Citroen lands 15 Rip Curl-themed cacti

It was revealed at the Geneva motor show in February then confirmed as being under consideration for Australia in May; now Citroen has confirmed 15 examples of the Rip Curl Edition Cactus will arrive here in late November.

Designed to celebrate the French car-maker's newly-formed alliance with the iconic Australian brand, the Rip Curl-themed version of the already-quirky Cactus, which was launched locally in March, will cost $28,790 plus on-road costs.

That makes it $1800 more expensive than the entry-level manual ($26,990 plus ORCs), with which it shares the PSA Group’s 81kW/205Nm 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged petrol engine driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

Along with ‘Rip Curl’ graphics on the front guards and C-pillars, silver bumper guards front and rear, white rear-view mirror shells and white roof rails as standard, the Rip Curl Edition Cactus comes with Grip Control and Goodyear mud and snow tyres.

Citroen says these give the special Cactus greater capabilities on low-traction surfaces such as mud and snow, making it ideal for both snow and surf goers.

Inside, there are Rip Curl-branded floor mats with orange stitching, orange seat belts and orange speaker surrounds.

The special-edition Cactus comes with premium paint as standard and will be available in a new Baltic Blue exterior colour along with Noir Obsidien (black), Rouge Aden (Red), Olive Brown and White (pearlescent paint costs $200 extra), paired with black Airbumps.

“Both Citroen and Rip Curl are renowned for their fun and lifestyle-orientated products. The partnership is an ideal fit for the two brands," said Citroen Australia marketing manager, Dimitri Andreatidis.

“The alliance also brings together these iconic Australian and French brands in a fun way, while the added tech gives the Cactus greater abilities off the beaten track."

Rip Curl has long had a strong following in France and it’s not the first time the French car-maker has produced a surf-themed limited-edition model, but this is the first one to become available in the iconic Aussie surf label's homeland.

“The Rip Curl Citroen Cactus is the type of car every surfer wants and it’s perfect for a trip to the beach or snow,” said Rip Curl International marketing chairman Neil Ridgway.

“Rip Curl is stoked to collaborate with an iconic International brand on a car that suits our lifestyle."