining that perfection scares the hell out of me though. Without that perfection the car would just be a disappointment and I have one of those as it is.

addo · Post by **addo** » 15 Aug 2010, 23:37

I don't know what sort of driving the OP does around France, but my experience with the earlier PRV V6 was that when cruising in rural Australia a heavier car was less thirsty with this motor, than an equivalent (petrol) four cylinder.

Improvements that came with the ES9J series lump, would surely better these results again.

A V6 estate ought be worth looking out for. It could also be readily "Activated" but there'd be another chunk of money in doing so.

rmunns · Post by **rmunns** » 16 Aug 2010, 12:42

Thanks, all, for the valuable info and opinions. Food for thought!

I'll keep you posted.......

Post by **CitroJim** » 16 Aug 2010, 12:58

addo wrote:Improvements that came with the ES9J series lump, would surely better these results again.

That's absolutely true Adam, the PR V6 (ES9J4) is remarkably fuel efficient even around town. I use mine as a daily driver and it's not at all pocket-hurting. Certainly less than the Activa; good on a run but despicable around town. The V6 is good on both..

John jgra1 got a spot fuel consumption crusing the M1 Motorway at a steady 70 of 46mpg in his 406 Coupe. That was worked out from actual fuel consumption and not what a computer said so we know it's right.

For a 3.0 V6 and autobox that's quite something

The ES9J4 is a peach of an engine

addo · Post by **addo** » 16 Aug 2010, 13:04

I was above 35MPG cruising around 75MPH at night (coolish air) so that tallies nicely.

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 16 Aug 2010, 15:11

DEFEANTLY aviod the TCT! Its rather thirsty for a 4 pot!

V6 PSA unit go like F++++ and are reletavly good on fuel too!

My choice, well, a HDi 110 MAPPED, as you STILL keep your 50mpg..... but the staggering in gear accelleration is awesome!

Jim, keep that 3rd space VACANT, I could fill it for you! Got an OK TCT Turbo XM Auto up for grabs!!

Paul

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 16 Aug 2010, 15:43

eh?

citroenxm wrote:DEFINITELY avoid the TCT! Its rather thirsty for a 4 pot!
Jim, keep that 3rd space VACANT, I could fill it for you! Got an OK TCT Turbo XM Auto up for grabs!!

The OP wants an entertaining estate Xantia and lives in France and would
fancy an Activa 'experience'. Got to be a 24v v6 autoadaptive/manual?

Can that HDi set your hair on fire the way a V6 can? And what's wrong
with a 2.1TD; that's been overlooked

Andrew

Post by **xantia_v6** » 16 Aug 2010, 16:14

I did link to at least one 2.1TD, but how about a2.0 16V non-turbo?