Citroen scores a hit as we try new hydraulic springs

CITROEN announced last year that it would be returning to its roots with an innovative new hydraulic suspension system, and now Auto Express has been behind the wheel of a prototype to sample the tech before it rolls out across the range from 2018.

Called the Citroen Advanced Comfort Lab, the tech was previewed in a heavily modified C4 Cactus designed by an in-house team. As well as the brand’s new ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushion’ spring and fluid-filled secondary damper set-up, the car features a new type of adhesive structural bonding that is said to improve body stiffness by up to 20 per cent.

Further tweaks include redesigned tyres, new powertrain mounts, thicker glass and better insulation. Inside the car, the biggest change is comfy ‘memory-foam’ style seats with materials taken from the world of bedding.

On our test we drove the crossover back to back with a standard C4 Cactus on some rutted rural French roads, and the difference was nothing short of remarkable. Where the standard car crashes and fidgets over bumps, the hydraulic set-up glides pleasantly and stays largely level.

Over speed humps there was also a big reduction in suspension movement and noise; it felt more like a luxury SUV than a small crossover. The handling didn’t seem unduly affected on first impressions, either. Just as impressive was the lack of vibration.

Auto Express understands the tech will first feature on an updated version of the C4 Cactus later this year.