In 1976, Peugeot merged with the long-established French company Citroen and merged to form the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group. Therefore, the Peugeot and Citroen in the question are actually the same company, but I still think that Citroen’s Performance is even better.
People’s understanding of French cars, in addition to its “artwork”-like appearance, is also due to its acclaimed chassis technology, which can also be regarded as a “wonderful flower” in the automotive industry. Even BMW is willing to pay for Citroen's PSS rear-wheel steering technology. So why is there a saying that "when it comes to chassis, you must talk about Citroen"? And is the chassis technology of French cars represented by Citro?n really that powerful?
First of all, everyone knows that the most advanced technologies of many automobile manufacturers are basically put into major competitions first. Citro?n's rich chassis technology is accumulated through various rally championships in the Senna WRC car, ZX rally car and DS3 WRC car. The rally itself has particularly strict requirements on the chassis technology of the car, and Citro?n's seven championships are a reflection of its advanced chassis technology.
It should be the sweetness on the track that allowed French cars to plunge into the adjustment of the chassis system, especially the suspension system, from the hydropneumatic suspension in 1954 to the active suspension in 1989. Type hydraulic suspension, and then came the active anti-roll hydraulic suspension in 1994. Under the leadership of the "big brother" Citro?n, French cars began to have the title of "chassis master". There have also been cases of some luxury brands purchasing chassis patents from Citro?n.
In recent years, many consumers have gradually begun to understand cars and pay attention to vehicle configuration parameters. Then the semi-independent suspension configuration of French cars has become a criticism of many consumers. But I believe that friends who have ridden in French cars should have experienced that even with a semi-independent rear suspension, it has basically the same comfort as a multi-link independent suspension. So where is the secret in this regard? There has always been a saying in the automotive industry about chassis tuning: "seven points for the frame, three points for tuning." Therefore, although the Citro?n model is equipped with a semi-independent suspension, due to the high toughness of the vehicle frame, the overall center of gravity is relatively stable, and it is not easy to deform at high speeds. This is another secret of French car chassis tuning.
With the development of mid-to-high-end cars in recent years, Citro?n has begun to launch some mid-level cars such as C5 and C6. Then naturally they cannot rely on "semi-independence" to dominate the world. And what they use is another magic weapon of French car chassis technology, such as the third-generation C5. Its chassis technology has several characteristics:
First, it has Citro?n’s unique weapon-FML. Shock-absorbing and tough multi-link rear suspension. The explanation is very complicated. To put it simply, this rear suspension can minimize the deformation of the body, ensure that the suspension operates in a predetermined position, and achieve precise control of the body;
Second, it has hydraulic The buffer system is used to alleviate the collision and vibration between the suspension and the frame. Compared with other models that use rubber pads, the hydraulic system of French cars is relatively kind.
Thirdly, the rear suspension shock absorber and spring installation method with a large inclination angle of nearly 45° is also a unique weapon of French cars. This can break down the vertical bumps of the vehicle while enhancing the lateral stability of the vehicle body. This way the roll can be better controlled.
The above is sufficient to prove that Peugeot's tuning is biased towards sportiness and its chassis is on the stiffer side. Citro?n pays more attention to driving comfort.