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The Citroën C4 Cactus is a medium-sized hatchback that sits somewhere between conventional family hatchbacks (like the Ford Focus or) Volkswagen Golf and similarly-sized SUV/crossover models (like the Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga).
The C4 Cactus arrived in the UK in the middle of 2014, and was widely praised for its unconventional design and focus on comfort ahead of performance. It received many awards here in the UK and abroad, but in 2018 it was restyled to look more conventional with styling that was more in line with the rest of the Citroën family.
Since its mid-life update, the Citroën C4 Cactus hasn't rated as highly with the UK motoring media, many of whom have lamented the shift away from the original car's distinctiveness to a more mainstream budget offering. The updated model has been praised for its comfort and added safety protection over the earlier model, but it has been criticised for average performance and uninvolving driving dynamics.
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Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £18,820 on-road
Launched: Summer 2014
Last updated: Spring 2018
Replacement due: 2021?
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media
Score: 7.8 / 10
"The Citroën C4 Cactus remains a car that will appeal to those who need a family hatch but who don't want a family hatch like everyone else's."
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
"The Citroën C4 Cactus is still a stand-out design that's comfortable and efficient, but a recent facelift repositioned it as a budget hatchback."
"Citroen has achieved its goal: to make the updated C4 Cactus more comfortable than its predecessor with better suspension and better seats. It's ultimately a flawed thing, surpassed in nearly every dimension by one rival or another, but it's also one of the most characterful cars on the market."
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic
"If you're looking for an idiosyncratic hatchback that allows you to stand out from the crowd, then step this way and don't look back. If you're buying rationally, and with your head, then this car is probably not for you. As we said, it's a proper Citroen."
"The Citroën C4 Cactus is an individual, practical and affordable family car with some well thought-out features like clever suspension to soak up bumps."
"With prices starting at around £13,000 the Citroën C4 Cactus represents a lot of car for the money. It's the ideal family car and we have no doubt it will find plenty of fans."
"The Citroën C4 Cactus is still an appealing alternative to the mainstream and its positive elements will entice many buyers in, but its flaws will put as many people off. While it is smarter looking, it doesn't offer as much in the way of charm as it did, which is a real shame."
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
"Comfortable and easy to live with, but too flawed for most drivers"
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Feel
"Citroen has done a good job in making the C4 Cactus stand out in a fast-moving but increasingly samey segment, and it's not difficult to like."
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 110 Flair
"It seems slightly unfair of Citroen to give the C4 Cactus the role of C-segment contender, because it's simply not big or clever enough to ever take on the best in that class. Viewed as the oddity that it is, however, this lightweight, smooth-riding and quirky-looking car holds some appeal. Just make sure you get a few thousand knocked off the price."
"By trying to make the C4 Cactus less niche in its appeal, Citroën has inadvertently made its place in the market harder to fathom. It's a decent car, but it's less affordable than before, and tasked with taking on tougher rivals. Against which it's no longer a class hero."
"A good choice if you want SUV styling and low running costs."
"One for comfort lovers."
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 4 stars
Date tested: October 2014
ADULT OCCUPANT
CHILD OCCUPANT
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The Citroën C4 Cactus has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Citroën C4 Cactus has received
Diesel Car & Eco Car Used Top 50 – Best Used Medium Car
Carwow Car of the Year Awards – Comfort Award
Auto Express Awards – Small SUV of the Year
Honest John Awards – Most Popular Small Family Car
DieselCar Awards – Best Compact Crossover
World Car Awards – World Car Design of the Year
UK Car of the Year Awards – Small Hatchback of the Year
Carbuyer Car of the Year Awards – Car of the Year + Best Economical Car
Motor Trader Awards – New Car of the Year
Fleet News Awards – Best Compact SUV
DieselCar Car of the Year Awards – Car of the Year
Tow Car Awards – Winner, Ultralight Tow Car category
Car Design News – Production Car of the Year
International Automobile Festival – Most Beautiful Interior
Top Gear Magazine Awards – Hatchback of the Year
Next Green Car Awards – Best Crossover
APMP Awards – Small SUV of the Year
Fleet World Honours – Design of the Year
If you're interested in the Citroën C4 Cactus, you might also like to consider these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | Renault Megane | SEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf
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This page last updated: 2 September 2019
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