Citroën has unveiled New C4 Cactus, its new compact hatchback. The car’s styling is as bold and modern as ever – and it now gains enhanced status. Influenced by the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, New C4 Cactus is the first model in Europe to feature the brand’s new suspension system with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions™ (PHC), creating a ‘magic carpet ride’ effect. It is also the first vehicle in the world to boast Advanced Comfort seats. With its unique personality, New C4 Cactus is set to shake up the market in the first quarter of 2018.

Following the successful launch of New C3 in 2016 – and the SUV offensive in 2017 with New C3 Aircross and New C5 Aircross – Citroën is continuing the roll-out of its full product offensive and surprising the world once again with its new compact hatchback, New C4 Cactus. This new model brings a breath of fresh air to the hatchback segment by blending the singular personality of the C4 Cactus with the class-leading comfort of the C4 hatchback. The model's status has also received a boost through the addition of segment essentials, such as 12 driver assistance systems, three connectivity technologies and a revised engine line-up, with power units now developing up to 130hp.

A HATCHBACK WITH A UNIQUE PERSONALITY AND BOLD DESIGN

It certainly has.

The new C4 Cactus embodies the essence of the original C4 Cactus design, with its unique attitude, overall composure and generous forms. It has now been updated to adapt to the cues of the C-segment with extra status and a new purity to its styling. At the rear, the body coloured tailgate is highlighted by new 3D-effect LED lights, lending it a more contemporary look. The sides of New C4 Cactus host the new Airbump® design, more slim-line than before and set lower on the doors, adapting to the hatchback styling whilst ensuring body protection at all times. The new model is modern and fresh, which will appeal to customers looking for something new and different in a compact hatchback.

EQUIPMENT TO SIMPLIFY LIFE, DAY AND NIGHT

It goes without saying that comfort also hinges on the equipment that simplifies day-to-day life on board:

• LED ceiling lights are specified in the front and the rear, especially handy when buckling children into their seats at night or finding a misplaced object.
• An electrochrome interior rearview mirror for relaxed driving at night without any glare.
• Electrically folding door mirrors are specified to avoid damage when parked or when passing another vehicle on a narrow street. Folding mirrors also act as a visual check to ensure that the vehicle is properly locked.
• One-touch electric windows with an anti-pinch function, which makes life easier notably when driving through tolls or entering car parks.

12 USEFUL DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

New C4 Cactus is equipped with the latest driver assistance systems, providing reassurance and safety in everyday use. They help to simplifying driving when needed, protect against drowsiness and moments of inattention and guard against the risk of accidents. These systems, displayed on New C4 Cactus's fully digital interface, stand as the initial move towards autonomous vehicles:

• Active Safety Brake – Reduces the risk of a collision by braking in place of the driver. The multi-purpose camera at the top of the windscreen detects obstacles, for example a vehicle moving in the same direction or when stopped. The system engages the brakes automatically when a risk of collision is detected, from 3mph (5 km/h) to 52mph (85 km/h).
• Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation – Recognises speed signs and displays the information on the instrument panel. The speed can be registered as an instruction for the speed limiter/cruise control with one simple instruction.

• Lane Departure Warning System – Active at speeds of over 37mph (60 km/h), the system detects the accidental crossing of continuous or dotted white lines when the indicator has not been used. It warns the driver via a sound signal and visual alert on the instrument panel.
• Coffee Break Alert – This feature prompts the driver to consider taking a break after they have been driving for two hours at speeds above 43mph (70 km/h).
• Driver Attention Alert – Warns the driver when the system detects lateral movement relative to the road or lane margins using the multi-function camera at the top of the windscreen. The feature is especially suited to motorway use at speeds over 40mph (65 km/h)
• Blind Spot Monitoring System – Lights in the door mirrors warn the driver if a vehicle is present in the blind spot on either side of the car.
• Park Assist – Makes parking easier and safer. This system provides active assistance for parallel and perpendicular parking. On the driver’s request, the feature automatically detects a parking space then safely steers the car into it.
• Reversing Camera – When the driver selects reverse gear, a camera displays the rear view of the vehicle on the 7-inch touchscreen. The image is supplemented by colour reference points indicating proximity to any obstacles. This extended vision makes for easy manoeuvres.
• Hill Start Assist – To make hill starts easier, this system prevents any undesired vehicle movement on inclines when the brake pedal is released. The function activates on inclines of over 3% by holding the vehicle in position for two seconds.
• Front Fog Lights with Cornering Function – Depending on the angle of the steering wheel, the left or right fog light activates in addition to the main headlights to illuminate up to a 75° angle to the right or left of the vehicle. The system operates at speeds above 24mph (40 km/h).
• Keyless Entry and Start – This system allows the driver to lock, unlock and start the car without taking the key out of their pocket.
• Grip Control® – Enables the vehicle to adapt its front wheel grip depending on the surface (snow, mud, sand etc.)