Citroën C4 Cactus review: comfort with character

A cactus: can it withstand hostile surroundings with its soft, waxy skin?

Absolutely. The C4 Cactus has an unusual answer to the knocks and scrapes of tough city motoring: its exterior is effectively bubble-wrapped. More accurately, it wears ‘Airbumps’ – oval air-filled pads set into panels of soft, advanced and hard-wearing plastic. Should a runaway supermarket trolley, or a neighbouring car door, strike the Cactus’s flank, it should simply rebound.

And can a cactus live on very little liquid?

Yes. One diesel version is rated at more than 90mpg. This useful turbocharged petrol model still returns over 60mpg while emitting 105g/km. Newly engineered engines play their part, but its remarkably low weight is equally important: certain versions are below one tonne. The turbo model driven here weighs only 1020kg. It is lighter than a Fiesta, despite being Focus-sized.

All very worthy, perhaps. But this is not the Consumers’ Association website. It does not sound much like a Top Gear sort of car.

Just look at it. This is genuinely beautiful design, combining usefulness and appeal in a distinctive shape. Straight edges and clean curves are shrewdly blended into something contemporary yet likely to remain fresh. You can identify it immediately at a distance, while its details reward a closer look. Better still, there is nothing remotely aggressive about it. Quite why Citroën offers the toy-like yellow shade called My First Caterpillar is unclear, as it is the wrong colour. Airbumps are also available in four colours, so encountering two identical examples should be unusual.

Citroën C4 Cactus design and crossover character

Is it not rather crossover-like?

It does share several crossover traits: mildly elevated ground clearance and protective body cladding. Its height aids outward visibility and mounting kerbs, particularly alongside the compliant suspension. Fit winter tyres and it should cope with the occasional gravel track without trouble. Yet it avoids the ineradicable air of confusion and pointlessness that follows every road-only off-roader. It is an honest, Focus-sized hatchback, simply one with a markedly different outlook.

Outlook? That sounds rather quasi-intellectual.

It is openly non-sporting, with comfort as its priority. An enormous amount of consideration has been devoted to creating a car that calms and relaxes its occupants. That ambition might have produced a vehicle for people who dislike cars. Fortunately, the reverse is true.

Soft springs and small engines define the package, with even the most energetic option producing just 110bhp. Since hard cornering was never the aim, Citroën has fitted yielding, sofa-like seats. There is no talk of ‘cockpit’ design inside; the atmosphere is altogether more domestic.

The cabin feels roomy. Its dashboard has been radically simplified, with no substantial instrument binnacle – merely a digital display. Heater switches and stereo controls have disappeared too, with all functions handled through the central touchscreen tablet. In a first, the passenger airbag has been moved into the roof. This creates a distant, uncluttered fascia and a vast top-opening glovebox. Rather than using bulky padded door handles, luggage-style straps perform the same role.

Driving it is pleasingly uncomplicated. There are no intricate electronic systems, difficult choices, substantial power outputs or huge reserves of grip. It keeps your pulse rate down.

Comfort, light weight and everyday driving

That sounds like a justification for a dull-driving blancmange.

Yet amid the rough-and-tumble of everyday roads, hustling a slow car can often be more enjoyable than dawdling in a fast one. The Cactus pitches slightly and leans considerably, but it continually communicates what it is doing and proves to be a cheerful companion.

It performs more strongly than expected, too. Citroën knew it would not fit large, heavy diesel motors or four-wheel drive, nor turn it into a hard-cornering GTI. Consequently, it did not require an over-engineered structure to carry such hardware, nor oversized brakes, excessive cooling capacity or a six-speed gearbox. The DS3 platform was chosen over the newer Peugeot 308 platform, saving 150kg when paired with the lightweight powertrain. A further 50kg was removed through interior and equipment decisions: there is no split-folding rear bench, while rear windows pop out rather than wind down.

As a result, the 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine’s 110bhp, together with its generous turbocharged torque, feels surprisingly sufficient. Every turn of the steering wheel reveals the benefit of that low mass. The tyres rarely appear to be working especially hard. Steering is precise and keen to change direction, yet it also holds a straight line on the motorway.

Does ‘light’ mean ‘noisy and tinny’?

Not particularly. At speed, some white noise is audible as the upper body moves through the air, but the engine, transmission and tyres are otherwise quiet. Much of the fascia plastic feels rather light and hard, although the attractive visual treatment draws attention away from it. The only notably flimsy item is the gear lever, which wobbles through a broad, poorly defined gate. You soon adapt.

If it uses the smaller platform, is it not cramped?

Its wheelbase has been lengthened, giving everybody sufficient legroom. It may be somewhat narrower than the usual Golf-class benchmark, but the front seats are broad. Since the rear windows cannot be wound down, the inside of the doors has been sculpted to provide elbow room. Besides, even many larger cars do not offer such a supple ride.

C4 Cactus compromises, prices and availability

You seem very fond of it. Are there any drawbacks?

The compromises have already been mentioned. Throughout the car, its designers have deliberately reduced weight and cost in areas people may barely notice, allowing investment in areas they will. You may therefore miss the split-fold rear seat or wind-down rear windows. If those matter, buy a C4 Picasso. In the Cactus, their weight has been removed and their cost redirected towards items such as the Airbumps, along with interesting trim for driver and passenger and the standard colour tablet. The generously padded seats are initially inviting and comfortable, though after several hours you may prefer more support.

When can I buy one?

UK sales begin in October. Prices start at around £13,000 for a version with nearly all the visual appeal but modest equipment and performance. A fully specified model will cost about £18,000. That is exceptionally reasonable when the Cactus has, in fact, reminded us of a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

You. Are. Having. A. Laugh.

Not wholly. Naturally, the Phantom occupies a completely different world in terms of size, power and refinement, but its central principle is preserving your serenity. It has a soft ride and does not encourage hoonery. For the most part, its interface also favours simplicity rather than confronting you with a forest of controls and set-up choices. In those respects at least, the C4 Cactus carries echoes of it.