The New Citroën C4 Cactus signals the brand’s bold response to the changing needs of today’s car owners, offering a real alternative to the traditional compact hatchback with a fresh and distinctive approach.

Visually striking, the New Citroën C4 Cactus stands out from the crowd with its concept car looks, crossover styling cues and customisable options, including a range of colours for the all-new Airbump® panels. Simplicity and efficiency combine with practicality and low ownership costs in a unique blend of form and function, to offer more of what really counts.

Powered by the latest generation PureTech and BlueHDi engines, fuel economy is up to 91.1mpg with CO2 emissions from just 82g/km and overall running costs 20% lower than the benchmark in the compact hatchback segment.

Tested here is the Blue HDi diesel. It’s strong and responsive, if not fast and suits the C4 Cactus well, while also returning nearly 60 mpg. Refinement is generally good too, with engine noise never being too intrusive, while wind and road noise are well contained. The C4 Cactus has a soft ride – reminiscent of Citroens of old – not that it isn’t engaging to drive... it is, with grippy handling and crisp steering, throttle and gearchange.

The C4 Cactus’s quirky and funky looks continue in the cabin, with an individually styled dashboard incorporating digital speedo and large colour infotainment touchscreen. The armchair style front seats are comfortable – despite not have adjustable lumbar support – while the driving position proves to be well judged – despite not having reach adjustment on the steering column. Accompanying the French design flair are good levels of space, with generously-sized cubbies and good leg and headroom – although the optional glass panoramic roof does eat slightly into rear headroom. Back aft there’s a well shaped, large boot, but no split fold rear seats, which limits potential practicality.

The C4 Cactus model range comprises trim levels called Touch, Feel and Flair. Standard on all cars are a seven-inch touch-screen system, digital radio, USB socket and cruise control. Electric front windows are also standard, but the rear ones manually open in a back-to-basics style ‘pop-out’ method. Midrange Feel trim features body coloured mirrors and door handles, a gloss black exterior trim, air-conditioning, Bluetooth and a leather steering wheel. Top-of-the-range Flair versions also boast larger 17-inch ‘Cross’ alloy wheels, climate control, rear parking camera, sat-nav, higher quality audio system and auto lights and wipers.

 

Verdict:
The Citroen C4 Cactus offers, comfort, practicality, and a decent drive and affordable running costs from proven mechanicals, wrapped up in a funky, fresh alternative package.

 

Tech spec:
Citroën C4 Cactus BlueHDi 100 Flair
Price £18,090
0-62mph 10.7sec
Top speed 114mph
Economy 83.1mpg
CO2 87g/km
Kerb weight 1225kg
Engine 4 cyls, 1560cc, turbodiesel
Power 99bhp at 3750rpm
Torque 187lb ft at 1750rpm
Gearbox 5-spd manual