- NEW CAR NEWS – CITROEN C4 CACTUS
A FUNKY alternative to the traditional compact hatchback is on its way in the striking shape of the new Citroen C4 Cactus.
And among the car’s attractions is a diesel-powered version which can return fuel consumption of 91.1mpg and emit CO2 emissions as low as 82g/km.
When it hits the streets this autumn, the Cactus will look like no other vehicle on the road with its smooth surfaces, floating roof and something Citroen calls Airbump.Fitted along the sides of the car and the bumpers, Airbump is basically there to protect the Cactus from knocks and scrapes.
It’s made from a thermoplastic polyurethane skin called TPU containing air bubbles to absorb any impacts and is available in four colours – black, grey, Dune and chocolate, which can be matched with the Citroen’s 10 body colours.
Though sharing the same wheelbase as the standard C4, the Cactus is actually 200kg lighter and is a product of the French brand’s New World New Ideas philosophy.
And its designers have created more space for the driver and passengers, at the same time de-cluttering the cabin to into a more relaxing, user friendly environment.
So there’s a low dashboard with digital screen, ‘Airbag In Roof’ technology whereby the passenger airbag is transferred to the roof and deploying over the windscreen, and an Easy Push system to replace the gear lever on Efficient Tronic Gearbox versions.
As for comfort, the wide front seats are designed in the style of a sofa, to create a more comfortable ambience in the cabin while rear legroom is similar to that of the C4.
Other touches include luggage style door handles with leather straps, a storage compartment on top of the dashboard and a large panoramic sunroof featuring advanced heat protection equivalent to category-4 sunglasses.
Among the useful technologies is the Citroen Multicity Connect portal controlled from the 7-inch touchscreen and offering apps for fuel stops, Yellow Page/Trip Advisor, live traffic information and a Coyote app providing alerts on high-risk roads.
Driving aids include Smart Wash – washer nozzles are built into the tips of the wipers and release just a small amount of fluid – Park Assist, a reversing camera, Hill Start Assist, cornering lights and the Citroen eTouch service with its localised emergency and assistance call system.
Power comes via PureTech petrol & BlueHDi diesel engines with Stop & Start, and there are weight-reducing features like an aluminium bonnet, pop-out rear windows and a single-piece folding rear bench.
As a result there’s a petrol C4 Cactus version emitting less than 100g/km of CO2 and a diesel version emitting 82g/km, with impressive fuel consumption of 91.1mpg.
