CITROËN
AUSTRALIA
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
HYDRO-PNEUMATIC SUSPENSION
Citroën's famous self levelling suspension
provides positive handling, a smooth yet firm ride and level headlamp beams,
even when the car is fully loaded.
In addition, the self levelling
suspension lowers the centre of gravity which improves roadholding.
The spheres act as springs. The link
between these springs, and the moving parts connected to the wheels is provided
by a liquid, which cannot be compressed.
This allows for a liquid-operated shock
absorber to form part of
As the car is loaded,
the gas in the sphere is compressed, but a pump and a reservoir of hydraulic
fluid compensate for any vertical displacement of the wheel, restoring normal
ride height. Handling remains consistent, whether you drive alone or with a
maximum payload.
The payload can be lowered to make loading or
hitching on a trailer much easier by raising the suspension. Extra ground
clearance can make it possible to cover rutted tracks and surfaces.
A
driver-operated manual control makes it possible to vary the ground clearance
of the car. This is useful when changing a wheel or driving over bumpy ground.
The system is common to all Citroën's hydraulic suspension
models.
HYDRACTIVE II SUSPENSION
"Hydractive II" is the second generation of
this type of suspension, with greater intelligence due to a tripling of
computer power, available on all XMs and Xantia VSX models.
A new
strategy for management of the suspension settings was developed to make the
vehicle as comfortable as possible while offering a high level of driving
pleasure in complete safety.
This system combines the established
benefits of self-levelling suspension with modern electronics and computers.
The Hydractive Suspension system is actually two different systems in
one... normal and firm settings. The vehicle shifts from one system to the
other automatically before the body begins to move.
"Hydractive II"
allows the driver to modify the rules governing automatic switching from one
suspension to the other. There are now two logic systems to the changeover of
settings. Using a switch located on the central console, either when stationary
or on the move, the driver can select...
The automatic
"normal" position, for a more relaxed ride, and
The automatic
"sport" position for more lively
sporting driving.
The result is complete stability at all times, particularly when
cornering hard on uneven surfaces. The car "tenses" when entering a fast corner
or bend, then "relaxes" when travelling straight. The result is safe
comfortable luxury motoring without forsaking driving pleasure.
The
way the car handles can play a major part in safety on the road. Hydractive
Suspension, through its ability to react constantly to the attitude of the car,
means maximum road holding and traction at all times.
Hydractive II gives sports car handling with saloon car ride.
Citroën has licensed
the Hydractive technology
to Rolls Royce for use in their cars.
