Citroen C4 Cactus in South Africa 2015 with prices
What is it?
The Citroen C4 Cactus is more than a replacement for the Citroen C4 in South Africa. It straddles the ground between hatchback and SUV and achieves the sought-after market position through raised ground clearance and innovative scratch-proof body panels. The C4 Cactus is Citroen’s answer to the Nissan Juke, Ford EcoSport and Renault Captur but has a few ingenious ideas tucked up its sleeve that the others haven’t yet thought of. Embodying Citroen’s evolutionary philosophy, the C4 Cactus is about being unique and having fun through big ideas married to a concise and light design.
What’s it like?
Infectious! The C4 Cactus erases everything you’ve previously thought about motoring and unshackles itself from humdrum repetitive designs. There’s no place for complex grilles or bumpers peppered with a range of faux airdams. Larger than any of its competitors, the round edges and low roofline neaten its visual presence although you’ll want to avoid white and go for one of their zanier colours.
The Airbumps are a story on their own and Citroen has patented their polyurethane design, believing they’re onto something the others might want to copy down the line. Black is the standard colour for now but different shades can be ordered as an accessory. And don’t worry they don’t fade or peel in harsh climates – after all, they’re supposed to mimic the thorns of a cactus. Airbumps shield the doors in the event of a runaway shopping trolley or narrow parking bays.
The fundamentals behind its lightweight design diffuse into every aspect of the drive. Suspension can work less, the brakes too and the motor has renewed vigour. The 3-cylinder 1.2-litre engine is split into non turbo and turbo configuration; the higher output that we sampled produced 81kW and 205Nm and whirled through the five gears. None of that initial pull-off lag and the C4 Cactus delivered a fuel readout of 6.5l/100km which is benchmark for any small petrol crossover we’ve ever tested.
To keep weight down to a minimum the cabin is sparse in appearance but not functionality. Fabric seats are wide and flat to resemble a couch - bench seat will arrive with the auto – and there are some charming details like satchel straps around the cubby and those replicating door handles.
There are one or two gripes but they aren’t enough to overshadow the experience; the steering wheel doesn’t adjust for reach and to shave weight the rear windows hinge outwards rather than roll down. Separate ventilation controls would require less interaction with the touchscreen and allow a faster and more even spread of inputs. At 358-litres the C4 Cactus has adequate boot space but there is no split in the rear seat which limits loading options.
There’s a tempting difference between the basic Feel and Shine specifications. Opting for the latter adds another USB port, reversing camera, navigation, auto wipers, headlights with cornering ability and a centre armrest that interferes with the gearlever when in the down position.
Should I buy one?
Those fussy about a car’s finer chassis attributes will find the controls desensitised and slightly ponderous. That said, by being creative there is technology on offer that many competitors have overlooked and standing apart from the crowd for under R300 000 has not been easy until the arrival of this car. Hardy, frugal and resilient, like a Cactus, but also a wonderfully loveable one.
Pricing
Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2l PureTech 60 kW FEEL R224 900
Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2l PureTech Turbo e-THP 81 kW FEEL R259 900
Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2l PureTech Turbo e-THP 81 kW SHINE R284 900
