Colour has 'niche appeal'
This has to be a bargain. Shed of the week finds itself severely tempted by this flat-lager coloured example of when Citroens were exceedingly dull to look at (certainly compared with their forbears) but extremely fun to drive. Unlike much that has come along since.
In effect, what you’re looking at here is a cut-price way to get into a revered Peugeot 306 GTi 6. That may be a little bit harsh to hear for Citroen fans out there, but put simply, the VTS has never enjoyed the sales, status or residuals values of its illustrious twin.
What is does have, is the same cracking 167bhp four-pot complete with a classically deft and adjustable French chassis. The former provides plenty of thrills in a car that weighs a good deal less than a current family hatchback, with a wonderfully pure sound track and superb response – albeit connected to a five speed gearbox here, unlike the Peugeot.
As for the chassis, it never quite won the praise lavished on the Pug, and neither quite did the steering, with reports of the time commenting in particular on its strong turn-in oversteer when driven hard on a track. Could be a lot of fun, now we come to think of it...
167bhp should be 'enough'...
Make no mistake though; the VTS should still be a sparkling and hugely entertaining drive. You’re buying this car for the thrills behind the wheel, not the style statement you’re going to make. The fact that you’ll also get a spacious and reasonably economical to run hatchback thrown into the deal as well is purely a bonus. The hot hatch recipe is as relevant today as it’s ever been.
This car in particular looks a good deal - making a mockery of the term 'shed'. It’s nearly a decade old, but the mileage is very low, and it appears to be in original condition too – free from lowering springs, big speakers and neon lights
After all, ask yourself this: what would you rather punt over a decent B road – this Xsara VTS or a brand new C4 VTS. We know which seat we’d rather be sat in…
Advert: Citroen Xsara VTS, 2.0l 16v (167bhp), Hellious Yellow, Excellent Condition, 46000 miles, Electric Window, Electric Mirrors, Power Steering, Driver and Passenger Airbag, Air Conditioning, Totally Standard, CD changer, MOT Expires March 30th 2008, Recent Full Service, Timing Belt and Water Pump changed at 41109 (1/03/2007), New Coil Pack, Full stamped up Service History and Loads of receipts, Taxed until end of August, V5 Present, HPI Clear, 3 Previous Owners
£1950 ono