Citroen seats inspired by mattress technology

The shape-memory seats combine layers of polyurethane foam, viscoelastic and textured foam to mould perfectly around the body of the driver or passenger. They regain their original shape to accommodate different people sitting in the seats.

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Different densities of foam will be used on various parts of the car seat depending on whether its role is to support or cushion the occupant.

The seats form part of a trio of innovations on a rolling prototype based on the Citroen C4 Cactus, the company is calling the Citroen Advanced Comfort Lab. The French brand says it has filed 30 patents in relation to the vehicle.

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Also announced is a new structural bonding process that Citroen says stiffens the body by about 20 per cent to help eradicate vibrations from road imperfections.

And there’s a new suspension design that incorporates two “progressive hydraulic cushions’, which aim to maintain ride comfort and composure as a Citroen vehicle’s wheels travel over bumpy roads.

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The hydraulic stops are added above and below a conventional suspension set-up of spring, damper and single mechanical stop.

Citroen says it is aiming for exceptional levels of comfort – re-establishing a reputation it first formed back in the 1950s with its DS model that pioneered hydropneumatic suspension.