A protective, reinforced structure

Improved cabin protection in the event of frontal impact

To satisfy the most stringent passive safety evaluation requirements, Citroën conducted extensive studies on protection from frontal impact.

• The C4 features an additional impact absorbing system on the lower part of the front end to dissipate energy more effectively in the event of frontal impact.
• This absorbing system is made up of a lower front bumper beam, along with subframe extensions.
• The mechanical resistance of the front suspension and the lower subframe has been optimised to enable, for example, energy to be transmitted under the body in the event of frontal impact.
• Studies were conducted on the movement of hard incompressible parts in the engine compartment in order to limit intrusions into the cabin.
• The front doors have been reinforced in order to better stiffen the whole.

Moreover, to reduce repair costs following minor impacts, the C4 features plastic front wings and an aluminium front upper bumper beam, which is integral with the impact absorbers. In the event of impact, the beam and impact absorbers crumple, without damaging the cantrails. The same is true for the lower bumper beam, which will crumple without damaging the engine subframe or its extensions.


Focus on pedestrian protection

The C4 is designed to reduce the consequences of possible pedestrian impact.
The subframe is equipped with two impact absorbers (one on the top part of the front end, the other on the lower part) to limit knee injury.

Studies also focused on achieving a non-aggressive front end.

For example, the boomerang-shaped headlamps are not only a key styling trait on the C4. They also contribute to pedestrian protection, since the headlamps are no longer on the top part of the bonnet, which is made of aluminium in order to absorb energy more effectively.


Increased protection against theft and break-in

The C4 offers excellent protection against theft and break-in. Key features are as follows:

• side laminated glazing to protect the occupants and their property,
• deadlocking,
• a perimetric and volumetric alarm,
• an engine immobiliser and transponder,
• an unpickable electric boot lock,
• antitheft nuts on each alloy wheel,
• automatic relocking thirty seconds after the vehicle is unlocked if no door is opened,
• automatic locking of the doors and boot as soon as the car starts to move.

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