The Airbump® is made of supple thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and encompasses air-filled cells that absorb small impacts. The C4 Cactus is also the first to feature a roof-mounted airbag for the front passenger in the interests of creating more space without compromising safety.

 

 The design cannot be called anything but daring. The prominent roof racks, eye-catching wheel designs, and a short rear overhang anchored to a bold, geometric C-pillar are further core aesthetic elements, while contrasting cladding at the rear adds to the functional appeal of the C4 Cactus is evidence of its daring and creative styling.

 

The newcomer is compact and wieldy, but the 2,6 m wheelbase ensures ample interior space, and also places the wheels at the corners of the car.

The Cactus is spacious with an airy feel-good interior

 

Practicality and design continue a symbiotic relationship inside the C4 Cactus, where an airy, spacious cabin hosts a fully digital interface that is as intuitive to use as it is attractive. At the core of this arrangement is a large, seven-inch (17,8 cm) full-colour touchscreen, augmented by a digital instrument display ahead of the driver.

The expansive dashboard creates an uncluttered surface that adds to the cabin’s expansive ambience. Uniquely, the front passenger airbag is located in the roof to created more space and storage for front occupants.

 

Seating in front is via generously proportioned, individually adjustable seats, with a wide rear bench seat further enhancing the C4 Cactus cabin’s overriding sense of space and comfort.

 

 Specification levels are generous with an extensive list of standard equipment for both the feel and shine models.

 

That list includes air-conditioning, a four-speaker audio system with tuner and MP3 playback, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony and audio streaming, cruise control with speed limiter, electrically operated front windows and exterior mirrors, and a multifunction steering wheel.

 

The Shine versions get even more, including climate control, integrated satellite navigation, a reverse camera, enhanced audio system, auto-activating headlights and windscreen wipers, front fog lights, rear privacy glass, interior mood lighting, and more.

 

The Feel and Shine versions powered by the PureTech 1.2 e-THP engines. The drivetrain options comprise a choice of two new-generation, high-efficiency PureTech three-cylinder petrol engines.

 

PureTech power and frugality

At the entry level, the 1,2-litre PureTech unit has a maximum power output rating of 60 kW, and a 118 Nm torque peak, while achieving a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 4,6 litres/100 km.

 

The more powerful 1,2-litre PureTech Turbo e-THP engine features turbocharging to boost output to 81 kW and 205 Nm. The result is swifter performance,  but consumption remains impressive at just 4,7 litres/100 km for the combined cycle.

 

The 1.2 PureTech Turbo e-THP unit can be specified in conjunction with both the Feel and the Shine equipment levels, while a five-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels is standard across the range.

 

Safety is paramount and the roof-mounted front passenger airbag is a world first, and allows more space and storage for front occupants without compromising safety.

 

Active safety systems standard across the C4 Cactus range include ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency braking assistance (EBA), electronic stability control (ESC), while the 81 kW Feel and Shine models add Hill Assist to the list.

 

Tyre pressure monitoring, a full-size spare wheel, Isofix child seat tethers, electronic child locks, a transponder immobiliser, remote central locking and front seat belt pre-tensioners are all included on all C4 Cactus models.

 

The innovation, efficiency, versatility and overall excellence of the new Citroën C4 Cactus has already won the newcomer a raft of wards internationally. These include Car of the Year awards in Croatia, Finland and Denmark, while the two-million members of Austria’s OAMTC automobile club voted the C4 Cactus as their favourite car.

 

The C4 Cactus was also crowned Car of the Year and MPV of the Year in Spain, while it received the Small Hatchback of the Year title in the UK, and Golden Steering Wheel awards in Bulgaria and Slovakia. To crown it all, the C4 Cactus won the 2015 World Car Design of the Year Award at the recent New York International Motor Show. Each year, the "World Car of the Year" jury awards this prize to the new car with the most innovative design that challenges the conventional codes.

 

The Cactus is also a fun car to drive with very good road manners and comfort levels are good. Be prepared to be looked at as the Cactus do pull people to it.

 

Pricing

The recommended retail prices of the new Citroën C4 Cactus starts at R259 900.00 to R314 900.00:

There are three models to choose from:

Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2l PureTech 60 kW FEEL                                        

Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2l PureTech Turbo e-THP 81 kW FEEL                   

Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2l PureTech Turbo e-THP 81 kW SHINE                

The pricing includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty, a five-year/100 000 km service plan, as well as roadside assistance. There is an option to upgrade to the FreeDrive or five-year/100 000 km warranty extension.  Services are at 15 000 km intervals.