Citroen has revealed details of its Advanced Comfort programme which is set to filter out road noise and vibrations across the range.
An all-new progressive hydraulic cushion suspension system, new seat technologies, improved body rigidity and acoustics will be combined with a more simplified, yet rewarding, cabin environment.
The new C4 Picasso range, which goes on sale in the UK on 1 September, is the first model to benefit from selected elements of the programme.
Citroen is demonstrating these advances via a prototype C4 Cactus known as the ‘Citroen Advanced Comfort Lab’.
For over 95 years, the development of comfortable suspension systems has been part of Citroen’s DNA. The brand has created an all-new suspension system, which dramatically improves the ride comfort, and builds on that heritage and know-how to deliver a ‘magic carpet’ ride.
Whereas a conventional suspension system is comprised of shock absorbers, springs and mechanical stops, Citroen's new system adds two progressive hydraulic cushions – one for rebound and one for compression – at the top and bottom of each suspension unit.
On smoother roads, the springs and shock absorbers work together to control vertical movement without needing the hydraulic cushions. However, when more demand is placed on the suspension, the springs and shock absorbers work together with the hydraulic cushions. These new cushions gradually slow the movement, rather than having abrupt stops at the extremes of compression and rebound. Unlike a conventional mechanical stop, the hydraulic cushion absorbs and dissipates the energy.
When the suspension has completed the damping process, the energy created by the irregular road surface is transferred to the vehicle body. The use of structural bonding techniques will significantly reduce this occurrence, thanks to increased overall stiffness.
Using an industrial process specific to Citroen, the structural parts of the vehicle are bonded together using a discontinuous line of adhesive. An electrical weld point is positioned wherever the line of adhesive is interrupted to ensure optimum rigidity during assembly. This increases stiffness by around 20% but keeps the car light.
On the inside, new seats provide a better combination of comfort and all-important posture support thanks to the introduction of different foam densities. In addition, Citroen took inspiration from the bedding industry and how it has developed its memory-foam mattresses. With these unique properties, the seats regain their original shape from one passenger to the next.
Citroen is using these innovations to deliver a statement of intent to roll-out the technology across the entire range, whatever the price of the model.
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