Citroen C4 Cactus 2016 Review

Citroen C4 Cactus
Road Test

There’s something quite refreshing about a risk taker – with its C4 Cactus, Citroen has taken many. Entering the bursting small SUV segment is just one of them.  A starting price of $26,990 is another. Then there’s the styling. It’s polarising. It’s time to check some boxes and tally the score for a less conventional contender in a traditionally conservative segment.  

It takes some effort to stand out in the small SUV segment.
The Citroen C4 Cactus has achieved that with its looks alone, but move beyond the distinctive styling – if you can – and what’s to love (or loathe)?

The C4 Cactus is available in two models, both front-drive only – a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel matched to a six-speed semi-automatic transmission, or a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The three-cylinder version that’s the subject of this test delivers 81kW and 205Nm, with a top speed of 188km/h.

One trim level is common to both, and options are limited to exterior trim and colour combinations, roof bars, a sunroof and up-spec 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Cactus looks set for adventure. Its boxy silhouette and padded panels suggest a robust willingness and its quirky ‘Airbumps’ deliver suburban practicality that help make it child-friendly and supermarket-safe.

Slip inside and the character continues. It looks and feels different to anything I’ve driven in quite a while: For that reason, it feels refreshing and intriguing. While the style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the Cactus is tidy, well-specified and very comfortable.

There’s a lot of plastic, but it’s quite a tactile feast nevertheless. Somehow, it works, even if the multi-function steering wheel with its cheap-feeling buttons is excluded.

Modern dual-screen displays perched on the dash divide the in-car instrumentation and infotainment. Combined, they offer all of the basics, including satellite navigation (with three years of free map updates), Bluetooth for audio and telephony, single-zone climate control, digital speedo, cruise control, speed limiter and a reversing camera which is handy given the poor rearward visibility.

The technology works well, even if the seven-inch touchscreen is a little temperamental and requires a heavy touch to deliver best results.

My biggest criticism of the Cactus is its ergonomics. Three days into my road test and I still can’t find a good driving position – the seat base is too long, so my legs simply don’t fit properly. Once I finally get a satisfactory position (manually adjusting), the steering wheel obstructs the instrument panel (could simply be my size and height). This doesn’t detract from the overall comfort however, because the seats are seriously comfortable and offer great support.  For something different, the 1.6-litre diesel automatic model offers a groovy bench-style seat in the front row.

Despite a rather open-plan front cabin, useful storage compartments feel light on. Although a good spot is provided right by the charge point for your phone and the padded centre armrest offers an extra small storage option, there’s just one cup holder.

On the move, the front-drive Cactus feels spritely and agile. The five-speed gearbox is smooth and is just so easy to flick through the gears. The engine enjoys an assertive throttle, thus avoiding some lag from a standstill and between changes.  A nicer engine note would not go astray though.

Dynamically, the Cactus feels solid and well sorted. The suspension setup is great for unforgiving suburban driving, smoothing bumps and potholes with ease. It rides on 17-inch alloys (with a 15-inch spare) as standard. NVH is good, too, keeping the whole cabin quiet and well insulated.

There’s good feel at the wheel, delivering a nice sense of engagement and an accurate steer. It feels well suited to city driving, with responsive pedals and great brakes. Again, it feels easy to drive – a strong theme throughout the Cactus.

Second-row space is excellent. The flat, bench-style seat means you can easily accommodate three occupants. There are also two ISOFIX mounts and two child seat anchor points.

There are no back-of-seat pockets (usually frowned upon), but the large indoor storage –  for two drink bottles and more – makes up for that.  The pop-out windows were a hit with the kids, a short-term novelty I suspect, while the glass sunroof optioned on our vehicle ($1250) shed welcome light on the cabin.

The Cactus does have a very rough-and-tumble feel about it, perfect for ungainly occupants with little time for practical pretence.

The boot can accommodate 358 litres, expanding to 1170 litres with the rear seats folded. The large opening also makes it really easy to load large items. There are four anchor points in the boot, but they’re fixed to a flimsy boot liner.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 5.8L/100km for the urban cycle (4.7L/100km combined), but 7.0L/100km was the average after a week of city-based testing.

Safety technology is adequate and includes ABS, stability control, hill start assist and front, side and curtain airbags. But the four-star EuroNCAP safety rating is a sticking point.

While there are many, many small SUVs to choose from, few boast the looks of the Cactus. Worthy rivals from this perspective come in the form of the Kia Soul (matched dollar-for-dollar), or the cheaper Skoda Yeti and Nissan JUKE.

The Cactus equation feels equal parts calculated risk and luck (“Who, in their right mind...”). Citroen has combined quirky looks with a heavy dose of charm to create a very convincing less-conventional small SUV.  It’s a standout for all the right reasons and worth more than a lingering stare.

2016 Citroen C4 Cactus pricing and specifications:
Price: $26,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 81kW/205Nm
Transmission: five-speed manual
Fuel: 4.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 107g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: four-star EuroNCAP

Also consider:
>> Kia Soul (from $26,990 plus ORCs)
>> Skoda Yeti (from $24,390 plus ORCs)
>> Nissan JUKE (from $23,490 plus ORCs)