Updated Citroen C4 Cactus gets 'magic carpet ride'

Citroen has released pictures and full specification of its updated C4 Cactus hatchback that goes on sale in early 2018 in Europe and late next year in Australia.

The big news is that, as well as shrinking the old car's trademark Airbumps, the French Nissan JUKE rival gets new Progressive Hydraulic Cushion (PHC) suspension.

Claimed to give the small Citroen a 'magic carpet ride', the redesigned suspension system adds a pair of secondary hydraulic dampers at the top and bottom of the coil-spring to replace traditional rubber bump stops.

Engineers say that compared to a traditional spring and damper set-up, a PHC-equipped Cactus now gives the impression of "gliding" over uneven ground.

Hit a big bump and both the springs and hydraulic bump stop work in unison to avoid a sudden jolt and, overall, Citroen claims the PHC suspension does a better job of isolating the car body from the road.

As part of the new PHC suspension’s development the French car-maker claimed it had to register some 20 new patents to avoid others copying it.

s well as improved suspension that majors on comfort, the 2018 C4 Cactus gets redesigned seats that are more supportive and better suited for long journeys.

The little C4 Cactus should also be much quieter on a cruise, thanks to more sound deadening material and the addition of an acoustic windscreen that's claimed to reduce both engine and wind noise.

Externally, as well as adding slim-line Airbumps, there are redesigned front and rear bumpers, new LED front headlights and a pair of fresh tail-lights.

Under the bonnet of the refreshed C4 Cactus, Citroen is introducing a new, more powerful turbocharged version of its 1.2-litre PureTech petrol that produces 96kW when combined with a six-speed manual.

A less powerful 81kW version of the same engine will also be available that will be offered with either a five-speed manual or the firm's six-speed EAT6 automatic transmission.

In Europe, the Cactus range begins with a 60kW non-turbo 1.2, but it's not thought that engine will venture Down Under.

Initially, a single 73kW 1.6-litre diesel will be part of the range, but in the third quarter of 2018 it will be joined by a more powerful 88kW version that will come with the six-speed auto.

As well as the updated engines, the 2018 C4 Cactus also gains a whole host of new safety kit that includes emergency autonomous braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, fatigue detection and a new reversing camera.