Citroen C4 Cactus 2014-2017 SUV in-depth review | Mat Watson Reviews

The unconventional Citroen C4 Cactus takes on more conventional compact and small SUVs such as the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, and larger SUVs like the Skoda Yeti. So where do the strengths lie within the Citroen Cactus? Despite it’s small stature, can it provide enough passenger space, whilst not sacrificing fuel efficiency and speed? Does this crossover really combine the best of both worlds, or does it fall short, trying to do too much? Are regular SUVs or hatchbacks more value for money? Find out now as I review the Citroen C4 Cactus.
Subscribe to carwow on youtube -
www.youtube.com...
Read our full Citroen C4 Cactus review -
www.carwow.co....
Citroen C4 Cactus 360º driving video -
www.carwow.co....
Citroen C4 Cactus practicality review -
ttps://www.carwow.co.uk/citroen/c4-cactus?KZbin&Make-citroen-Model-c4-cactus-Type-practicality
Citroen C4 Cactus infotainment and interior review -
www.carwow.co....
See the best Citroen C4 Cactus deals -
www.carwow.co....
Awkward haggling is a thing of the past with carwow. Choose your perfect car with our configurator tool and let the country’s best dealers compete over you. Compare the five best offers by price, location and dealer ratings and choose the one that’s right for you - no hassle, no haggling, just a great deal.
Visit our site to save money on your new car - www.carwow.co.uk/

[@thomaspowell3739]

25000 miles now done, and 65mpg consistently. Comfort. Smoothness. Superb motorway cruiser. Tons of space, reverse camera, park assist.......it's a no brainer, this car is superb value and and a pleasure to own

[@pgreg8528]

Diesel or petrol? How is the space?

[@abinahulan2285]

www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/citron-c4-cactus-automatic-2015/1392300218?WhatsApp&

[@kabukidreamboy]

@@pgreg8528 Diesel with a figure of 65 mpg, petrol would be 20 less

[@sejautie]

​@@kabukidreamboy got 55mpg out of it diesel is 85mpg?

[@mikekirwan3243]

As a student who has to go on the motorway everyday, would you recommend it for me? Found a 1.6L for a good price

[@JohnYoungPhotographer]

We have a Cactus and over the years we have had many cars including 'mainstream normal' cars like Nissan and Mazda and to be honest I was not keen when we went to test drive. We first tried the Nissan Duke (and you say this is ugly) and the Qashqai and then this. The version we got was all black (inc the air-bumps) and it looks great but as soon as we had driven it we were sold.... Lovely car to drive and be in, been all over the country in it including a round trip of 800 miles and we have never felt more comfortable and refreshed when we got to our destination. I could have driven straight back and that is not normal for me. We have the 1.6 Diesel and it pulls well, great on hills as the car is so light and you can throw this around corners and we can easily get 70mpg around the doors without trying. There are some downsides and yes the armrest is in the way of the handbrake and I only use it on longer journeys plus car has hill start assist so no need for handbrake most of the time anyway (apart from parking) so no big deal. Side pillar (B-Pillar) is large and can restrict view at certain angles My main gripe is the lack of rev-counter which could have easily been added The air-bumps to me a just like other cars side trim (but larger) and work great and you feel much happier leaving in car parks. Before you mock its looks (I did at first) go and test drive one - you WILL be suprised

[@carwow]

Yup. A bunch of us from the carwow office drove one to the Nurburgring. Loved it. Didn't take it for a lap…

[@stormpooper4020]

One word to top the man's adventure trough vietnam : " flashboard "...dont they come with portable douche ?

[@jsilva7005]

Where do you live. Are these cars exclusively for Europe? Cars here in america dont get anywhere near 80 mpg nor do we have any that look like that.

[@kabukidreamboy]

@@jsilva7005 80 mpg is just marketing nonsense, closer to 60 mpg in the real world.

