This is a car that I have been very much looking forward to test drive. Sadly I couldn't make it to the Irish launch, but I have been covering this car here on Car Buyers Guide since news on it first broke.
One of the most unique features of this vehicle is its stand-out and unusual looks. What stands out most of course is the incredible look of Airbumps to both sides of the car. These Airbumps have a function too. They're there to absorb small bumps and bruises that cars get during their lifetime. The C4 Cactus has quite a bulky look to it – the Airbumps make the machine look wider, and part of the look also comes from the wheel arch protection and the short overhangs. It’s like a mini-SUV, or a “Crosshatch” (a combination of a crossover and a hatchback) as Citroen puts it.
Inside is nice too, although there are a few things that I don't get. For example, the back windows don't wind up and down. It can be opened, it pushes out, but it’s probably only two-inches or so that you get. I’m not sure that I’m a fan of this.
Apart from that, the interior is laid out spaciously and the area to the front is very comfortable with the usual cracking infotainment available. As standard you will find Citroen’s Touch Drive 7-inch touchscreen which controls air con, media system, SATNAV, driving aids, etc. As always Citroen continues to deceive us in the way that they brilliantly maximise what should be a small space.
Another nice touch to the Cactus is their “Magic Wash” wiper blades. It effectively targets the water to cover only the area of the blade itself – so it won’t be spraying water over the roof of your car as like what happens with conventional systems. This technology won’t change the world, but I do have to say that it was a nice touch – apparently it saves water too!
A great thing about the C4 Cactus is its on-paper fuel economy figures. I test drove their BlueHDI 100 engine and the stats look great. Citroen claim that this engine burns a very low 82g/km of CO2, and they reckon that when driven in the right conditions and correctly the car could offer a fuel economy of 91.1mpg. Now, I didn’t get attain this level of fuel economy at all, but I can say that I found the tank was taking its time emptying out. What helps the fuel economy of this vehicle too is that fact that it’s lightweight in comparison to let’s say the C4. The engine is smaller, and the bonnet is made from aluminium.
Three trims of the C4 Cactus are available; Touch, Feel & Flair – and prices start from €17,795 for the petrol PureTech 75 manual Touch, rising to €23,845 for the BLUEHDi 100 Flair. It is also available with five efficient powertrains, three petrol – PureTech 75, PureTech 82 & PureTech 110 S&S – and two HDi diesels – e-HDi 92 & BlueHDi 100.
The CBG.ie verdict
What stands out most about this car is its unique style and I find it hard to ignore the brilliant fuel economy figures. I’m not entirely sure as to whom the exact audience for this car is, but I’m certain it will have one. I’ve seen a few 151 models driving around already.
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