Citroën C4 Cactus: quirky practicality

A fun car for people that like to enjoy life, the Cactus is the Citroën we've all been waiting for, says Andrew Frankel

Citroën C4 Cactus BlueHDI Flair

This model from £18,090

This is the Citroën so many fans of the brand have wanted the company to build for years. Simple, efficient, effective and affordable it is also both quirky and distinctive, a Citroën of genuine character like so many from times gone by.

Behind those appealing looks lies a cabin that is no less imaginative. Pared of pointless gimmicks and shorn of needless switchgear, the interior manages to prove both funky and functional, with space enough for a family of four on a long run and a number of apps available via the standard colour touchsceeen. What’s more, because the Cactus is so light, Citroën has been able to reduce the workload on its engines with huge savings at the pumps – think over 80mpg claimed for the diesel.

Installing rear windows that only pop out an inch or two rather than winding down properly is perhaps a step too far, but otherwise the Cactus offers close to perfect transport for a family keeping a close eye on cost, but who still want to be noticed.