Front suspension operation

FRONT SUSPENSION OPERATION

1. MacPherson strut unit
2. Lower arm
3. Tie rod

The front suspension has been carefully developed to combine refinement with robustness.

The independent MacPherson struts are located by a transverse lower arm and radius arm assembly. The swivel hubs are located at the top by a wishbone type upper arm. The anti-roll bar is secured to the lower arms via rubber bushed links and is 19 mm diameter on 1.4 and 1.6 models, 23 mm diameter on diesel models and 25 mm diameter on 200 vi models.

4. Anti-roll bar
5. Anti-roll bar link

On the MacPherson strut, the spring centre line is offset from the damper centre line to compensate for side loads inherent in a MacPherson strut. This reduces damper friction resulting in improved ride characteristics.

High longitudinal compliance gives cabin isolation, over high frequency large amplitude inputs (e.g. pot holes), on a par with much larger cars. Geometry is well controlled to give good handling responses. The suspension bump stop is at the top of the damper strut.