Test: Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech Shine
Content
In its original version, the Cactus would have been a car with a rather vague character or location. While he didn't fully point out this, due to his (at least obvious) strength and the distance of the chassis from the ground, he flirted most with crossovers. Well, since it lacked the basic attributes that customers are looking for in crossovers (high seating position, transparency, easy access ...), the sales response was also quite mediocre. Now, according to the leaders at Citroën, he will also try to attack the golf segment with his distinction, while the C3 Aircross will “specialize” in crossovers.
Given that Cactus will look for new competitors in a rather low-key segment, one could write about what the new generation of this car carries away and does not bring. However, Citroën decided to keep most of the elements that adorned this car in one way or another. For example, the Cactus stayed just under 16 centimeters from the ground, and they also stayed true to the protective plastics around the tracks and air strikes, which now, when placed on the bottom edge of the door, actually serve only an aesthetic purpose.
Otherwise, the new Cactus is no longer as rugged and utilitarian as the previous one, as the mask has taken on a slightly more sophisticated form of house design language, and the lights on the three "floors" are beautifully integrated into the whole. If you opt for a slightly more equipped version that also has larger wheels, the larger tracks will also fill in nicely so the car doesn't look "planted" on the side.
They also used a similar strategy in the interior: they kept the same "architecture", only to tweak and improve everything together. Well, the feeling that a lot of plastic dominates around the driver has not been possible to get rid of, but at least the fine finish is at a much higher level. The infotainment center screen remains at the top of the center console for user-friendliness, including excellent connectivity with smartphones. The second digital display, located in front of the driver, can definitely offer more information, as we were missing the engine speedometer for the most part. The second driver of the test group also did not notice the mirrors in the visor and the handle on the ceiling and praised the large box, the door of which goes up. There will also be enough space to store all the small items if there is soft rubber under one of the drawers instead of hard plastic, and there is nothing wrong with that.
At Citroen, they are even more proud of the new seats, with which they want to further emphasize driving comfort, an attribute they were once very proud of. The shape of the seats themselves has practically not changed, but the filling has changed. In other words, a filling 15 millimeters thicker and at the same time more dense was inserted inside, which should have retained its original shape in everything. In practice, these seats are really comfortable, you can just miss out on a little more lateral support when cornering. For an ideal driving position, the senior members of the editorial board lacked a slightly more steering wheel towards the driver, but this is also quite large and the complete opposite of the ideology of the sister brand in the concern. Rear seat spaciousness is well balanced and Isofix child seats are well maintained with easily accessible anchorages.
When passengers want fresh air, even more complaints can come in as the windows can only be opened a few inches to the side - this is one of the (minor) features of the old Cactus we are considering for a new one, given the change in philosophy, expected it to say goodbye . If you choose a large skylight, be aware that it is available without additional blinds. Despite good UV protection, in extreme heat, the interior can become very hot, and then you will have to cool it down with an air conditioner. If you put the Cactus in the C segment, then the 348-liter trunk is somewhere in the middle somewhere.
On a technical note, the Cactus has been equipped with a decent array of support systems that allow it to compete on an equal footing with competitors in its segment. For example, they installed automatic emergency braking, accidental lane change warning, blind spot monitoring, automatic engine start, rearview camera, parking assistant and more.
They are even more proud that the refurbishment allows for a new, progressive hydraulic damping system with which they intend to restore Citroën to its former glory of being the most comfortable car. The essence of the new system is based on hydraulic rails that damp vibrations in two stages and more evenly distribute the energy emanating from under the wheels. While driving, the system is imperceptibly noticeable, for a better demonstration it is necessary to find more destroyed sections of our roads, where the chassis really reacts softer, and most importantly, it “swallows” holes more quietly. Even if not, a Cactus with a well-balanced and soft chassis will perform better on highway sections, between city curbs and hatches, and slightly less on open, winding roads.
The test car was powered by a turbocharged 1,2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, which, after an overhaul, is also available in the most powerful 130 hp version. It's hard to blame the engine as it fits perfectly with the cactus. It is distinguished by a calm run, good responsiveness and a sufficiently large reserve of power for attacks in the overtaking lane. With a six-speed manual gearbox, they understand each other perfectly, the main thing is that the movements of the right hand are calm, and the gear changes are slow. Let's also touch on the economic aspect: on a standard circle, it consumes a solid 5,7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.
