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Used Car Expert Rating

Citroën C4 Cactus (2014 to 2021)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

66
%
C

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

62
%
D

Safety Rating:

46
%
E

Eco Rating:

68
%
A

Reliability Rating:

70
%
C

Running Costs:

84
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

66
%
C

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

62
%
D

Safety Rating:

46
%
E

Eco Rating:

68
%
A

Reliability Rating:

70
%
C

Running Costs:

84
%
A

Summary


The Citroën C4 Cactus was a medium-sized hatchback that sat somewhere between conventional family hatchbacks (like the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf) and similarly-sized SUV/crossover models (like the Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga).

The C4 Cactus arrived in the UK in the middle of 2014, and was widely praised for its unconventional design and focus on comfort ahead of performance. It received many awards here in the UK and abroad, but in 2018 it was restyled to look more conventional with exterior styling that was more in line with the rest of the Citroën family.

After its mid-life update, the Citroën C4 Cactus wasn’t rated as highly by the UK motoring media, many of whom lamented the shift away from the original car’s distinctiveness to a more mainstream budget offering. The updated model was praised for its comfort and added safety protection over the earlier model, but was criticised for average performance and uninvolving driving dynamics.

The C4 Cactus is unrelated to the current Citroën C4 that was launched in early 2021. Although Citroën says that the new C4 is not a direct replacement for the C4 Cactus, it is unlikely that the Cactus will be replaced.

As of January 2025, the Citroën C4 Cactus holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 66%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and CO2 emissions, but its reliability record is only average, its media review scores were poor and its safety score is now very poor compared to newer vehicles.

Key specifications


Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £18,820 on-road

Launched: Summer 2014
Last updated: Spring 2018
Replacement due: N/A


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: October 2014
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 82%
Child protection: 79%
Vulnerable road users: 80%
Safety assist: 56%

Note on safety rating

The Citroën C4 Cactus was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2014 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2021 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Citroën C4 Cactus to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Citroën C4 Cactus was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of October 2024 (our most recent data point), the Citroën C4 Cactus is about average when it comes to reliability with a score of 64%, according to workshop and extended warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy.

The average repair costs is fairly competitive at just over £500, although that’s still more than the cost of a used car warranty, which is certainly worth considering if you own a C4 Cactus or are thinking about buying one.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Citroën C4 Cactus has received

2019

  • Diesel Car & Eco Car Used Top 50 – Best Used Medium Car

2018

  • Carwow Awards – Comfort Award

2017

  • Auto Express Awards – Small SUV of the Year

2016

  • Honest John Awards – Most Popular Small Family Car
  • DieselCar Awards – Best Compact Crossover

2015

  • World Car Awards – World Car Design of the Year
  • UK Car of the Year Awards – Small Hatchback of the Year
  • Carbuyer Car of the Year Awards – Car of the Year + Best Economical Car
  • Car Design News – Production Car of the Year
  • DieselCar Car of the Year Awards – Car of the Year
  • Fleet News Awards – Best Compact SUV
  • International Automobile Festival – Most Beautiful Interior
  • Motor Trader Awards – New Car of the Year
  • Tow Car Awards – Winner, Ultralight Tow Car category

2014

  • APMP Awards – Small SUV of the Year
  • Fleet World Honours – Design of the Year
  • Next Green Car Awards – Best Crossover
  • Top Gear Magazine Awards – Hatchback of the Year

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Citroën C4 Cactus, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Citroën C4 | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Mazda CX-30 | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | Renault MeganeSEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda OctaviaToyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf

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After its 2018 update, the Citroën C4 Cactus wasn't rated as highly, with media lamenting a shift away from the original's distinctiveness.Citroën C4 Cactus (2014 to 2021)