Xantia HA2 vs. Non-HA

Unread post by **Thunderbird** » 10 Mar 2005, 22:51

Was anyone able to experience the difference between these suspensions on Xantia mk2:
- Hydractive 2
- Non-hydractive (No electronics, 6 spheres: 1Acc + 1Anti-sink + 4w)
In terms of:
- Comfort
- Handling
- Reliability
- Maintenance cost

Homer · Unread post by **Homer** » 11 Mar 2005, 13:51

I've had a MK1 non HA and a MK2 with HA and I would go for the HA.
It is a little rougher but the payoff of better handling is worth it.
Plus the HA cars have a better spec all round.
I havn't found the HA any less reliable but one of each isn't much to compare with.

Unread post by **Thunderbird** » 11 Mar 2005, 15:05

Rougher?! Shouldn't the HA2 be smoother due to the extra spheres?

pete_wood_uk · Unread post by **pete_wood_uk** » 11 Mar 2005, 21:44

I'm very impressed with HA2. Comfort not noticeably degraded (though as I've just said in another thread, the front end of my HA2 HDI estate is perhaps slightly rougher than my non-HA TD saloon, but there could be many other reasons (engine weight, model year, body style, different tyres) for that); handling much improved, though again the wider rubber perhaps makes comparisons invalid.
Reliability: Well, my HA2 hasn't gone wrong yet, but I've only had it 6 months, and it's got electronics which is never good news in a Citroen, so I feel it's only a matter of time. My previous Cits have obviously all been non-HA and have been hydraulically pretty much completely trouble-free.
Pete