[@nickl1128]

I drive the Cactus Flair model and have to say, based on what Citroen were out to achieve with these cars, I think they nailed it. Remember that cost effectiveness and weight (to create a better ride experience) were the primary goals here. That reduces the price (and makes it incredibly affordable for a car in the family hatch bracket) and very quick and nimble. The 1.2 has 0-60 in 9.3secs which is so much faster than the equivalent Captur or Juke. To create these figures means something had to give (wind down back windows means a heavy mechanism, cheaper plastics which are lighter etc.) But the driving experience, the tech that is included, the size and space are all spot on. Bravo CarWow, you were right to love this car. It's no premium motor that's for sure, but never has it claimed to be. Most people that have them, love them. And I'm one of them! :-)

[@LVJANISLV]

"as supporting as a bad parent" > lmao, made my day

[@kinglionbearali2447]

Boring life you must have then

[@AmbroseB1900]

I bought a Cactus Flair 1.2 Puretech 110 new in 2016 and 8 years later my wife and I still love it. We love the looks especially the airbumps and are really surprised that they didn't catch on as they are so practical. I also missed a rev counter at first but as the engine produces the most torque between 1500 and 2200 rpm you can get good acceleration without thraping the engine. We run it on "super" petrol which really suits it and enhances performance. I would not use E10 in it. We both have bad backs yet find the car very comfortable. It is lively to drive and corners on rails, I can corner really quickly without getting understeer but I imagine that you would provoke understeer if you just threw the car hard into a corner and/or used too much accelerator. There are two things I would change through, one is to have the heating/aircon controls on three knobs rather than through the touchscreen - manual controls can be adjusted whilst driving without taking your eyes off the road. The other is the hideously huge armrest which prevents easy access to the handbrake; earlier Citroëns had individual adjustable armrests which were much better. All in all though we love it and are still getting great pleasure from it.

[@AmbroseB1900]

@@mathiasvries In nearly 40 years of owning Citroëns I know the difference that premium fuels (or using additives such as Millers Ecomax) makes not just to performance but the engines run quieter and smoother and give a vast improvement to the driving experience, so I am not changing what I do.

[@kyojitsu1]

I've driven one and in town it's great - perfectly judged ride for potholed and uneven city roads. Yeah it's bum basic and has been built to a price but it's unique looking, has some great design and it's fun. If you need a runabout without needing to transport loads of stuff or travel big distances it's a really refreshing choice. Feels like you're going to the beach...

[@despwprocopiou4989]

Ordered this car and waiting it to arrive on January 2017.. When I test drive it I knew it was the one!! Unique design and very good price.Compared to my last car mazda 2 its a totally different car. I really liked the soft feel on the road due to their suspension!

[@kate.rpillar]

Well not that 6 years passed can we have any feedback

[@robinbe7509]

I have a yellow one for a year right now and I think it is great and certainly for it's price, it really is a car with high value for money.

[@thomassbulivan6352]

I had a 1.6 diesel. Recalled 3 times to citroen. Emissions failure. Adblue tank issue. And steering issue. Plus required new bolts in engine bay( all under warranty) service was great and they gave me a hire car. Car itself. Screen is slow, A/C is dreadfully slow. And back windows are stupid. But 60mpg, smooth ride and comfy.

[@Rapscallion2009]

It's funny when car reviewers get all critical of a car for having scratch plastic and feels a bit cheap. And the car is 2/3rds the price of most rivals. But the comment about avoiding the top version (when new) is bang on.

[@thomaswright7562]

I have the 1.6, had it remapped to 130HP. Been recalled twice, ad blue tank issue, and emissions warning light. One cup holder only, why? Touchscreen can be slow and bad some days. A/C takes a while to use. Currently getting between 52 - 55 MPG. But honestly, taken this Cactus across to Holland from UK. No issues. wind noise over 80mph. Used this Cactus on my farm too. Off road, fields, muddy tracks. no issues.

[@anupbongirwar454]

I am first time driver and found 1.6 automatic diesel e HDI with 73,000 miles. Unsure if I should buy....can you advise if this is a car suitable for a first time driver? I have 0 experience with car. Anything I need to keep in mind before buying this car? Seller is selling it for £5000. what is the realistic price I should offer?

[@damienvigneron4798]

Info : You can have 60/40 seats at rear as an option now.

[@ZacGolus]

Imagine if you could pop it like bubble wrap. People would love it in car parks.

[@rvpsilva9213]

This is what the World needs, actually... A car that don´t have the "premium personatlity" but is good in every single way...

[@thomaspowell3739]

Heard all the good reviews, plus the negatives normally from people who haven't driven it. 30k later and it's brilliant, no problems apart from normal wear and tear issues and for a small engine it cruised effortlessly on the motorway Superb car

[@cmgc5836]

Sorry, but you cannot say the seats are not comfortable, and later say that the car is comfortable to travel in...

[@siennacoleman4045]

Luv this car and have the pleasure of owning one myself, the one he is reviewing in this video is the Flair edition top of the range model !!!!

[@williamrae9954]

Ahh the TV advert... I've been listening to Mickey Hawkes since...'Cottonpickin' what a tune!

