Citroen Synergie Review (1995 to 2003)

Quick Summary

As a people carrier, the Citroen Synergie/Fiat Ulysse/Peugeot 806 design probably makes more sense than its Ford/VW/SEAT rival. The sliding door for example, makes it easier to load and unload passengers in tight shopping car parks and there are more interior nooks and crannies to store things in. It's also slightly more spacious.If all that appeals over the Ford/VW/SEAT's better driving experience, then the Citroen interpretation is quite a good one to choose, if a little pricier on the used market than the Fiat. The only drawback is the lack of an eight-seater option – but will you ever need it?

Overall:

Models Covered:(2.0 [5/7st LX, SX]/ 1.9TD [5/7st TDLX, TDSX ,6st TDVSX]) / 2.0HDi [5/7st SX, 6/7st Exclusive]

PERFECT SYNERGIE?

If you want an MPV to get the family from A to B and aren't too worried about the driving experience on the way, then Citroen's Synergie has a lot to recommend it.Most customers in this current era of course have bought Ford Galaxys or VW or SEAT clones instead; fine for the driving enthusiasts but in many ways, not as practical as the Citroen, with its sliding side doors. The Synergie too was cloned (Fiat's Ulysse and Peugeot's 806 are essentially the same car). It is however, better specified than its stablemates – depending on the model you choose.
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History of the Synergie

The car was launched in September 1995 at around the same time as its stablemates from Peugeot and Fiat, with mainstream models available in LX or SX forms. Unlike the 806 or the Ulysse, there was only one 7-seater interior option, unless you selected the flagship diesel-only VSX version with six plusher seats. Under the bonnet, there was the usual selection of 2.0-litre petrol power or a 1.9-litre turbo diesel unit.The range received extensive revisions inside and out for the 1998 model year. These included a new corporate grille, modified headlamps and fog lamps and body-coloured side mouldings. Inside, twin front airbags became standard across the range, while in plusher models, rear seat passengers got aircraft-style trays on their seats and a map pocket was added at the foot of the centre console.The two-litre, common-rail HDi diesel engine was added to the range in October 1999 with a choice of five or seven-seat SX or six or seven-seat Exclusive trim. Six months later, an eight-seater option was introduced and the eight valve 2.0-litre petrol unit was replaced by a 16v unit.
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Citroen Synergie Road Test

Under the bonnet, there's a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or HDi diesel power plus a more common 1.9-litre turbo diesel unit. Just over 120bhp takes the petrol versions to 60mph in 13 seconds on the way to 110mph and you'll still average over 30mpg at the pumps. If, like most families, you opt for diesel, then 35-40mpg should be possible on a regular basis with 45 or even 50mpg likely from the HDi engine.Bear in mind that the high centre of gravity means you can't throw the Synergie around too much; if you want to do that in an MPV, buy a Ford Galaxy/VW Sharan/SEAT Alhambra. Nevertheless, despite the Synergie's van-like origins, handling is surprisingly good.
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Buying a Citroen Synergie

Not much goes wrong. As with all MPVs, you'll need to watch for damage to the interior trim - scratches, cracks and so on. Many Synergies will have had hard use. Watch out too for parking bumps and scrapes from drivers unused to the car's size. Check for uneven front tyre wear.There may be possible electrical faults or uneven tyre wear. Also look for worn or sticking sliding door runners.
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Citroen Synergie Typical Pricing

Prices start at around £2,900 for a seven-seat 2.0i LX on an N-plate with more typical later cars between £3,000 and £5,000. Turbo diesel models are worth £200 or so more, model for model, and the TD VSX six-seat flagship ranges from £3,600 to £4,700 for a 1998 R registered edition.
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Citroen Synergie Parts

(based on a 1997 Synergie 1.9TD ex Vat) A clutch assembly is around £135, a radiator (on air conditioned cars) £243, front brake pads £60, rear pads £100, a starter motor £300 and an alternator around £310.
Used Citroen Synergie for sale