Citroën brings you the ultimate game changer
I am not sure what motivated the French’s decision to name its latest offering Cactus, but be that as it may, I am of the opinion that the name fits the funky and outside-of-the-box design, like a - yes, cactus!
Perhaps a little sticky to get used to initially but with time, your biorhythm grows to love it. It’s one of those designs that brings a smile to your face – simply because of its trend-setting and quirkiness.
Further to this, I believe that the Cactus may just be what the doctor ordered for Citroën – a kick in the behind that will initiate a new impetus in terms of sales. The Cactus offers “more of everything” – at least that is what Citroën claims and whether you agree will only be determined by you test-driving the product – so just go and do it!
Is it?
Is it a hatch, a sedan or and SUV? Hmmm …? Not an easy one to decide on. But then again, is it really that important to put it into a box? Why don’t you just “unbox” your mind and accept it for both what it is and what it is not. There you are – see, the moment you eliminate the conflict within your decision-making process, you become relaxed and ready to experience the radical – yes, the Cactus.
First off to impress is the rounded wind-cheating exterior design which offers strong wheel arches, an office space which tempers down towards the rear, a somewhat minimalistic front end with a thin light cluster design and layout which some will probably consider boring even. But you know what – it is so different to the norm, it cannot be boring. The front end is still square, upright, broad and long enough that you can actually, while driving the car, see the front end. When was the last time you drove a car of which you could see the front end?
The most visible part of the design, for some anyway, may just be the Airbump technology fitted to the outside of the doors. I would call it “no respect panels” – for those who just do not give a damn when they park next to you, open the doors as if they are getting out of a limousine, bump yours and then just walk away. The Cactus is not just about gadgets – the French listened to what the market wanted and they came up with practical solutions – Airbump being one!
The rear end is uncomplicated and simple. And it is when one synchronises all these simple elements and get past the seeming quirkiness of the Cactus that you begin to appreciate what it represents – it embodies different and this is why Annalize and I enjoyed it so much.
The interior is equally uncluttered offering excellent seating comfort, a single large touch screen as part of the centre console, a smallish but perfectly visible and clear screen behind the steering offering relevant information – clear and simple eg only your current speed. No other distracting irrelevant stuff – wonderfully and refreshing. And despite the quirky design, the A-pillars do not create any obstruction as far as visibility is concerned.
Beyond the boot space of some 358l, the Cactus offers a dashboard-mounted top box and various other storage spaces throughout the car. And while I am talking about the dashboard-mounted top box – it was made possible by a passenger airbag that is now mounted in the roof. Now – is that innovative or what?
The Cactus offers two specification levels – Feel and Shine – each comes with an extensive list of features, passive and active safety systems but you can ask Cas and his team at Citroën in Nelspruit to give you the load down on these.
What drives the Cactus?
The entry level Cactus is powered by a 1.2-litre Pure Tech unit that produces 60kW and 118Nm. I drove the more powerful unit (1.2 Pure Tech e-Turbo) which produces 81kW and 205Nm and let me tell you, it may not look like much on paper, but this engine offers swift and brisk performance – a nice smile-generating engine growl and, as a result of it being front-wheel driven, when you give it some incentive (right foot) – the sensation of being pulled rather than pushed, also courtesy of the low and open dashboard design, makes for an exciting driving experience.
Road behaviour, even under pressure, is confident and sure-footed – we really enjoyed the Cactus.
My fuel index for the combined cycle registered a no-gripe generating impressive 5,4L/100km?
Would I?
Yes, absolutely! The Cactus can be Citroën’s game changer. Don’t believe me? Well, go and do the “tong-tippie-toets” – drive it.