[@hotswede69]

Hey Sweden calling! I have had my Cactus for three years. I am in love every day. This car has been fab the only thing more horsepower.

[@stephenberry8658]

It was CarWow Car of the Year when it was first released. We drove a leased Cactus 1.6 diesel ETG for 10,,500 kms around Europe and UK in 2015. 4.6 l/100kms. Comfortable and roomy. 2019 bought a new 2018 C4 Cactus 1.2 turbo petrol with 6 speed auto, leather and sunroof. Brilliant. Great value, character and comfort. PS. I think the boot lip is for strength in the rear as the whole car weighs 1,050 kg. In Australia we get a 5 yr warranty and a full size spare, plus reversing camera. We miss out on the new series Cactus with progressive hydraulic cushion suspension.

[@MajorSpam]

How did the new cactus compare in ride quality?

[@haz525]

"there about as suportive as a bad parent" 😂😂

[@bmwdaywhatyouwant7679]

The baggy gear stick, even when it's in gear... I also have this same experience with my Peugeot 807. It could be to add a more relaxed experience.

[@Sherukka]

The gearbox with this 1.6 diesel has great feel! I doesn't matter a bit what is showed in this video. The feel of the clutch is also spot on! Of course if you are used to worse then it might be a little tricky in the beginning for you but that is only becaus you are a newbie in the datin...car world. ;)

[@JohnYoungPhotographer]

Yeah my gearbox in my Cactus is spot on and does not wobble all over like the video and my brakes are excellent and I don't 'head bang' when braking - Maybe a duff one in video

[@Sherukka]

I think it is more what you are used to. I know as a fact that you get used to a different car in 1-2 weeks but the first days can feel weird. Matt surely likes sportscars so he can't imagine that someone like comfy cars, or doesn't think that is what his audience want to hear in this channel.

[@vogliounacocacola]

For that price it seems pretty good value. I wonder what the automatic version is like. I know the front seat is sofa-like.

[@Auronkatamail]

It is a unique car, very original and different. I like it, but Mat Watson is right telling all the car's flaws. Let's hope Citroën will correct all of them with the future version.

[@d0lc1n0]

I have one 1.6 Flair diesel in blue. It's a fantastic car.

[@AdvancedEliteGaming]

Wait, he said if you rev it it makes a loud noise ?? Isn't that a good thing? I thought a loud acceleration is sign of powerful engine

[@curleypubes3672]

not if the engine noise itself sounds bad :/

[@GodricThe]

lack of rev counter is a deal breaker for me

[@Prestonesfpv]

Just ordered me one, cant wait to get it ;)

[@hyperion1028]

Prestonesfpv How is it?

[@ali1212boy]

French cars is the worst....

[@Nick-md1jk]

I'm so sorry.

[@GranDaddo]

Maybe you could implement some good old scorepoints which might give us indication how actually good or bad car is versus competition.

[@jamielondon9698]

Good job carwow!! Please review the DS4 crossback version please. Looking forward for more reviews.

[@feelgeorge]

when will you review the Newer C3?

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Had my 2016 Cactus since April, mines the base level touch, so you hardly get anything, no alloys, no Bluetooth/Phone option, no air con, but I love it, I found a set of alloys from the next trim level up and fitted them, I love the pop out rear windows and so do my kids! I love the basicness of it, no rev counter but you know when to change up by either the noise of the engine or the gear lever indicator, it's got cruise control as standard, and I find the seats really comfy as well and I love the airbumps. Only things I dislike about the Cactus is the high biting point on the clutch, and the costs of replacement wiper blades?

[@RickyYTWLD]

Curious to know why you say it's "Comfortable to travel in" as it's good point when in the review you said the seats lacked lumbar support and were unsupportive, like they were filled with old washing up sponges etc. Just curious lol

[@hjp1hjp22]

Would look nicer if the plastic door protector panels were in the same colour as the car, instead of black. You hardly notice the panels on a black Cactus. These cars are attractive now, but will look awful in years time when they become old bangers.

[@wikiwama]

You can get a split fold rear seat, but only in Australia.

[@darren2456]

The build quality is fine with Cactus, the car is minimalist, remember the 2CV? Lightweight and good value for money? Good on fuel and a head turner?

[@abzish]

"About Supportive as a bad parent" jesus savage or what

[@davidshort2806]

if they changed the logo to PORCHE this car would cost 120+ grand for sure , this is a greatly pronounced designed car guys

[@delionb]

Guess you can say this the Citroen C4 Cactus is sharp looking!

