McPherson strut suspension is a particular form of independent suspension used on the front axle of a car. The McPherson strut joins the wheel carrier to the car body. The functions of the suspension strut are to cushion the car, to limit bounce (tension and compression), to damp oscillation, to hold the suspension strut mount connecting to the body, and to transmit the steering motion. The use of lightweight, high-strength materials reduces the unsprung masses, thereby enhancing performance and ride comfort. The benefits of this system are its space and weight-saving design allied to its large amounts of compression.
Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk