In 1999, the WRCs predecessor, the two wheel drive naturally aspirated Xsara Kit Car, won overall in Rallye Catalunya and Tour de Corse.

In 2003, Citroën partook their first full championship season, with Loeb joined by former champions Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz.

After championship rival Richard Burns suffered a blackout and withdrew from the rally, and Sainz crashed out on day one, Citroën chose to prioritise winning the manufacturers' title, which they did by 15 points.

In 2004, Loeb won his first drivers championship and successfully defended his title in 2005, winning a record ten rallies in a single season.

[4] In addition to Leob piloting the Xsara WRC, Jesús Puras, Carlos Sainz, and François Duval have also driven it to win since its 2001 conception.