[@mohammedidris5578]

nice car i normally do not like Citroen but I have changed my decision

[@GlenParkForestSchool]

I have a Cactus Feel 2016 hdi and i love it 😀

[@g00dfeeling]

I love it. It should always be bought in top spec.

[@sejautie]

Top spec is the rip curl grip control edition

[@x3merx3mer]

The only thing that bothered me when I tried it is the interior quality - it's really bad. Everything else though is quite good.

[@banpowel9784]

Beautiful car

[@goergeibrahim6417]

Ben Powe yes it is

[@nikolastivic6382]

cool car for my mom

[@nikolastivic6382]

or for girls

[@jijh2528]

Upravu si brate hahaha

[@nikolastivic6382]

Dap haha

[@boleynali]

Not a cool car for anyone,well maybe the insane.

[@trvheimer9784]

What did your mom do to you?!?

[@nicholasscarff2621]

Thank goodness he mentioned the armrest in the way of the handbrake, it's a joke. I also thought the gearshift was as sloppy as a dog's breakfast.

[@utubeleplague]

Can't wait for you to review the upcoming restyled Cactus. Word is they are more poshy and with more quality since it's replacing both last Cactus and the common C4.

[@FelixO]

No wind down rear Windows? Are you fcking kidding me? wtf is that. This is a reason to never even consider buying this car. what the actual fck

[@pgreg8528]

Looked at one yesterday, i'm 183cm and found it really comfortable in the back. What I find disappointing is that I can only get about 169cm of length when putting the seats down, 185cm would've been perfect for me. I think they fixed the shifter in the later years, because the one I looked at didnt wobble that much

[@nickcobra4638]

"It's all a bit basic" it's a Citroén. You know the quirky fun but cheap brand? What did you expect a rebadged maybach for crying out loud? I think you need to stop being so snobby and appreciate the car for people who can just barely afford it, you need to see it from more than one viewpoint because you are extremely biased

[@donnymason5592]

“As supportive as a bad parent” LOL

[@TheWakaMinecraft]

How does having a manual work if you don't have a tachometer? Shifting only by sound?

[@williamrae9954]

How does riding a MX/enduro/trials motorcycle work? No rev counter on those either, you get to know when to shift...diesel, you'll short shift anyway, it'll chugg if too low!

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Has a change up indicator.

[@nataliematthews4013]

🤣 Fantastic review. Particularly like the "about as much support as a bad parent" analogy! Very helpful review.

[@Chris.Davies]

It's a real shame Cactus was a 4-year wonder. I think they look fabulous, and would be an ideal subject for a more-powerful electric conversion, starting from such a light base.

[@evangelosspyromilios5994]

Citroen= some cool ideas but have no idea about the basics..

[@netako]

Not anymore.

[@rabit818]

Love your bubble wrap turban.

[@thesupremetomcatios4315]

I want a review to a new Tipo, i really liked it

[@AeonX7]

i have seen the automatic transmission version. they did away with the shifter n replace D,N,R with push buttons which is pretty cool and bold. this car is more like exploring alternative ways of approaching things. some ideas are good while some not so. but it helps move car technology forward which is good. do i like it? yes. do i want one? no.

[@edwindungdung1998]

except its frontside it looks quite military

[@FifaGeneration2k11]

I learnt to drive in one of these, 1.6L, didn't find anything too bad about it but the engine is rather loud.

[@ademiravdic]

Lack of rev counter is straight up deal breaker for me

[@VoloKinProject]

To me it looks like the Multipla's little cousin.

[@abhayYaduvanshi05]

can you tell me that this car company will launch its car in india or not

[@ComandanteJ]

What where they thinking when they designed those rear windows??? But overall, a very unique car, i kinda hated on it the first time i saw one, but after getting used to seeing them (and you see them A LOT, this thing sold like crazy), i really like it's design.

[@exoticvibes8419]

Τhe anatomy of position and driving is somewhat strange, you can't find an ideal driving position but in general is very good .

[@_xxx_mlg_pingu_xxx_1725]

My mom has this car. I really like the exterior look, and the performance is amazing. However, i hate the interior, especially that speedometer and touchscreen, as well as those door handles that poke out and touch my legs. Being 192cm tall in this car also sucks, since the headroom is quite low, I can't see the traffic lights sometimes, and sitting in the back just plain sucks.

