Citroen introduced a facelifted version for the Xsara in 2000, and it tried to improve the car’s image and its drivetrains as well.
In the compact segment, Citroen was not such a big player. Still, it tried to attract customers who asked for more than four wheels and a roof over their heads. It placed its bets on the design and also improved the car’s technical qualities.

While the non-facelifted Xsara showed a pair of slim headlights, delightful to see at day but not that good in illuminating the road ahead, the facelifted version fixed one issue and messed the other. The new design language of the French carmaker imposed taller, tear-shaped headlights. They might not be as good-looking as the older ones, but at least they did a better job during night driving. Along with those, the carmaker re-worked the wrapped-around front bumper, which received a new grille, but lost its fog lights. Depending on the trim level, it got body-colored rubber protections or unpainted ones. At the back, the reversing lights received smoked lenses that blended into the taillights. Its five-door configuration remained and the Kamm back design were already known, but not that much appreciated.

Inside, the main difference was for the sound system, which got a CD player and wood inserts on the dashboard, center stack, and center console depending on the trim level.

As usual with facelifts, the technical platform remained the same, although Citroen improved the engine’s lineup with a 1.6-liter 16 valves unit for the gasoline versions and upgraded the 2.0-liter turbodiesel powerplants.