Cactus gets juice
The Citroen C4 Cactus was one of the quirkiest concepts to break cover at last year's Frankfurt motor show but the French company clearly thinks it's on to something as it has revealed the crossover will go into production.
More surprising is that images of the production model show it will stay mainly loyal to the 'bubble-wrapped' version seen in Germany.
The car has distinct "Airbump" technology fitted to its sides and bumpers, a thermoplastic polyurethane skin filled with pockets of air to absorb impact without damaging the structure of the car.
Also helping to distinguish the Cactus is a cabin with lounge-style front seats and a panoramic glazed roof which, crucially for Australia, Citroen says has advanced heat protection to let the light in without scorching the car's occupants.
All of the control buttons have been removed, allowing everything - air-conditioning, media, navigation, telephone and the rest - to be adjusted via a seven-inch touch screen.
Citroen says it aims to offer "a real alternative to the compact hatchback" and it certainly seems to have succeeded at this stage. If it tickles your fancy, you may be in luck: Citroen Australia national marketing manager Manuel Tyras says it could make its way Down Under.
"We've put a business proposal to PSA in Paris and we are in the initial stages of review now that we know a right-hand-drive is available," he said.
"Things should be a lot clearer in the second half of this year."
