Citroen C4 Cactus
FIRST DRIVE Our favourite small SUV gets the latest EAT6 auto gearbox
Automatic gearbox adds appeal to award-winning small SUV
WITH a truly distinctive design and character that is absent from many small SUVS, the Citroen C4 Cactus picked up a coveted Auto Express New Car Award this year: it was crowned Best Small SUV.
But the quirky Cactus has always had a blemish on its copybook – the lack of a decent automatic gearbox. Customers determined to have a self-shifter were lumbered with Citroen’s ETG6 robotised manual set-up. Like many of its type it was extremely jerky, with an infuriating pause between gearchanges hampering progress.
After a long period with only the manual transmission on offer, Citroen has finally brought in its latest EAT6 automatic gearbox on the mid-spec 1.2-litre Puretech 110 petrol engine. For now, there’s still no diesel auto choice, which is a pity. Nevertheless, this new torque converter box is greatly improved over the old drivetrain.
The six-speed auto is already available in a number of Peugeot and Citroen models, so we’re familiar with its performance. Gearchanges are much faster and, most importantly, smoother than before, with much less lurching when driving around town and faster reactions out of it. It’s not as rapid-fire as some rivals’ dualclutch systems, resulting in a 0-62mph time reduced by four-tenths over the manual Cactus. However, in reality it’s a good fit with the middling Puretech petrol, which offers decent performance and a strongfeeling mid-range. Refinement is decent, too, despite the occasional shudder still being evident when you catch the gearbox unaware at low speed. In some situations, particularly for town dwellers, it’s actually preferable to the spongy manual gearbox. There’s a small impact on fuel economy, however, with a claimed figure of 61.4mpg, in contrast to the manual version’s 65.7mpg.
It’ll cost £20 more to tax in the first year, too, although compared with the £1,240 it’ll set you back to upgrade to the auto in the first place, that’s not exactly a deal-breaker.
Other than the outlay, our only real complaint is with the dated and slightly awkward multi-gate gearlever – most rivals make switching between first and reverse a much simpler affair. At least there’s now a proper handbrake fitted, however.
Elsewhere, the C4 Cactus retains every trait that we’ve known and loved for the past three years. Soft suspension and lounge-style seats keep occupants isolated from all but the harshest bumps, while the low kerbweight benefits economy and helps the car feel nimble around town.