Citroen C4 Cactus 1.2 Puretech Flair Eat6 5Dr Petrol Hatchback

Driving Experience

As far as dynamic improvements to this C4 Cactus are concerned, the big news, appropriately enough for a Citroen, centres on changes to the suspension. The damping set-up fitted to the original version of this car was somewhat crude but that's certainly not the case any more, the brand having introduced a clever new 'Progressive Hydraulic Cushions' system that is supposed to absorb road imperfections for a magic carpet ride effect, without adversely affecting the car's handling. The engineware hasn't changed, so buyers continue to get the choice of three PureTech 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engines. There's an entry-level normally aspirated 82bhp option, but most buyers select between the two turbocharged versions of this unit, these developing either 110 or 130bhp. The lower powered unit can be ordered with EAT6 auto transmission and in manual form, will get the C4 Cactus to 62mph in 9.3 seconds. The pokier engine comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The diesel alternative continues to be a 1.6-litre 100bhp BlueHDi variant, offered with five-speed manual transmission only. On the move, handling continues to be aided by the fact that this car remains extremely light, the three-cylinder petrol model weighing in at not much more than a tonne, which helps it get the most out of its modest engines.

Cost of Ownership

Because of this model's light weight, Citroen has been able to adopt small engines to improve efficiency, without compromising driveability. Combined with ultra-low rolling resistance tyres, the latest-generation PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel units offer a responsive drive whilst delivering impressive combined fuel economy figures of up to 83.1mpg and CO2 emissions from just 94g/km. The PureTech 100 model manages 65.7mpg on the combined cycle and 104g/km of CO2. Impressive engine technology also plays its part in this strong efficiency showing. The PureTech petrol models benefit from a 30% reduction in mechanical losses that are due to friction. While the PSA Group's BlueHDi diesel technology is based around a clever three-step after-treatment system designed to better eliminate the four nasty pollutants that diesel units usually put out - namely unburnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates. Another thing that could help you keep garage costs in check is the affordable three year servicing plan that's available at point of purchase. Finally, there's the usual Citroen three year / 60,000 mile warranty.

By Jonathan Crouch

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