A traction control system designed to prevent skidding on snow-covered  or low-grip surfaces.

Intelligent Traction Control analyses driver requirements (acceleration and steering wheel position) and external conditions (grip, slope, depth of snow) in real time and acts on the engine and brakes to enable the car to move foward.

On snowy roads, Intelligent Traction Control helps the vehicle move off easily. Depending on the depth of the snow, it will regulate each driving wheel independently for better traction. It spins one wheel and then the other alternately for a few seconds.

Intelligent Traction Control also improves traction on wet roads. It distributes engine torque between drive wheels depending on lateral acceleration and under-steer. The principle is to limit rotation of the outside wheel in accordance with grip capacity.

Advanced technology borrowed from fighter planes to provide a clear read-out of driving information

The Head-up Display projects driving information (speed, navigation, etc.) onto the windscreen in the driver's direct line of vision. The virtual image is created by a projection unit on the dashboard.

This technology allows the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. It also contributes to safety with its direct read-out, since drivers assimilate data more quickly. An estimated 0.5 seconds are saved, based on the time normally taken by drivers to look away from the road and adapt their line of sight.

A passive safety system to protect pedestrians in the event of frontal impact

The active bonnet system automatically raises the boot in the event of pedestrian impact. Controlled by a sensor in the front bumper and a pyrotechnic mechanism, the bonnet rises 65 mm in 40 milliseconds and stays in its raised position despite the impact.

As a result, a pedestrian hitting the bumper will not come into contact with the hard, blunt  components under the bonnet. In the event of impact, the bonnet will act as a shock absorber. The risk of injury is reduced since thepedestrian's head and shoulders do not touch the engine.

A system to prevent drowsiness or inattention at the wheel

The LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System) uses information collected by infrared sensors directed towards the road surface, which tell it when the car crosses a solid or dotted white line.

If the vehicle crosses a white line with the indicator off, the control unit starts to beep. At the same time, a vibrating mechanism built into the driver's seat is activated on the side corresponding to the direction of vehicle drift.
The system does not take over the vehicle controls. You remain in charge and are able to take any corrective action necessary to set the car back on course.

This innovation is a major breakthrough in terms of safety. It is one of the solutions developed to make up for driver inattention or temporary loss of concentration.

A system to improve safety by improving visibility and reducing visual fatigue

Electronically controlled bi-xenon directional headlamps follow the steering angle so that the driver can see the road ahead and distinguish other road users and possible obstacles more quickly. This is important for safety, since at a speed of 110 kph, a car covers more than 30 m every second.

This system can work with the cornering lights to light up a wider angle inside a bend  when the car is running at under 40 kph.  This function optimises lighting at junctions and during parking manoeuvres, for example.

Xenon lights provide twice as much light as halogen lights for increased driving comfort and a clearer field of vision by night or in poor weather.

By improving visibility and reducing visual fatigue, this system considerably improves safety and driving pleasure.

A steering wheel with a fixed hub for enhanced driveability and safety

The fixed-centred controls steering wheel has a fixed hub, i.e. the centre of the wheel does not move with the rim. The main comfort and driving aid functions are grouped in the centre in an ergonomic, easy-to-use layout that also contributes to driveability and safety.

This system has a number of advantages, particularly in terms of safety, since the driver can access controls without taking his or her hands off the wheel. And the fixed centre makes it possible to integrate an airbag that always deploys at the right angle to protect the driver effectively.

A system that continuously monitors tyre pressure and tells you whether pressure is sufficient

This system measures the pressure of each of the four wheels using sensors located on each tyre, and transmits the information to the central control unit.

If one of the tyres drops below its minimum pressure level, a message flashes up on the multifunction screen to warn you At the same time, a warning beep sounds. In the event of a puncture, the Stop light also comes on. The system can thus detect any under-inflation that could have an adverse impact on the stability of the vehicle or the safety of the occupants.

In addition to improving safety, this function also encourages the driver to check tyres regularly and to correct inflation levels. These checks bring gains in terms of reduced driving noise, fuel consumption and tyre wear.

A function that maintains vehicle control in the most difficult situations

If a vehicle loses grip when cornering, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) keeps it on course by acting on brakeforce distribution and engine speed.

