FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Citroen Cactus concept teased

Citroen has released this teaser image of its Cactus concept that’s due to debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show.

It’s not the first time the French carmaker has named a concept after the prickly plant, as it used the 2007 Frankfurt motor show to roll out the C-Cactus concept.

Although the previous concept was more flight of fancy than real-world indicator, the new Cactus is believed to be a pointer to Citroen’s next-generation C-badged cars. That said, the latest concept is believed to carry over the fuel-sipping enviro-friendly credentials of the C-Cactus.

It’s believed there is a strong push within the company to reposition the C models to compete with Skoda’s offerings and, consequently, the concept is said to be an embodiment of style, quality and value for money.

Meanwhile, the more upmarket DS range will continue to take the fight to the lower-end models from Audi and BMW, occasionally turning out low-volume specials such as the DS3 Cabrio Racing unveiled at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The accompanying teaser pic doesn’t give away too much, as it only reveals the car’s rounded nose and slit-like headlights, which are in keeping with the design language of the new C4 Picasso.

The concept also features black plastic cladding on the lower bumper and wheel arches, suggesting it may be dressed up as a pseudo-off-roader – a la Renault Scenic XMOD.

Following in the wheel tracks of the Cactus is expected to be a third-generation C3 hatchback, which was given a mid-life nip-tuck earlier this year.

Citroen hasn’t exactly flourished here of late, notching up just 713 sales until the end of July this year, compared with 1032 units for the same period last year.

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