[Citroën innovations] Citroën fixed-hub steering wheel: a look back at a significant innovation

Since its inception in 1919, the Citroën brand has consistently placed innovation at the heart of its DNA. André Citroën, its visionary founder, aimed to democratize the automobile while relentlessly pushing the boundaries of technology and design. Over the decades, Citroën has reinvented the automobile متعددة times, introducing bold concepts and ingenious solutions that have defined their eras. From the Traction Avant (front-wheel drive) to the hydropneumatic suspension, and the directional headlamps of the DS, the "double chevron" brand has never ceased to surprise and innovate. While the current automotive landscape makes it more challenging to truly disrupt the market, Citroën has continued to explore new avenues. A notable illustration of this innovative spirit in the 21st century was the introduction of the fixed-hub steering wheel, which first appeared in a production model on the 2004 Citroën C4. This unique technology demonstrated a persistent desire to improve ergonomics and safety, even if it did not achieve the longevity of other in-house innovations.

The fixed-hub steering wheel: a C4 premiere, inherited from concept cars

When the Citroën C4 was unveiled in 2004, its interior certainly caused a stir, notably due to its fixed-hub steering wheel. Unlike a traditional steering wheel where the entire central hub rotates with the rim, the C4's featured a static central section housing numerous controls. While this innovation was first commercialized on the C4, the idea of a fixed steering wheel center integrating functionalities was not entirely new for Citroën. The brand had previously explored similar concepts in some of its earlier concept cars. Notable examples include the Citroën Karin (1980) concept car, which featured a futuristic interior with controls offset on an unconventional steering wheel. Closer to the C4, the C-Airlounge concept (presented at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show) also hinted at a new approach to driver's cockpit ergonomics and control integration. The C4's fixed-hub steering wheel was therefore part of an ongoing research effort aimed at optimizing the interaction between the driver and the vehicle. The primary goal was to make frequently used controls more accessible and visible, regardless of the steering wheel's position, thereby enhancing the driver's focus on the road.

Promising advantages and critical drawbacks

The fixed-hub steering wheel offered several theoretical and practical advantages. Grouping controls (such as cruise control/speed limiter, radio, and trip computer) on the fixed central part allowed the driver to operate them without taking their eyes off the road and without having to search for buttons on a rotating rim. This layout promoted better ergonomics and intuitive use of the numerous onboard features. Furthermore, the fixed hub allowed for an optimized shape and deployment of the driver's airbag, potentially offering enhanced protection in the event of an impact. Building on these strengths, Citroën extended this technology to other models in its lineup, including the first-generation C4 Picasso (marketed from 2006) and the second-generation C5 (launched in 2008).

However, this innovation was not without its flaws. Some drivers reported an adaptation period, finding the sensation of the fixed hub disconcerting, particularly during maneuvering. The placement of the horn, often located on the lower periphery of the fixed hub, also drew criticism for not always being intuitive. But the main reasons that led Citroën to gradually abandon this technology and return to more conventional steering wheels on subsequent model generations (like the C4 II launched in 2010) were technical and economic. The mechanism allowing the rim to rotate around a fixed hub was more complex, hence more expensive to produce and potentially heavier than a standard steering wheel system. Additionally, the increasing integration of more controls and screens onto dashboards perhaps made the concentration of all functions on the steering wheel less critical. Although some users greatly appreciated this innovation for its ergonomics and originality, the cost-benefit ratio and evolving interior design standards ultimately sealed the fate of the fixed-hub steering wheel.

Citroën's history is marked by bold innovations, some crowned with resounding and lasting success, others experiencing a more fleeting existence. The fixed-hub steering wheel is part of this tradition of experimentation and constant pursuit of an improved driving experience. While it offered undeniable advantages in terms of ergonomics and safety, thanks to the fixed layout of controls and optimized airbag design, it also suffered from drawbacks, notably a higher manufacturing cost and greater weight compared to traditional steering wheels. These factors, combined with a degree of ambivalence from some customers and evolving interior designs, led Citroën to discontinue this feature. Nevertheless, the fixed-hub steering wheel remains a testament to the "double chevron" brand's capacity to dare original technical solutions, even if it means challenging conventions, confirming that innovation, even in its relative setbacks, is an integral part of Citroën's identity.