Citroën
Unexpected Brand: The Pursuit of Radical Innovation and Comfort
Introduction
Citroën’s story is one of the most audacious in automotive history. Founded by the visionary André Citroën, the company has consistently prioritized technological innovation and passenger comfort over conventional design and market trends. From the world’s first mass-produced front-wheel-drive car to the spaceship-like DS with its revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension, Citroëns have always been rolling laboratories of advanced ideas. This commitment to ‘differentness’ has created a cult-like following and cemented its legacy as the most technically creative and comfort-focused mass manufacturer ever.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1919 (by André Citroën) |
| HeadQuarters | Saint-Ouen, France |
| Parent Company | Stellantis |
| First Car | Citroën Type A (1919) |
| Founder’s Spirit | Create everything that is new and never fear it |
| Iconic Feature | Hydropneumatic Suspension |
Iconic Citroën Engines
- Type A Inline-4 (1919-1921): The first engine. A 1.3L inline-four that powered the first mass-produced car in Europe.
- Traction Avant Inline-4 & I6 (1934-1957): The modernizers. Overhead-valve engines designed for the revolutionary Traction Avant.
- Flat-Twin (1948-1990): The heart of the 2CV. An incredibly simple, air-cooled, two-cylinder engine designed for durability and economy over power.
- DS Inline-4 (1955-1975): The sophisticated four. An advanced, aluminum-headed engine used in the DS and ID, designed to be incredibly smooth to match the car’s character.
- MAS (Moteur Alpine Société) I4 (1970s-2000s): The workhorse. A robust range of inline-four engines developed with Peugeot and used in the GS, GSA, BX, and CX.
Legendary Citroën Models
- Citroën Traction Avant (1934-1957): The revolutionary. The world’s first mass-produced car with front-wheel drive and a monocoque chassis. It was decades ahead of its time.
- Citroën 2CV (1948-1990): The utilitarian icon. Designed to be an “umbrella on wheels,” it was a simple, rugged, and incredibly economical car that mobilized post-war France.
- Citroën DS (1955-1975): The spaceship. A technological marvel featuring hydropneumatic suspension, self-leveling, disc brakes, and futuristic styling. It redefined what a car could be.
- Citroën SM (1970-1975): The grand tourer masterpiece. A high-performance GT featuring a Maserati V6 engine, advanced aerodynamics, and Citroën’s hydropneumatics. A complex and glorious failure.
- Citroën GS / GSA (1970-1986): The small DS. A compact car that brought air-cooled flat-four engines, hydropneumatic suspension, and incredible practicality to a wider audience.
- Citroën CX (1974-1991): The DS’s successor. A futuristic fastback sedan that continued the legacy of hydropneumatics and advanced aerodynamics.
- Citroën BX (1982-1994): The modern innovator. A angular hatchback that mixed plastic body panels with hydropneumatics, becoming a huge sales success.
The Magic Carpet Ride
Citroën’s single greatest innovation is its hydropneumatic suspension system. First introduced on the DS, it replaced conventional steel springs with spheres of nitrogen gas and hydraulic fluid. This system provided a legendary ‘magic carpet’ ride quality that could isolate passengers from almost any road imperfection. It also enabled the car to be raised or lowered at will and to maintain a level ride height regardless of load. This technology, refined over decades, is the absolute core of the Citroën identity, representing an unwavering commitment to comfort that no other mass manufacturer has ever matched.