| COMFORT AND EQUIPMENT RATING: |
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The five-door versions ride like proper family cars, with a soft, absorbent nature that makes up for their limited dimensions. The coupe's suspension is a bit unforgiving, however, without really benefiting the handling (see Fun to Drive). And the driver's seat does not offer nearly enough support when you want to corner quickly. Air conditioning is standard-fit on LX, SX and VTS versions (a cost option on the VTR), and all models have a height-adjustable steering wheel. However, the interior design looks old-fashioned, especially the instruments and upholstery, and the black plastic fascia looks brittle and cheap. The Xsara is shown up by bigger, newer rivals - particularly the Honda Civic. It isn't uncomfortably cramped, but there are many more spacious rivals. The estate isn't a serious load-lugger, but it's practical and useful enough for most family or small business needs. Headroom is OK for taller occupants, though the rear seats are not really for adults. A decent quality system with easy-to-use buttons, RDS traffic information, and a single-CD player in the VTS and VTR coupes. SX versions get a six-CD autochanger, LX models featuring a cassette player instead.
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