Sensors installed on the running gear and steering detect any loss of grip. They analyse the vehicle's path and check (several times per second) that it corresponds to the driver's requirements.

ESP is coupled with a traction control (ASR) system that immediately brakes the drive wheels if the car goes into a skid.

A gearbox setting new standards in performance with exceptionally smooth, fast gear changing

The six-speed EGS sets new standards in driving pleasure. It features a choice of gear-changing functions (steering wheel paddles, a sequential gear lever or an automatic function) since the clutch pedal no longer exists.

The electro-hydraulic control system ensures smooth, fast gear changes for optimised driveability, tailored to your driving style. For a more dynamic ride, Sport mode places the emphasis on speedy gear-changing.

The six-speed EGS cuts fuel consumption by up to 5% compared with a manual gearbox. The sixth gear speed underlines its economic design.

A suspension that resolves the dilemma between comfort and ride by adapting to different driving situations

The Hydractive III+ suspension system uses dampers to limit body movement and cylinders to transmit the suspension load to nitrogen-filled spheres that act as springs. It features several stiffness and damping settings to adapt to the road. The vehicle sensors (steering wheel angle, acceleration, braking, wheel movement, etc.) control the transition between soft and firm settings in real time.

A Sport mode is also available. This lets you opt for a more dynamic drive, placing the emphasis on body control rather than comfort.
 
Hydractive III+ suspension is coupled with real-time body height control. Cearance therefore remains constant, regardless of load. On the motorway, vehicle height is lowered automatically for enhanced aerodynamics.

Pneumatic suspension at the rear for improved safety and comfort

The pneumatic suspension system comprises a control unit, an "air supply" unit, two height sensors and two pneumatic cushions. The height sensors measure the distance to the stop. If this distance (and thus the height of the vehicle) changes, they send a message to the control unit, which then orders the compressor to correct this difference and return the vehicle to the correct height.

The pneumatic suspension improves comfort since it delivers a smoother ride and soaks up any bumps and dips in the road surface. It keeps the car at a constant height regardless of load, thus optimising comfort, driveability and safety.

Assistance in parking manoeuvres

Using sensors built into the front bumper, the parking space 'gap' measurement function tells you whether a free parking space is big enough for your car.

The sensor scans the length of the parking space as you drive slowly past. The measurement process is complete when the front of the car passes the space. The system beeps and a message flashes up on the multifunction screen to tell you whether parking is possible, difficult or inadvisable.

Hill-start assist

Hill-start assist stops the vehicle sliding down a slope when you release the brake pedal. On slopes of over 3%, the system keeps your vehicle steady for around two seconds, giving you time to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.

Hill-start assist clearly contributes to stress-free driving since you no longer have to balance the clutch and accelerator pedals.

A function contributing to comfort and safety

The automatic electric parking brake engages automatically when the engine is switched of and disengages automatically when you accelerate on start-up. It automatically controls the force necessary to immobilise the car.

If required, you can pull on the brake to immobilise your vehicle, on a slope without turning the engine off for example. In this case, you disengage the brake in the same way.

As well as contributing to convenience and safety, the automatic electric parking brake does away with the conventional manual parking brake, which is both cumbersome and non-ergonomic.

A feature with a host of advantages

Laminated glass is made up of two sheets of glass separated by a sheet of plastic of excellent acoustic properties. This "sandwich" damps sound wave vibrations and filters out wind noise and exterior noise for maximum comfort.

It also protects the occupants from dangers outside the car. Unlike conventional glass, which shatters into thousands of pieces on impact, laminated glass absorbs impact energy and cracks without braking.

NaviDrive 3D and MyWay: two complete high-tech systems

NaviDrive 3D is an advanced telematics system with a host of functions. It features a large 16/9 colour screen with 3D maps showing building height, monuments and relief. It also includes a GSM telaphone, multimedia services (radio, MP3 CD and video DVD player), GPS navigation and a jukebox function with storage capacity of up to 10 Gb. It also provides access to the Citroën Assistance, Citroën On Line and Citroën Emergency services.