Prices for the redesigned Cactus start at € 13.700, but the one tested is a version with an optimal 130-horsepower three-cylinder petrol engine and Shine equipment that delivers candy, such as a progressive hydraulic stop suspension. , automatic air conditioning, rain sensor, navigation system, front parking sensors and auxiliary systems, a little less than 20 thousand will have to be deducted. At the same time, Citroën will definitely offer you a discount, but if it is in the form of a panoramic window, we advise you to refuse it.
Citroen C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech Shine
Basic data
| Sales: | Citroën Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 20.505 € |
| Base model price with discounts: | 17.300 € |
| Test model price discount: | 19.287 € |
| Power: | 96kW (131 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 10,4 with |
| Maximum speed: | 207 km / h |
| Guarantee: | 2-year general warranty, 3-year varnish warranty, 12-year anti-rust warranty, mobile warranty |
| Systematic review | 20.000 km / 12 |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 1.210 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 7.564 € |
| Tires (1) | 1.131 € |
| Loss of value (within 5 years): | 8.185 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 2.675 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 4.850 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 25.615 0,26 (km cost: XNUMX €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 3-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - front transversely mounted - bore and stroke 75,0 × 90,5 mm - displacement 1.199 cm3 - compression ratio 11:1 - maximum power 96 kW (131 l .s.) at 5.500 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 16,6 m / s - specific power 80,1 kW / l (108,9 l. injection |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine-driven front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,540 1,920; II. 1,220 hours; III. 0,860 hours; IV. 0,700; V. 0,595; VI. – differential 3,900 – rims 7,5 J × 17 – tires 205/50 R 17 Y, rolling circumference 1,92 m |
| Capacity: | top speed 207 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 8,7 s - average fuel consumption (ECE) 4,8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 110 g/km |
| Transportation and suspension: | limousine - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, coil springs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer bar - rear axle shaft, coil springs, stabilizer bar - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc brakes, ABS, mechanical rear wheel parking brake (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 3,0 turns between extreme points |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.045 kg - Permissible total weight 1.580 kg - Permissible trailer weight with brake: 900 kg, without brake: 560 kg - Permissible roof load: np |
| External dimensions: | length 4.170 mm - width 1.714 mm, with mirrors 1.990 mm - height 1.480 mm - wheelbase 2.595 mm - front track 1.479 mm - rear 1.477 mm - driving radius 10,9 m |
| Inner dimensions: | longitudinal front 840-1.060 mm, rear 600-840 mm - front width 1.420 mm, rear 1.420 mm - head height front 860-990 mm, rear 870 mm - front seat length 500 mm, rear seat 460 mm - steering wheel ring diameter 365 mm - fuel tank 50 l |
| Box: | 348-1.170 l |
Our measurements
| Measurement conditions: T = 19 ° C / p = 1.028 mbar / rel. vl. = 57% / Tires: Goodyear Efficient Grip 205/50 R 17 Y / Odometer Condition: 1.180 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 10,4s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 17,5 years ( 131 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 8,6 / 11,5s (IV/V) |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 11,1 / 14,2s (Sun./Fri.) |
| test consumption: | 6,8 l / 100km |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 5,7 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 63,2m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 37,0m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear | 68dB |
| Test errors: | Unmistakable |
Overall rating (413/600)
While the Citroën C4 Cactus has changed the ideology with which it attacks the market, it hasn't strayed far from its original concept design, which somehow attracted us in one way or another. It remains a unique vehicle that, with the update, also offers some technologically advanced solutions that the competition does not have.
Cab and trunk (74/110)
Although the dimensions do not say so, the interior is spacious. The trunk also does not stand out.
Comfort (80
/ 115)Thanks to the comfortable seats and advanced suspension, the ride is comfortable, the materials in the cabin are improved compared to its predecessor, but the feeling of cheap plastic still prevails.
Transmission (52
/ 80)The three-cylinder petrol engine is the optimal choice for the Cactus, as shown by the results of the measurements.
Driving performance (72
/ 100)In terms of chassis, Subaru is no match for short distances, so road position and stability are excellent, braking feel is excellent, and the steering wheel is precise too.
Security (82/115)
After the update, Cactus has become richer with a good set of auxiliary security systems.
Economy and environment (53
/ 80)Price and fuel consumption give a good estimate, but the loss of value spoils a little
Driving pleasure: 3/5
A chassis tuned for a comfortable ride is a double-edged sword when it comes to driving pleasure. It's a little overkill when cornering, but makes long journeys easier.
We praise and reproach
driving comfort
motor (quiet operation, responsiveness)
communication with smartphones
price
panoramic window without roller shutters
digital meter
he has no mirror in the shade
opening the rear window