[@banpowel9784]

Possibly better than a Porsche CARERA

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Ban Powel You're delusional, should shut your mouth

[@StephenButlerOne]

I thought the majority of these are paddle shift? Sort or a clutch less manual rather than full auto? It looks like they stopped R&D on the manuals in the 80s.

[@littlsuprstr]

this is a good car for people who are sick of getting door dings

[@cleanhit777]

sounds like they've gone back to the Citroen's of old, good ride comfort, eccentric as hell ,on off brakes....ah the memories come flooding back...hold on didn't they nearly go bust building crap like this?

[@rui518]

this time they are being able to have profit from it and its cheaper when you have Peugeot and DS helping on the money part...

[@crapter6358]

Please review a Ssangyong Tivoli!

[@AdvancedEliteGaming]

Any video on how the air bubbles work? I actually really like the look of the car and the bubbles look cool

[@JohnYoungPhotographer]

The air-bumps are just like other side trim on cars. Were as most 'normal' cars have maybe a panel running down the side the Cactus has a larger area made up of a plastic that has air pockets inside so absorbing and small dings into the side and its just part of its styling. Some are more prominent and visible than others like the yellow with black bumps but ours is all black with black bumps so not so noticeable

[@ihatehandles3]

i wouldn't get in that car even if i was kidnapped this car is the bastard child of the multipla

[@curleypubes3672]

ahahaha 😂😂

[@giannibekaert5008]

can you even afford a car when lacking money for spectacles?

[@ihatehandles3]

Gianni Bekaert no i would not pay for the car of my kidnapers

[@SERGIO-cr6uy]

Kinda funny comment coming from someone who drives a Dacia Logan :)

[@linuslidgren3745]

Do a review of the 2017 Volvo V40!

[@Ott4vi4nu5]

This care is for sure very "polarizing"

[@RovexHD]

The pop-out rear windows is typical french !

[@Donnie8888]

Really? They gave you yellow version to review? I hear a lot of people calling it ugly, but a black one looks great actually.

[@jakobgrossmann1005]

Can you connect your phone with bluetooth and play music?

[@GeorgeW666]

Still can't see the cactus easter egg :(

[@TheOrangeType]

Do you quote combined MPG when doing these tests or Urban MPG?

[@user-vb9kz5ec5o]

I only wish the back window was normal ( I mean electrical oporetaded)

[@1985toyotacamry]

I like this car wish we have something like that

[@miskatonic6210]

A car with bad seats isn't worth it.

[@rui518]

were did he said the car had bad seats?

[@pammy5260]

+Rui 1:04 onwards, no problem

[@zhen101]

Only the entry level.

[@christophermaloney8119]

​@zhen101 yeah exactly I have one my seats are very comfortable

[@alecktz2677]

cool car, cool video :) maybe i will buy this as my first own car

[@McAmber]

I started to think now between cactuc C4 or the new Citroen C3 . Your ideas? Basically town car, for 3x persons.

[@haihohh7394]

martinsh23 buy Citroen C3 Aircross instead. It is much more roomy than Cactus, and looks just like C3 but bigger. Also it has much more powerful engines than C3 and Cactus

[@Basic002]

I love the cactus!! It's like iron man from the front ^^

[@SlickMotoMike]

Are the automatic ones more reliable?

[@tinyoceancloud]

Not having a rev counter on a manual is a bit weird

[@Mchfit]

Currently driving this as a hired car in France. Same colour but automatic. Avoid the automatic by all accounts as it's like riding a rocking bronco!!!!

[@thomassharratt4047]

Does it come with a real cactus on the dashboard

[@sauberboisaubarboi5652]

This is a STYLISH BUT GREAT CAR OF ALL TIME

[@neiljborja]

I know they'd probably not be enough of a commercial success, but man I wish we got more weird cars like this in the US.

[@tarassu]

Click to save on a cactus. Nice

[@jaycajones]

The daytime LEDs are a design cue ripped straight from the Jeep Cherokee

[@MVDROZ]

Mat's looking really nice and lean ;)

[@DanielVSL]

Calling this an SUV is misleading like hell. It's god damn tiny. Why they named it 'C4 cactus' when it's build on the C3 platform is a strong indicator on how well you can trust the company.

[@DuggzValentine]

Might i ask why it looks like an armoured car?

[@bobbymihajlovic3130]

Calling a Citroen C4 Cactus a SUV is like calling a Mazda Mx-5 an exotic sports car. Maybe it tries very hard, but in the end it will never be.

[@donyoucef4693]

will you review the peugeot 208 ?