We review the Citroen C4 Cactus from price to economy and all its features
CITROEN used to be famous for quirky, innovative cars.
My family once had a bright green 2CV. We called it Kermit.
Now the French firm is back on form with the all-new C4 Cactus.
It's got Airbumps - plastic panels filled with air pockets on the doors - to protect it from dinks in the car park.
And who hasn't had their car scuffed by a trolley or dented by the door of some idiot parked next to you?
But there are plenty more reasons to buy the Cactus and they all begin with C — cost, comfort and low CO2. We tested it in Amsterdam.
First impressions?
British design … protective Airbumps
The bold design grows on you. Spot this car 200 yards away and you'll know instantly what it is. That's largely due to the Airbumps which Brit designer Mark Lloyd tested with a trolley loaded with car batteries. The wheel arch protection, roof bars and semi-raised ride height also give the Cactus a cross-over feel. But this is a modern family hatchback.
What's it like inside?
Protection … Airbumps prevent dents and scratches
Modern and spacious and the sofa-like seats are very comfortable. I like the low, simple dashboard with aircon, satnav and reversing camera on the 7in touch screen. The glovebox is so big it could hide Mary Poppins' handbag — and it neatly contains the USB and 12v sockets. All this is possible because the passenger airbag is in the roof. Our test car also had a panoramic roof which added to the feeling of space. One prickly point for me (it's a Cactus, keep up) is the single cup holder. Citroen would argue there is storage space in the doors. But not for a brew from a drive-thru. And I'm not a fan of the weight-saving pop-out rear windows.
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How does it drive?
Super economy … Rob Gill takes the Cactus for a drive
The 1.2litre petrol is all about mpg not mph but it is still surprisingly punchy off the line. You get hill assist as standard, cruise control and speed limiter — essential for Britain's endless contra flows.
Key Facts
- Price: £12,990
- Engine: 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol
- Economy: 61.4mpg
- Road tax: £20 (105g/km)
- Service intervals: 1yr/12,500 miles
- Service costs: £215.24 (first service)
- Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
- 0-62mph: 12.9 secs
- Top speed: 106mph
Other quirky but cool Citroens
Looker … Citroen DS
THE quirky design of the DS was matched by the hydraulic suspension that lowered the car when you parked - and you could change a wheel without using a jack. It was also the first road car to have front disc brakes. Citroen made 1.45million from 1955-1975 - some in Slough.
Innovative … Citroen 2CV
MORE than 3.8million 2CVs were made between 1948 and 1990 - including just over 1,000 in Slough. A 2CV Dolly cost £2,899 in 1986. The original design spec stipulated it must carry four people and 50 kilos of potatoes at 60km/h. The removable seats could be used as picnic chairs.