MyWay is a radio and aerial navigation system with a large 16/9 colour screen, selling at a particularly attractive price. It includes a CD player (MP3 and WMA) compatible, an auxiliary jack for portable audio devices and a Bluetooth kit for the hands-free telephone.

Visiospace or visiodrive: exceptional visibility from all angles

Available as a production feature for the first time on the C4 Picasso, the panoramic windscreen delivers new driving sensations. It creates an exceptionally wide field of peripheral vision (more than 80° vertically) to create an impression of high-definition vision. Total immersion for the driver.

As well as providing greater visibility for all passengers, the panoramic windscreen lets the light flood in, enhancing the impression of space in a cabin that is open to the world.

The new C3, the hatchback with the largest windscreen and smallest roof on the market, delivers original driving sensations! It also brings the occupants more visibility and more light for increased safety and driveability. A balance created through light therapy.

A scented air freshener for a relaxed onboard ambience

Styled to match the design of the dashboard, the scented air freshener diffuses a pleasant, subtle fragrance around the cabin. It is controlled by a knob, allowing the driver to adjust the intensity of the fragrance or to switch the system off.

Choose the fragrance(s) to suit you from the wide range on offer.

Advanced technology to cut CO2 emissions and fuel consumption

Citroën HDi (High-pressure Diesel Injection) diesel engines use common-rail technology, in which a single rail supplies fuel to the injectors at a pressure of up to 2,000 bars. An electronic control system optimises the air-fuel mix in all conditions of use, considerably reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The new-generation common-rail system sets high standards of precision for improved efficiency. The recognised qualities of these diesel engines set them apart: reliability, response and torque reserve from the lowest engine speeds, acoustic comfort, low fuel consumption and reduced pollutant emissions.

A filtering device to destroy the pollutant particles in exhaust gases

The DPFS features a porous silicon carbide core to trap pollutant particles in the exhaust gases. It then burns and destroys them periodically. The filter regeneration system is managed by a control unit that also carries out self-diagnosis.

The DPFS enhances the benefits of HDi technology in environmental protection: vehicles equipped with HDi diesel engines and a DPFS have near-zero particulate emissions.

A solution to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without jeopardizing performance

Downsizing involves reducing engine capacity while increasing specific power in order to reduce fuel consumption and thus CO2 emissions.

This technology relies on direct injection and turbocharging. Direct injection ensures a uniform fuel spray and precise air-fuel mix in the combustion chamber for greater engine efficiency. And turbocharging delivers a more linear power curve, without any lag in acceleration.

The THP 150 (on the C4, for example) is a remarkable illustration of this technology. A strong performer with limited fuel consumption/CO2 emissions, it allies maximum driveability with respect for the environment.

Compressed natural gas: another alternative…

Natural gas is a fossil fuel. It is abundant, economical and – above all – ecological, since it produces around 20% fewer CO2 emissions than petrol, with no sulphur oxides or lead.

Compatible Citroën vehicles run primarily on natural gas and switch automatically from gas to petrol mode when the gas tank is empty. Gas is injected directly into the cylinder head via special injectors. This system of multipoint sequential injection optimises consumption while delivering high levels of performance and driving pleasure.

Practical and ecological, CNG is also economical to use, since it costs significantly less than conventional fuels available on the market.

Alternative fuels to reduce emissions of particulates, CO2 and pollutants

Citroën engines are designed to run on biofuels: biodiesel for HDi diesel engines and bioethanol for petrol engines. These biofuels contribute to limiting climate change while also cutting vehicle CO2 emissions.

Biodiesel is a blend of diesel fuel and vegetable oil. Biodiesel B30 cuts CO2 emissions by 18% and particulate emissions by 22%.

Bioethanol is a blend of petrol and ethanol. Citroën designs petrol engines able to run on fuel with an ethanol (E10) content of up to 10%. This fuel cuts CO2 (well to wheel) emissions by around 6%.

Technology for the road

Tyres with very low rolling resistance, such as the Michelin Energy Saver fitted on the C4, optimise rolling resistance and thus reduce the quantity of energy required to drive the vehicle forward.

Depending on the vehicle, this technology saves up to 0.2l of fuel per 100 km over a combined cycle, or almost 4g of CO2 per km. This corresponds to around one tonne of CO2 avoided during the service life of the vehicle.