Suspension Characteristics and Status for Mid-Segment Passenger Vehicle: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

In the vehicle field, technology evolution has constantly augmented the boundaries of vehicle performance, comfort, as well as safety. Initially, the vehicle’s driving comfort is determined by the Suspension System (SS) design, which transmits the force betwixt the vehicle and the ground. The suspension is one among the most critical systems contributing the vehicle advancements. Principally, the SS of a car connects important parts like the shock absorbers, struts, springs, and control arms to ensure smooth handling, stability, along with ride comfort. The force and reaction between the vehicle and the ground are transferred and controlled by the SS. This SS is important in mid-segment Passenger Vehicles (PV). Even though there are different kinds of SSs in vehicles, suspension plays an important role in mid-segment passenger cars, namely the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, together with Maruti Ciaz, ensuring a balance of comfort and performance. The Suspension Characteristics (SC) are important for identification in this SS. SC are important in mid-segment PVs, confirming optimal comfort, handling, and stability for cars, namely the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, along with the Maruti Ciaz. Thus, the review is conducted to investigate the SC for mid-segment PVs by analyzing the SS and its characteristics. The analysis reveals that passive systems remain cost-effective but limited in adaptability, while active systems provide superior performance at the expense of higher complexity and energy consumption. Semi-active and hybrid suspensions offer an optimal balance, making them suitable for mid-segment vehicles. This review contributes a comparative engineering perspective and identifies future research directions in intelligent suspension systems.