Citroën C4 Cactus SUV
Citroën C4 Cactus SUV
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| Citroën C4 Cactus SUV - Image by :ttp://www.carbuyer.co.uk/ |
Citroën C4 Cactus SUV
In a market
crowded with SUVs, the Citroen C4 Cactus stands out for its unconventional
blend of crossover looks and hatchback proportions.Of its rivals, It’s closer
in concept to the Nissan Juke than the Jeep Renegade or Renault Captur, and it’s no more intimidating to drive than a Ford Focus or Skoda Octavia.
Not only that,
with some truly striking colours available, it’s eye-catching enough enough to
rival fashionable models like the MINI Hatchback and Fiat 500X. As an SUV in spirit, the Cactus has a raised stance
and its tough looks are emphasised by unique ‘Airbump’ cladding on the doors. A
concealed grille, prominent Citroen ‘double chevron’ badge and high-mounted LED
running lights draw the eye, while protective mouldings line the door sills and
wheelarches.
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| Citroën C4 Cactus SUV - Image by :ttp://www.carbuyer.co.uk/ |
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| Citroën C4 Cactus SUV - Image by :ttp://www.carbuyer.co.uk/ |
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| Citroën C4 Cactus SUV - Image by :ttp://www.carbuyer.co.uk/ |
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| Citroën C4 Cactus SUV - Image by :ttp://www.carbuyer.co.uk/ |
The 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engines range
from 71 to 108bhp, or there’s a 99bhp 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel. As an
alternative to the standard five-speed manual gearbox, you can choose an EAT6
six-speed automatic gearbox With The 108bhp petrol, but diesel cars are
manual-only.
None of the engines disappoint, although the
more powerful choices are more relaxing on motorways and feel less strained on
hills or when fully laden. The suspension is soft, which goes some way to
providing rough-road capability that lives up to the Cactus’ adventurous looks.
In common with other Citroen models such as the mechanically related C4
Picasso, the Cactus is relaxing rather than rewarding to drive.
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The emphasis is squarely placed on comfort –
the steering is light and easy, but not informative or especially precise. A
surprisingly low kerbweight – the Cactus is a full 200kg lighter than the
Citroen C4 Hatchback it’s derived from – doesn’t help it to feel any more
sporty, but does contribute to economy – the 1.6-litre BlueHDi 100 diesel can
return a claimed 91.1mpg when stop-start technology is fitted.
Of the five trim levels, our favourite is
Feel. It’s second from bottom in the line-up, but even so packs a decent amount
of kit, including 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, front foglights,
Bluetooth and a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen. What it doesn’t have, in
common with all Cactus models, is fully opening rear windows. They only pop
open outwards, which can be troubling in the entry-level Touch, where
air-conditioning isn’t provided. Otherwise, inside the Cactus is a nice place
to be, with refreshingly individual styling – although the materials feel a
little flimsy in some places.
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Our biggest reservation is Citroen’s
lacklustre reputation for owner satisfaction – the Citroen C4 Cactus finished
73rd out of the 75 cars ranked in our 2017 Driver Power owner satisfaction
survey. Active safety technology could be more generous, too – a lack of the
latest features such as autonomous emergency braking led to the Cactus being
awarded just four out of five stars by Euro NCAP in the organisation’s crash
tests.
The fundamental design does much to recommend
itself, though, not least for its comfort, economy and those arresting looks.
If Citroen could answer the reliability and safety quibbles, it would be an
even more compelling package.
Source: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/
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