Citroen Xantia Activa
The Citroen Xantia Activa is one of the most technically remarkable family cars ever produced, featuring a groundbreaking active anti-roll system that gave this mid-size Citroen cornering capabilities that embarrassed sports cars. The Activa technology, known as SC.CAR (Systeme Citroen de Controle Actif du Roulis), used hydraulically controlled anti-roll bars to virtually eliminate body roll during cornering, producing a car that defied the laws of physics as understood by conventional chassis engineers.
The SC.CAR system worked by using hydraulic actuators connected to the anti-roll bars at both front and rear axles. These actuators were controlled by an electronic computer that read lateral acceleration, steering angle, and vehicle speed. When cornering forces were detected, the system preloaded the anti-roll bars on the appropriate side, counteracting the natural tendency of the body to lean. The result was a car that could corner at extraordinary speeds while remaining essentially flat.
This technology produced legendary results in the Swedish moose test, a standardized emergency avoidance maneuver used by the automotive industry. The Xantia Activa set a record speed of 85 km/h through the test, a figure that was not surpassed for many years and that most sports cars of the era could not match. This single result generated enormous publicity for the Xantia and demonstrated the practical safety benefits of the Activa system.
Beyond the Activa system, the Xantia was a thoroughly competent and comfortable car. The hydropneumatic suspension provided the characteristically supple Citroen ride quality, absorbing road imperfections with a fluidity that conventional spring-and-damper systems could not replicate. The ride was particularly impressive given the Activa's cornering capabilities, as most cars that handle exceptionally well ride poorly.
The Activa was available with the PSA XU10J4RS 2.0-liter 16-valve engine producing 150 horsepower, later supplemented by a 3.0-liter V6 option producing 190 horsepower. Both engines were mated to five-speed manual gearboxes and drove the front wheels. The 2.0-liter version offered a fine balance of performance and economy, while the V6 provided effortless acceleration.
The Xantia Activa sold in modest numbers, as its higher price compared to standard Xantia models limited its appeal. Many potential buyers simply did not understand the technology or its benefits. However, automotive journalists universally praised the car, with many declaring it the most technologically impressive family car of the 1990s.
Today, the Xantia Activa is a sought-after modern classic among Citroen enthusiasts. The active anti-roll system adds complexity to an already sophisticated hydropneumatic platform, and finding specialists capable of maintaining the SC.CAR system is a challenge. However, working examples offer a driving experience that remains genuinely unique and impressive.
The SC.CAR active anti-roll system is the key component to verify. Ensure the system functions correctly by testing on a twisting road and observing body roll (should be nearly zero). The hydraulic system is complex and expensive to repair. Standard hydropneumatic maintenance applies. Rust can affect sills and subframes. The 2.0 16V engine is robust but check timing belt history. V6 models are rarer and more expensive to maintain.
The Activa system was available from 1995 to 2001. The first production car with a fully active anti-roll system. Available initially with the 2.0 16V engine, later also with the 3.0 V6. SC.CAR technology was developed by Citroen's hydraulic engineering team and was related to systems used in rally competition.