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The Citroen Xantia does not have springs but spheres filled with nitrogen.

Model: Citroen Xantia MK 1 - Years: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Part: Suspension system

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The Citroën Xantia is famous for this particular feature: it has hydractive suspension, which is based on a completely different principle. Essentially, the springs are replaced by hydraulic cylinders: metal spheres divided in two by a rubber membrane.

One side is filled with high-pressure nitrogen (50/70 bar) while the other side is connected to the car's LHM hydraulic oil circuit. When the vehicle encounters a bump, it pushes the piston of the hydraulic cylinder: this compresses the oil, which in turn compresses the nitrogen in the sphere, which acts like a spring, absorbing the shock.

However, unlike a metal spring, the pneumatic spring is progressive and self-regulating, absorbing bumps much more smoothly.


Posted on 19 December 2025 by ScegliAuto


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by ScegliAuto

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