For years, if you wanted a people carrier you had little choice, it was a Renault Espace or nothing. But in the mid-1990s a host of rivals entered the market. Among the most popular was the Citroën Synergie.

With plenty of examples around, good used models can be bought for as little as £2,500, making it one of the cheapest used people carriers you can buy.

Launched in October 1995, the Synergie line-up was simple. There was a 123bhp 2 litre petrol engine (which in May 2000 was uprated with 16 valves and an extra 15bhp) or a 92bhp 1.9 turbo-diesel (replaced in October 1999 by a 110bhp 2.0 HDi common-rail unit).

Because of the Synergie’s fairly large size none of these engines gives sparkling performance but it’s the diesel units that suit it best. The earlier 1.9 litre diesels struggle with a load on board but cruise happily when tested more lightly. The larger 2.0 HDi feels far more comfortable and despite the useful extra power loses nothing in terms of economy.

Citroën offered the Synergie with a choice of five, six, seven and eight seats but the five and eight-seat versions were least popular and used examples are rare. Most used buyers will decide between the six-seater with individual seats and the seven-seater which has a bench seat for three in the middle. Individual seats can be removed, offering a bewildering array of seating and luggage permutations, but the operation can be tricky. The sliding side doors are ideal when parking in tight spaces and the placement of the handbrake to the right of the driver’s seat keeps the floor between the front seats clear.

Specification levels are pretty straightforward: LX is the base model, SX the midrange and VSX (renamed Exclusive in October 1998) the top model. The premiums between models reduce as they age so when buying used there is little point in choosing the base model.

The SX, which post-November 1997 came with air-conditioning — vital on a car with so much glass — gives a good level of specification and there are plenty on the used market. VSX and Exclusive models look attractive with the addition of CD changers and electric front seats but used buyers wanting seven seats are likely to struggle as many of these top-spec cars were ordered with the six-seat option when new.

Inside, the Synergie is pretty well screwed together but don’t expect fancy options such as satellite navigation. A keypad-operated engine immobiliser was fitted to early vehicles but in 1998 was replaced by a less fussy transponder immobiliser integrated into the body of the key.

The Synergie’s road manners are a pleasant surprise, much more car than van. The steering isn’t as precise as a saloon’s and the brakes aren’t as sharp, but then this is a tall, heavy vehicle. Softish suspension also provokes understeer when pushed through the corners but makes up for this with high levels of comfort at all other times.

The high seating position, deep screen and large mirrors give excellent visibility, and the gearshift, mounted on the dashboard, falls easily to hand. From May 2000 Citroën offered an optional four-speed automatic gearbox on the 138bhp petrol unit but sales were low and used examples are hard to find.

Vital statistics

Model Citroen Synergie 2.0 HDi SX
Engine Four-cylinder, 1997cc
Power 110bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 42.2mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 14.8sec
Top speed 109mph

Air-conditioning Standard on all cars except base LX since November 1997

Boot space Disappointing boot space if all three rows of seats are in place

Rear seats Third row of seats are small, and tricky access make them best suited to children

Service interval Both petrol and diesel have a 12-month/12,500-mile service interval

Spare tyre Stored under the boot floor in a cradle, it can be a target for theft, so check it's present

Sliding doors Prevent kids hitting other cars when opening them. Check both slide freely, runners aren't buckled and edges are not chipped

Sunroofs Many models fitted with twin sunroofs, front is manually operated, rear is electric

Engine immobiliser In 1998 the floor-mounted keypad immobiliser was replaced with a more conventional system built into the key

Safety Impressive four-star result in the 2002 Euro NCAP crash tests

Seats New cars come with between five and eight seats. Additional seats are £600-£730 for a three-man bench, £300-£600 for a captain's seat

Handbrake Mounted to the right of the driver's seat, it keeps the floor between the front seats clutter-free, allowing access to the rear

Engines 2 litre diesel available from October 1999 is the pick of the crop for its good performance and economy

Front tyres Front tyre wear can be heavy so inspect regularly and if in doubt have front-wheel alignment checked


THE ONE TO BUY

Citroen Synergie 2.0 HDi SX seven-seater, five-speed manual, 1999 V-reg with 40,000 miles. Pay £7,550 at a dealer with a 12-month warranty, or £6,750 privately

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OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

1999 V-reg Peugeot 806 2.0 HDi LX
1999 S-reg Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDi GLX
1998 R-reg VW Sharan 1.9 TDI SE
1999 S-reg Renault Espace 2.2 RT-X dT
1999 T-reg Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE


VALUES Citroen Synergie 2.0HDi SX seven-seater

The equivalent LX model is worth £800 less than an SX. The equivalent Exclusive model is worth £700 more than an SX. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer