Citroën C4 Cactus
Updated family hatchback gets a refreshed look, a wider range of engines and added comfort On sale Summer 2018 Price from £17,000 (est)
New looks and extra comfort for family car
THE CITROËN C4 Cactus has always been a bit radical. It turned plenty of heads when it was launched in 2014, with its rubberised, door-protecting Airbump panels, chunky styling and futuristic interior. Despite that, though, it hasn’t really upset the family car class, in which better rivals such as the Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf reside.this revised model is designed to change that. The most obvious change with this 2018 C4 Cactus is the relocation of its Airbumps from the centre to the bottom of its doors, in the same style as the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross small Suv.there are also restyled bumpers and lights, intended to give the C4 Cactus a more aggressive look.
As before, personalisation forms a big part of the C4 Cactus’s appeal; there are now 31 colour combinations and a variety of 16in and 17in alloy wheels to pick from. Inside, the C4 Cactus’s seats are made from a new foam designed to give greater comfort – something we criticised about the old car.the interior is also claimed to be quieter, thanks to thicker windows. The engine range is mostly unchanged, although the entry-level Puretech 75 1.0-litre petrol has been dropped and new range-toppers have been added in the Puretech 130 petrol and Bluehdi 120 diesel. The mid-range Puretech 110 petrol is likely to remain our favourite, though, due to its blend of fuel economy and performance. Like the upcoming C5 Aircross SUV (see p35), the C4 Cactus’s suspension now features Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions.these are designed to improve the ride, especially on long journeys. New safety and assistance systems include automatic emergency braking and a self-parking system. Given these changes, a new price range of around £17,000 to £22,000 is expected.