The article was originally produced on August 22, 2014, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Citroen C4 Cactus

For a long time, Citroën has produced fairly unassuming models compared to what the brand's history stands for. Now the C4 Cactus is here and looking to change that!

Citroën's models throughout the ages testify to an often different way of thinking to take technology forward. Sometimes ideas that have not progressed further than a model and a little according to the saying that the French invent solutions to problems that do not exist. A technical idea that, however, remains to a great extent and is used extensively, is the front-wheel drive that Citroën was involved in developing. They were not the first, but the first with a truly selling model, the "Traction Avant, which came in 1934. After that, in the 50s, they developed the DS model, which had a very advanced gas-hydraulic suspension and a typically French wayward design.

At last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, Citroën showed off the C-Cactus concept. A car that was enthusiastically received thanks to its fun designs. It's not often that a production car gets such a similar design to the concept, but the production-ready C4 Cactus was almost exactly like the concept car. The C4 Cactus is a small SUV in the Golf class. SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle and describes quite well what the car is suitable for. The name Cactus should describe how this model was thought about, a car that, just like a cactus, should get by on a little liquid/fuel and rough roads. It's a robust car, but we're not talking about any off-road, but rather one intended for the stressful and in some cases tough city traffic. What makes the C4 Cactus a classically unconventional Citroën and which also reinforces the idea of a car for the active person are the fun design elements that permeate the car. For example, the outside of the doors are equipped with protective airbags. These come in handy in the cityscape where doors are casually thrown open by both the person sitting in the car and cars around. The airbags named AirBump are properly tested and produced with care and are guaranteed to protect the car from many unnecessary scratches and dents. The front and rear are also equipped with similar cushions and together with the round and soft shapes, the car feels quite durable for everyday wear. The target group for C4 Cactus is a young and happy person who lives an active life in the city and possibly just started a family. Sweden's marketing manager, Simon Riviér, says that this is an important car for the brand and which is predicted to become a volume car in Sweden. 

A feature that brings to mind the big hulking Americans of the 50s is that the large comfortable front seats can be turned into a sofa. However, not intended for three people while traveling, but clearly for cozy moments when the car is parked with a lovely sunset in front of the window, for example. Instead of classic gauges in front of the steering wheel, there is a fully digital screen where all information about the car is displayed. To the right of it is a seven-inch display where most of the car's functions are controlled. 

What also makes the C4 Cactus feel like a really old Cittra is its smooth ride. An electric servo that makes the steering very comfortable and a suspension makes the drive very pleasant and relaxed. On the narrow and sometimes muddy streets of Amsterdam, the comfort shows exactly what it's for. What also makes the car so pleasant to drive is due to its low weight, which is only around 1200 kilos depending on engine options. These thoughts make one think of the classic 2CV, although the C4 Cactus is slightly larger. And it's no coincidence either, as Citroën deliberately wanted to make a connection with its classic model that was produced between 1948 and 1990. To propel the C4 Cactus forward is a 3-cylinder petrol engine with a turbo that delivers 110 horses. Not a sports car, but if you compare it to the 2CV, it initially had 9 horsepower and a maximum speed of 60 km/h. The top speed of the C4 Cactus is slightly more and is 188 km/h. To get to the hundred mark, 9.3 seconds are needed. The positive thing about this engine is the consumption of a meager 0.46 liters more miles for mixed driving. Clearly in line with the thinking for a cactus's water needs. 

The C4 Cactus feels like a breath of fresh air in the car world and just what Citroën needs to regain some ground against the steadily growing Korean car brands. With wit and humor as well as a reasonable price, the C4 Cactus should be a car that can cope with the harsh conditions here at home as well as a cactus in the dry desert.