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Airbump panels on the second C4 Cactus are moved to the door sills
First launched in 2014, the original C4 Cactus was positioned as an entry-level crossover. Four years on and this facelifted replacement has moved towards the compact hatchback segment to make room in the line up for the C3 Aircross.
Exterior changes to the latest C4 Cactus include a revised front clip, similar in design to the C3 hatchback. This includes new headlight clusters and a larger Citroen badge (pub fact – the Citroen badge is said to be derived from the herring bone-type gearing system the company originally manufactured before starting vehicle production). As with the front, the rear of the car features a new light design.
One of the most distinguishing features of the first C4 Cactus were the so-called ‘airbumps’, flexible thermoplastic panels on each passenger door which incorporated small raised bumps designed to protect the bodywork from car park mishaps. With this revision, the characterful airbumps remain but are far less prominent, reduced to adorning the lower door sill. The feature was both fun and effective, so might be missed.
As with a lot of Citroen models, comfort takes priority over handling. The first C4 Cactus used a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension and, still based on the same PF1 platform, the mechanics likely remain the same. But all variants, apart from entry-level choices, will now benefit from the Progressive Hydraulic Cushion (P3) system. This replaces the standard shock absorbers with units which both absorb and dissipate compression forces, said to deliver a smoother ride over larger bumps and potholes. In combination with Advanced Comfort seats, the effect should be cosseting, to say the least.
The Citroen C4 Cactus features new Advanced Comfort seats
The first Cactus shed up to 250kg over the standard C4 on which it was based. Stripping weight helped performance and fuel economy, but the loss of soundproofing materials reflected in an increased level of cabin noise. The new model addresses this with thicker window glass, new door seals and more insulation on the front and rear bulkheads.
There are now three petrol and two diesel engine choices. The 1.2-litre Puretech three-cylinder petrol has a new 128bhp version (branded Puretech 130), in addition to the existing 81 and 109bhp examples. The 99bhp 1.6-litre BlueHDi TD is joined by a 120bhp variant. Engines with more power are paired with a new EAT6 six-speed auto transmission (replacing the ETG6), with six- and five-speed manuals offered by trim level and engine choice.
Motor Trader will be driving the new C4 Cactus on the UK launch, 12 March.
Julian Buckley