Citroen reveals C4 Cactus Concept with Hydraulic Cushion Suspension

Citroen is using a C4 Cactus to showcase new hydraulic suspension and comfort seating in what they call the Citroen Advanced Comfort Lab.

In days gone by, there was little to compare to the ride in a big Citroen, which wafted you along in isolation thanks to its hydropneumatic suspension. But cost – and an apparent car buyer penchant for a firmer ride – put paid to one of Citroen’s main USPs.

But Citroen has decided to reclaim its past with a new quest to give a wafting ride and passenger and driver comfort, some of which is showcased in the Citroen Advanced Comfort Lab, a C4 Cactus sporting Citroen’s Hydraulic Cushion Suspension.

The Hydraulic Cushion Suspension, unlike the hydropneumatic suspension, doesn’t replace conventional suspension but instead it places ‘cushions’ at the top and bottom of the suspension unit which damp vertical movement gradually, dissipating the energy over a bigger area and in the process delivering what Citroen call a ‘magic carpet’ ride.

Citroen say this new suspension can be fitted right across the range, and will work in conjunction with a new structural bonding system – using a new system specific to Citroen – which uses a discontinuous line of adhesive for increased rigidity, lower weight and lower cost.

Having taken care of the oily bits to make the car more comfortable, Citroen has turned to the world of bedding for the seats, using the same sort of composition as is used in memory foam to create seats which mould to the occupant, but regain their shape after use.

It’s a bold move by Citroen to reclaim a historic USP, and if they can pull off the comfort without damaging the handling and responsiveness of their cars, they must be on to a winner.

And with plans to roll the comfort technology out across their whole range – from the 108 upwards – they must think they’ve got it right.