The Citroen Evasion 1.9 TD (92 hp) was a popular European minivan produced between 1995 and 1998. Part of the Citroen Evasion (22) generation, it represented a practical and spacious family vehicle within Citroen’s lineup. The Evasion, along with its Peugeot 806 and Fiat Ulysse siblings (all built at the Sevelnord plant in Valenciennes, France), aimed to provide a comfortable and versatile alternative to traditional estate cars and larger sedans. This particular 1.9 TD variant occupied a middle ground in the Evasion range, offering a balance between fuel economy, performance, and affordability. It was positioned below the more powerful petrol engines and above the base-level diesel options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | Evasion |
| Generation | Evasion (22) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 TD (92 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 8 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg, 13 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16 kg/Hp, 62.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm, 132.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 92 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 48.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 196 Nm @ 2250 rpm (144.56 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D8B XUD9TF |
| Engine displacement | 1905 cm3 (116.25 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 23:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1475 kg (3251.82 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2340 kg (5158.82 lbs.) |
| Max load | 865 kg (1907 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 340 l (12.01 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3300 l (116.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4454 mm (175.35 in.) |
| Width | 1834 mm (72.2 in.) |
| Height | 1714 mm (67.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2824 mm (111.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Front overhang | 881 mm (34.69 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 749 mm (29.49 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.39 |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.35 m (40.52 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | independent torsion suspension, Wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Evasion 1.9 TD was the D8B XUD9TF engine, a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine was a mainstay of PSA Group (Peugeot Société Anonyme) vehicles for many years, known for its durability and relatively simple design. The ‘TF’ designation indicated a turbocharged version, boosting power output to 92 horsepower. The engine utilized a precombustion chamber injection system, a common diesel technology of the time, where fuel was injected into a precombustion chamber before entering the main cylinder. This aided in more complete combustion, particularly during cold starts. The engine featured a single overhead camshaft (OHC) operating two valves per cylinder. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a reasonable spread of gears for both urban and highway driving. While an automatic transmission was available on some Evasion models, it was less common with the 1.9 TD engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.9 TD engine in the Evasion delivered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 16 seconds, and top speed was limited to approximately 99 mph. The engine’s 196 Nm (144.56 lb-ft) of torque, available at 2250 rpm, provided sufficient pulling power for a fully loaded vehicle, making it suitable for family holidays and transporting passengers. Compared to the petrol-powered Evasions, the 1.9 TD offered significantly better fuel economy, but at the expense of outright speed. The manual transmission allowed for greater driver control, but the gear ratios were geared towards economy rather than sporty driving. The 1.9 TD was generally considered more refined and quieter than the naturally aspirated diesel options, thanks to the turbocharger.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Evasion 1.9 TD typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an adjustable steering column. Interior upholstery was usually cloth, with a practical and durable finish. Higher trim levels offered options such as air conditioning, alloy wheels, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. The Evasion’s interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering a flexible seating arrangement with removable rear seats to maximize cargo space. The dashboard layout was functional, though somewhat dated by modern standards.
Chassis & Braking
The Evasion featured an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and an independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. This setup provided a comfortable ride, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. Front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were drums. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The Evasion’s chassis was designed to accommodate the vehicle’s weight and provide stability, particularly when fully loaded. The steering was hydraulic, making it relatively easy to maneuver, even at low speeds.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroen Evasion 1.9 TD was well-received in the European market as a practical and spacious family vehicle. Critics praised its fuel economy, comfortable ride, and versatile interior. However, some noted its relatively slow acceleration and somewhat dated interior design. Compared to the petrol-powered Evasions, the 1.9 TD was favored by those prioritizing fuel efficiency and long-distance cruising. Against competitors like the Renault Espace and Volkswagen Sharan, the Evasion offered a competitive package in terms of price, space, and practicality. The 1.9 TD variant was often seen as a sweet spot in the range, offering a good balance of performance and economy.
Legacy
The D8B XUD9TF engine proved to be remarkably durable, and many Evasion 1.9 TD models continue to be seen on the roads today. While age and mileage inevitably take their toll, the engine is generally considered reliable if properly maintained. Common issues include wear and tear on the turbocharger and potential fuel injection system problems. The Evasion, and its Peugeot and Fiat counterparts, helped to popularize the minivan segment in Europe. In the used car market, the Evasion 1.9 TD remains an affordable and practical option for those seeking a spacious and economical family vehicle, though finding well-maintained examples can be challenging.
