Citroën Xsara VTS Mk1
The understated French hot hatch with a high-revving heart and a rally-bred chassis.
- Power
- 167 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.0 s
- Top speed
- 137 mph
- Est. value
- $4k–$9k
About the Citroën Xsara VTS Mk1
The Citroën Xsara VTS is a sleeper of the late 1990s, sharing its high-revving 167hp XU10J4RS engine with the legendary Peugeot 306 GTi-6. While it lacked the Peugeot's six-speed gearbox, it benefited from a lighter kerb weight and Citroën's unique passive rear-wheel steering system, which provided exceptional agility and lift-off oversteer characteristics. Often overlooked in favour of its Peugeot sibling or the smaller Saxo VTS, the Xsara VTS was a highly capable performer that served as the homologation basis for Citroën's dominant WRC efforts. Today, it is a rare sight on UK roads, with survivors increasingly prized for their pure, naturally aspirated driving experience and motorsport pedigree.
Citroën Xsara VTS Mk1 specs
The Citroën Xsara VTS Mk1 produces 167 bhp (125 kW) and 193 Nm (142 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.0 seconds and has a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h).
| Make | Citroën |
|---|---|
| Model | Xsara VTS |
| Generation | Mk1 |
| Trim | 2.0 16V VTS |
| Years | 1998–2000 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | France |
| Engine | 2.0-litre 16V inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 167 bhp (125 kW) at 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 193 Nm (142 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.0 s |
| Top speed | 137 mph (220 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,190 kg (2,623 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 140 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Citroën Xsara VTS Mk1 worth?
A typical Citroën Xsara VTS Mk1 is estimated to be worth $3,500 – $8,500 (about £2,600 – £6,300).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Citroën Xsara VTS Mk1 rarity in CarSpot
The Citroën Xsara VTS Mk1 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 6 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Citroën Xsara VTS Mk1 fun facts
- The Xsara VTS served as the base for the Xsara Kit Car and WRC cars, which propelled Sébastien Loeb to his first three World Rally Championship titles.
- It features a passive rear-steer axle, using compliant rubber bushes that allow the rear wheels to turn slightly in phase with the fronts to improve high-speed stability.
- Despite its 'Coupé' marketing, the VTS is technically a three-door hatchback, offering a class-leading 408-litre boot capacity.