Citroen C4 Cactus: specifications and reviews

The debut of the serial version of the model Citroen C4 Cactus in Russia took place during the Moscow Automobile Exhibition in August last year. The novel has caused considerable interest among the domestic public. Surprisingly many experts, the French designers did not change much the car, the conceptual version of which was shown in Frankfurt a year earlier. As for the unusual name of the novelty, the developers claim that they wanted to once again emphasize its originality.

general description

Unusual appearance is the main feature of the model Citro n C4 Cactus. The characteristics of the novelty, however, according to the representatives of the manufacturer, will also allow it to compete with other modifications in the segment of compact crossovers at the right level . Moreover, the developers plan to use some elements of the exterior of the novelty in their other cars of the next generation. The car is built on the basis of the model C3, although in size is very similar to the C4. In general, designers succeeded in harmoniously combining in it a downed, stocky look with a technological interior, in which two liquid crystal displays, which came to replace the accumulation of buttons, are thrown into the eyes.

Dimensions

Compared with the C4 hatchback, the model became lighter by 200 kilograms. It is built on the platform Platform-1, which previously had a good reputation in the latest generations of Citron C3 and Peugeot 208. At the same time, the dimensions of the "cactus" are more massive. In particular, the novelty parameters in length, width and height, respectively, are 4160, 1730 and 1480 millimeters. As for the level of the Citroen C4 Cactus, the clearance here is equal to 185 millimeters. In this regard, the car is more suited to the status of an off-roader than a compact urban crossover, as it is positioned by the manufacturer. Due to the use of high-strength steels with aluminum in the body, the car weighs only 965 kilograms.

Exterior

In general, at first glance at the novelty, its bizarre forms stand out. In terms of size, it is very different from the main competitors in its segment. The car is characterized by a low roof, a long wheelbase, a high suspension and a round roof.

As evidenced by expert reviews, the front end of the Citroen C4 Cactus in many ways resembles the modification of the Citroen C4 Picasso. The headlights are enclosed in plastic boxes, while the running lights are LED lights. The car looks a little longer than it actually is, due to the original spoiler on the back door. On the roof, developers put roof rails. The side panels and the bumper are equipped with plastic inserts Air Bump, which are designed to protect body elements from deformation in light collisions. Due to the presence of special air capsules in such cases, the impact energy is absorbed. The color of the exterior mirrors of the novelty, according to the idea of designers, differs from the basic color of the car.

Interior

As evidenced by the numerous comments left by the first European owners of the Citroen C4 Cactus, when creating the car salon the French developers clearly took as a basis the models from the DS series. Thanks to this inside the car you get the impression that you are in a premium car. One of the most interesting features in the interior is the use of a single sofa instead of the front seats. Another non-standard approach of the French was the organization of control gearbox. In particular, special buttons are provided for this. In addition to the display in place of the usual dashboard in the cabin is a liquid crystal seven-inch screen behind the wheel. It is connected to most on-board systems. Windshield wipers are equipped with integrated nozzles. It should be noted and the fact that the original three-spoke steering wheel is used to control the functionality. The upholstery of most internal elements and seats can be carried out in three colors.

According to the developers, the car salon was created in order to provide the greatest possible comfort and the availability of a large amount of free space for people inside. They did it perfectly. The fact is that, in contrast to other compact crossovers, there is enough space behind to accommodate three adult passengers. This is achieved largely due to a direct roof in combination with the optimum height of the pillow. As for the useful volume of the luggage compartment, it is 360 liters.

Engines

The developers have provided five variants of power plants for the model Citroen C4 Cactus. The technical characteristics of the engines, depending on the power, allow the machine to be accelerated from one place to "hundreds" in a time interval ranging from 9.3 to 11.3 seconds. The petrol range is represented by 1.2-liter engines. The flagship unit among them the French consider a 110-strong turbo "troika". In addition to her for the car provided two "atmospheric", developing 75 and 82 horsepower. In addition, under the hood of the novelty can be installed two types of "diesel". The role of the younger such an engine is assigned to a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit developing 92 horsepower. As for the older motor, it is a 100-strong unit with the same volume.

Economical

One of the main advantages of Citroen C4 Cactus, many experts call a low volume of fuel consumption. In particular, the most economical gasoline engine requires only 5 liters of fuel in a mixed cycle, while for the "diesel" this figure is 3.5 liters. As for the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere, its size equals an average of 82 grams.

Driving performance

The car can be completed with three types of transmission - a five-speed manual box or robotic automatic ETGs for five or six stages. As shown not one made for Citroen C4 Cactus test drive, small irregularities of the road surface during travel are not felt. Together with this, more serious potholes lead to shaking the cabin. This can be called a significant drawback, because in this case we are talking about a crossover. To all other driving qualities auto claims are not present. Even at high speed inside the car, no extraneous noise can be heard, which can not be said about most of the model's competitors.

In front, the novelty uses an independent suspension, and at the rear - a torsion beam semi-independent. The developers did not save on the braking system either. Due to this, the machine stops very fast. Due to the fact that the model was designed taking into account the maximum speed not exceeding 190 km / h, French engineers managed to optimize its mass, suspension, cooling system and many other nodes.

Economical maintenance

Representatives of the French manufacturing company argue that the cost of servicing the Citroen C4 Cactus model is on average 20% less compared to other traditional family-type crossovers. Thanks to the above-mentioned Air Bump panels, the owners of the machine can save on the straightening of small scratches or scratches. Moreover, the low weight of the model contributes to lower costs for tires and brake pads. In this case, do not forget about the relatively small fuel consumption of the car.

Prospects

Immediately after the presentation of the conceptual version, the Citroen C4 Cactus model attracted increased attention due to its original design, good technical characteristics and economy. Unfortunately, on the domestic market, car supplies are not yet planned, so we can only hope that this situation will change in the near future.

If you believe the responses of the first European consumers and experts, many of them would like to see a novelty with a more powerful power unit, because so far only urban streets remain for this crossover. Other serious and obvious shortcomings of the machine, in principle, no. In addition to all, the strength of the novelty can be called a high degree of security. In this regard, the French hope that the model is waiting for a great and bright future.

Completion and cost

The basic equipment of the car includes branded wheels (their size depends on the engine variant), LED daytime running lights, halogen optics, EDB, ABS, ESC, EBA, cruise control, front and side airbags, electronic side mirror adjustment, fabric upholstery Interior, audio system for four speakers and much more. For an additional fee, European buyers can purchase some other equipment. As for the cost of the Citroen C4 Cactus, the price of a car in the UK starts from the mark of 12,990 pounds, and in his native France - from 13,950 euros.

conclusions

Summing up, it should be noted that the main highlight of the novelty is rightly considered its futuristic appearance, which can advantageously highlight the car in the city stream. Analyzing numerous reviews and test-drives of the car, you can call the price slightly inflated. It is possible that this model, perhaps the French want to test the market in a new segment. Although the car and a few serious shortcomings, it was created, first of all, as a crossover. Together with this, it is possible to use it comfortably only in urban conditions, in connection with which the interest to it quickly cools down. Not surprisingly, the developers are still limiting the range of sales of their new products.