Citroen XM Forum

A fair old drive there, Matthew.

The first time I went to France we toured round everywhere and did the same ferry crossing on the return journey. We had driven up from the Cote Azure to near Clement Ferrand, then decided to press on home. I dove overnight and was in tandem with a French XM for about 120 miles. As we approached Caen, Mrs Dm was asleap in the passenger seat and it was a bit foggy....and the low fuel light was on for 100 miles.
At Caen I found we needed to travel some more to get to Ouistreham, so the tank really was on fumes. Arriving at about 3:00am, I reclined the seat, pulled a quilt over me and had a great sleep for 3 hrs.

Of course, we were in my white XM...

It was indeed quite a trip Will and you obviously had a very memorable previous experience of driving through France yourself! I hope it will be possible to do further similar expeditions in the future, but perhaps with a smaller group and for me to take the German or Poland cars! With regards, Matthew T.

While experiencing the Central France and Pyrenees’ Challenge Russ and I briefly discussed the possibility of a slightly similar event to mark the 30th birthday of the XM in 2019, ie. four years hence! The idea we had was to assemble and convoy to Rennes, birthplace of the car, in Brittany, and also to enjoy some of the sights of this very attractive, relatively quiet and (for us) more accessible area of France, including of course nearby Monte St. Michel and other parts of the coast. It is possible to book tours of the Citroen factory where the C5 is currently manufactured and a very impressive private car museum is also located quite close by. There would be campsite accommodation to keep costs down or hotels for those who prefer and with fewer miles the expenditure on fuel will be reduced for those more thirsty models! At this stage it would be good to canvas likely interest but if at least ten cars were entered that would be great! With regards, Matthew T.

MTXM wrote: . . . and with fewer miles the expenditure on fuel will be reduced for those more thirsty models!

Bloody hell I'd need a tanker the way this thing sups juice.

I could be up for that, Matt.

Eddie nuff wrote:

MTXM wrote: . . . and with fewer miles the expenditure on fuel will be reduced for those more thirsty models!

Bloody hell I'd need a tanker the way this thing sups juice.

I don't recall my 2.0Si being particularly thirsty...even with the normal lead foot driving.

It was definitely better than my Ford Sierra 1.8.

I could be up for that, Matt.

That is great Chris so at least three of us then!! There is another French Chris we met at the final dinner who has a collection of twenty cars including six XMs and also lives in Brittany that would be another visit!
With regards,
Matthew T.

My personal record is 39mpg over a tank on a run coast to coast along the Scottish boarder and down the A/M1 and home I think, or it could have been a trip to Ireland. not bad for a dinosaur with a slush box but the aerodynamic shape helps, Round town its low 20's.

D

Don't think my XM will still be going strong then.....but it's a nice idea indeed.

Don't think my XM will still be going strong then.....but it's a nice idea indeed.

I am sure it will be Jaap and we would be delighted if you could attend, including local knowledge! With regards, Matthew T.