The production version of the Citroen Cactus concept will be unveiled in February, expanding the French brand’s line-up with an entry-level compact crossover hatch.
Citroen C line product manager Pierre Monferrini told Autocar reaction to the quirky Cactus concept at this month’s Frankfurt motor show was “very positive”, and said as such the showroom version would closely resemble the show car.
“It will of course get windows and classic doors, but other things stay like the sofas inside and the ‘Air Bump’ on the doors, they’ll stay,” Monferrini revealed.
“The floating C-pillar stays also.”
The innovative Air Bumps integrated into the concept’s doors and bumpers are designed to offer protection from light hits and create a unique exterior appearance.
Spy shots captured earlier this month revealed the production model – set to be badged the Citroen C4 Cactus – will largely mirror the concept’s proportions, including its high-riding hatchback layout and short and stumpy overhangs. The rounded bonnet edge and tailgate carry over, while the concept’s ultra-thin headlights will make way for larger, more conventional fixtures.
Monferrini suggested the C4 Cactus would not utilise the brand’s lightweight EMP2 architecture that underpins the new C4 Picasso and Grand Picasso and the new Peugeot 308, insisting that the vehicle’s fuel consumption and emissions performance was more important than its overall weight.
He said the model would feature low-powered engines and simple transmissions, adding that the turbocharged 115kW/240Nm 1.6-litre petrol engine from the DS3 had more power than was necessary for the forthcoming crossover. It will not feature the company’s new Hybrid Air propulsion system that promised sub-3.0L/100km fuel consumption, however, as the system is still a few years away from being production ready.
The Citroen C4 Cactus will be revealed on February 5, the fifth anniversary of the DS line and 136 years to the day since the birth of the company’s founder, Andre Citroen.
