I forgot about the large number of subframe variations for the MK1 xm.
The Activa though does not give an illusion of better handling, it is far superior to the xm and will outcorner it by a substantial margin, in fact it will keep up with most of the sportier suspension setups available today's sportscars with none of the discomfort, its ability to keep all for wheels squarly on the tarmac in the bends makes a big difference but where the Activa comes into its own is in a slalom, S bend or avoidance manouver, bacause any other suspension will transfere the cars weight to the outside wheels during such circumstances and control will be lost as the weight of the vehicle is shifted as it rocks back and forth on its springs, the activa does not rock about slingshoting its mass from side to side like a tank of water and so the roadholding is increased dramaticaly....................
You need a drive in one of the other complicated Citroens John, maybe we could sort something out at CXM
D
92 Citroen XM Prestige 3.0i Auto R.P5678
14 Mitsubishi L200 Trojan
89 Talbot Express 2.0 coach built Auto-trail Chinook
Will read up on "activa" theory to check on my assumptions.
All my sliding and overturning theory expertise comes from fingernail size contact patches not the shoe sole size ones of rubber tyres.
In curving sliding will normally happen long before you get anywhere near total wheel unloading.
The front one is broken, when I tried to remove it. The back one is available, and the sides are also, and the sides are pretty good, mainly corrosion free. You can have 'em. I just hope the back one doesn't break on removal though.
1990 XM 2.1 Turbo SD
2008 Volvo V70 D5 SE Lux Automatic
2009 Volvo XC90 D5 SE Automatic