In addition to its dynamic qualities, the C8 offers a wide range of equipment and functions to improve driver concentration and ensure that he is in full command of the vehicle.

• The braking system features four discs, of which two ventilated at the front, ABS with brakeforce distribution, an emergency braking assistance system and hazard lights that come on automatically if the driver brakes hard. The C8 is the first high-spec people-carrier to offer these last two features.

• The 2.2i 16V 3.0i V6 and 2.2 HDi engines are fitted with traction control (ASR) and ESP The Exclusive trim features cruise control.

• The versions equipped with aluminium wheels feature a low tyre-pressure detection function. A sensor in the valve of each tyre detects any fall in pressure. When this occurs, an audible alarm sounds and a message is displayed on the multifunction screen.

• A programmable excess speed warning allows the driver to select a maximum speed. If the car exceeds this speed, an audible alarm sounds and a message is displayed on the multifunction screen.

• Electronic parking assistance makes light work of parking man~uvres. Four sensors on the rear bumper detect any obstacles. At the same time, a beep sounds at the rear of the vehicle. The frequency of the beep increases as the vehicle approaches the obstacle, changing into a continuous tone when the object is just a few centimetres away. The system is activated automatically as soon as reverse is selected.

The elliptic technology adopted for the headlamps of the C8 provides lighting of exceptional quality (diameter of 70 mm). This technology regulates the light and distributes it more evenly between 20 m and 75 m in front of the vehicle. Fog lamps with a specific reflector are incorporated in the headlamps as standard.
Exclusive models are fitted with xenon lamps for the dipped-beam and high-beam functions. This technology offers an exceptionally broad field of vision and is less tiring on the eyes. Moreover, the service life of this type of light is three times longer than for halogen lamps. An additional halogen lamp is provided for the high-beam function.
A function to switch the lights on automatically in the event of rain or low daylight is available as an option (standard on the Exclusive versions). Two sensors transmit data on ambient daylight levels and so enable the onboard system to identify night, day, a tunnel or an underpass. The lights also come on automatically if the system detects sweeping movements of the windscreen wipers.

The C8 is built on the platform developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën in co-operation with the Fiat group. The platform has been extensively modified and reinforced in order to pass the most stringent impact tests, notably those of EuroNcap.
The front end comprises two cantrails with built-in crumple zones, attached to two shock absorbers, and a cross-beam manufactured from high-elastic-limit (HEL) sheet steel. Around the central part, the subframe and pillars are designed to absorb and dissipate energy towards the rear of the vehicle. One-third of the structure is made of high-elastic-limit steel.

At the centre of the vehicle, a roll cage provides effective protection against side impact. It consists of the central pillars connected at the top by a roof cross-member and resting on the side members at their base. The front doors are part of the impact protection system and are fitted with reinforcing bars to increase overall stiffness.
The cross-beams and shock absorbers dissipate kinetic energy in the event of collisions at high speed, and reduce the cost of repairs following minor collisions. Combined with easy-to-access under-bonnet components and a front overhang increased by 13 cm, these features minimise repair time for "Thatcham" type collisions (15 km/h).

The front-end styling of the C8, combined with the cross-beam on the sub-frame, forms a whole that is designed to protect pedestrians in the event of impact.

The C8 is fitted as standard with six airbags designed to protect all the occupants. The front airbags feature two levels of activation, depending on the force of the impact. Two side airbags built into the front seats provide chest protection, while two curtain airbags protect the heads of the occupants in all three rows. The C8 is the first people-carrier to be fitted with this type of system.

A function located on the right-hand side of the dashboard is used to disable the passenger airbag when a rear-facing childseat is installed.

All seats are fitted with three-point seatbelts, with pyrotechnic pretensioners and force limiters for the front seats and the side seats in row two.

Following wide-ranging studies on child safety, the C8 is equipped with a host of features of logical and practical design.

• An electric child-safety function, activated from the driver's seat, disables the controls of the sliding doors, electric windows and sunroofs. This easy-to-use function brings parents great peace of mind.

• An anti-pinch function to protect children from risk when the sliding doors, electric windows and sunroofs (slide mechanism) are closed.

• The side seats in the rear are equipped for child seats meeting Isofix recommendations. These systems of attachment hold the seats firmly in place.

• A foldaway mirror lets the driver and front passenger keep an eye on children in the back without turning round or adjusting the main interior rearview mirror.

Cost in use is a criterion of significant importance in the people-carrier segment. The C8 brings real progress in this respect, with its managed fuel consumption, limited maintenance costs (servicing required every 30,000 km for petrol models and every 20,000 km for diesel models) and characteristics calculated for the best possible insurance classification.
In-depth studies have been conducted on low-impact collisions in order to protect vehicle parts and keep repair times to a minimum. In addition to the structural parts that play a role in dissipating energy, the C8 features front wings made of composite material, which are designed to crumple easily in everyday minor collisions, for example with a supermarket trolley. The headlamp lenses are made of polycarbonate, a highly resistant material.
Moreover, the C8 comes with a twelve-year anti-corrosion warranty and a three-year paint warranty. The result of many years of testing, this warranty is based on feedback and extensive in-field observation of vehicle ageing in everyday use and under static exposure to saline environments.

The C8 is well protected against theft and break-ins with a rolling code engine-immobiliser and a function that locks the car 30 seconds after it has been unlocked if no door has been opened. To protect passengers and their belongings, the four doors and the tailgate lock automatically as soon as the car starts to move. The C8 remains locked until a door is opened or the car is unlocked voluntarily.
For even more efficient protection, a perimetric and volumetric alarm is provided, while deadlocks are available as an option.

Comprehensive studies on the choice of materials have provided a basis on which to develop an appropriate response to the criteria of lightweight parts, impact resistance and corrosion resistance. This effort is reflected in two main applications:

• the aluminium roof, which weighs 10 kg less than its steel counterpart. The C8 is the first vehicle made by the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group to feature an aluminium roof on a steel structure;

• the front and rear wings are made of composite material, bringing greater creative freedom for stylists.