Citroën C4 Cactus

Citroën C4 Cactus
Overview
Manufacturer	Citroën
Production	2014–present
Assembly	Spain: Villaverde (Madrid)
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact crossover SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform	PSA PF1 platform
Related	Citroën C3 DS 3 Peugeot 208 Opel Crossland X
Powertrain
Engine	1.2 L I3 (petrol) 1.6 L HDi 16V I4 (diesel)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,595 mm (102.2 in)
Length	4,157 mm (163.7 in)
Width	1,729 mm (68.1 in)
Curb weight	965 kg (2,127 lb) - 1,070 kg (2,360 lb)

The Citroën C4 Cactus is a subcompact crossover SUV, produced by French automaker Citroën in Spain between April 2014 and December 2017. The C4 Cactus is considered as a compact SUV. Although it is based on the PSA PF1 platform that underpins the smaller Citroën C3 and DS3. A distinctive design feature is the "Airbump" panels on the car's sides, designed to protect the vehicle from damage in car parks.

The Citroën Cactus concept, presented at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, previewed the production version.^[1] The C4 Cactus was presented at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Production and sales

Citroën C4 Cactus Exclusive (Australia)

Interior

2018 Restyle

Production started in April 2014, at PSA's factory in Villaverde, Madrid. Sales commenced in France in June 2014. It is a five door SUV in Touch, Feel and Flair trim levels, and is powered by 1.2 L inline-three engine petrol and 1.6 litre inline-four engine diesel engines.^[2][3]

In 2016, three further trim levels were added to the C4 Cactus range: Flair Edition, Rip Curl and W. Slow sales of the W have led to the model being dropped from the line up; 30% of Cactus sales in the United Kingdom are of black cars with black Airbumps.

In October 2016, production of the vivid paint colour Lagoon Blue ceased, and was replaced by a new colour Baltic Blue, which is more subtle. A rich dark red called Jelly Red was added to the range of colours available. In May 2017, the popular Shark Grey ceased in favour of Platinum Grey, which is slightly darker and used on the DS4 and the 2016 Dispatch van.

In Italy, the W is called the Total White edition; there is also a Total Black edition and these models are called One Tone in some markets. There is no Total Black in the United Kingdom, but it can be configured, and would need black gloss wheels to conform.

The Cactus is sold in Australia, New Zealand, China, South Africa and South America, and so it is a 'world car' in that respect. The Cactus was tested by Euro NCAP, and scored very highly in the pedestrian safety test, the best in its class, due to the car's curved shape at the front. This achievement is matched by few other cars tested.

The Rip Curl is a collaboration with the surfing brand of the same name and is marketed as a more adventure based vehicle, with its 'Grip Control' feature meaning the driver can adjust the car to driving on either tarmac, snow, mud or ice.

This works by the ECU adjusting the power delivery to each of the front wheels independently, based on whichever wheel has more grip at any one moment. Aside from fourseason Goodyear tyres, all other changes are purely aesthetic, with 'Rip Curl' graphics and orange seat belts amongst the differences.^[4]

The W trim is an all white model, with a Pearl White body colour, plus white door mirrors, door handles, roof bars and alloy wheels.^[5]

2018 restyle

Citroën presented a revised C4 Cactus for the 2018 model year. The restyled 2018 Cactus has had a major technological upgrade including Emergency brake assist, Lane departure warning system, traffic signage recognition, blindspot monitoring, and automated parking. The signature airbumps remain but are less obtrusive. ^[6][7]

Awards

• 2014 Top Gear magazine hatchback of the year.^[8]
• 2015 New York International Auto Show: World Car Design of the Year^[9]
• 2015 Geneva motor show (Car Design News): Production Car of the Year^[10]
• 2017 Auto Express small SUV of the year.^[11]

References