Order books are open for the revamped Citroën C4 Cactus, the car set to hit UK roads in April at prices from £17,265 – for a while.
While the revised model includes a number of updates, perhaps the most notable change is a move away from the bold styling that the Cactus launched with in 2014. Gone are the big ‘air bump’ side mouldings on the doors, replaced by much smaller, more discreet items at the base of the doors.. The car looks much more of a conventional large hatch, sitting above its C3 sister which has also donated its front-end styling.
The new Cactus will be offered with a revised powertrain choice ranging across 110 or 130hp petrol or 100hp diesel engines, and in two core trim levels, Feel and Flair. However the £17,265 price tag applies to a limited numbers launch model, dubbed Feel Edition and powered by an 82hp petrol engine.
Based on the Feel trim, the Feel Edition gets the Deep Red colour trim pack and Metropolitan Red interior trim. It also comes fitted with the brand’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats, but not the new Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension that is standard on Feel and Flair trim. Making its debut on a European Citroën, this system is said to offer ‘the ride of a magic carpet’ without affecting handling.
Citroën has also significantly upgraded the driver assistance systems offered on the Cactus, with up to 12 now available depending on trim level chosen. An Active Safety Brake autonomous emergency braking system and Lane Departure Warning are both standard on Flair models, while also available is the clever Grip Control that can produce four-wheel-drive like traction.
Connected navigation, connection to an emergency and assistance service and Mirror Screen phone compatibility are now also on offer to Cactus buyers.
Mainstream Feel versions of the new Cactus will start from £17,965, with the 110hp version of the petrol engine, and range up to £21,165 for a Flair model with the same engine but a six-speed auto transmission. The 130hp engines cost £800 more than the 110, and the diesels another £230.
