Something's missing from the facelifted Citroen C4 Cactus

We’ll cut to the chase. The Cactus was known for its weird Airbumps that divided opinion as to whether they were a cute, functional addition or looked like you’d got some old packaging gubbins caught round the wheelarch. Overall, though, we loved it. Funky, different, and actually really useful to help prevent scratches in carparks. 

And now, three years after being first released, Citroen has bailed on all of its morals and taken them off. Come on Citroen, own your imperfections and all that. If you’re gonna break the mold with something innovative that makes it across the whole of the range, don’t then backtrack on it again. We’re disappointed. 

If you can be bothered to look past the depressingly smooth sides, you’ll spot a “floating roof” created with 360-degree glass windows, a choice of 31 different paintjobs and a line-up of “eye-catching interiors.” The cabin is stripped back and now digitally controlled from the central touchscreen for Android and Apple. They’ll be a choice of three petrols and two diesels, because why not hide your bumpy depression with a diesel engine. 

We will give it its due, though – the C4 Cactus is going to be the first Citroen to get the new Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension tech. This adds hydraulic stops to the shock absorber that dissipate energy when hitting bumps and potholes instead of returning it as a rebound, giving a ‘magic carpet’ ride. Paired with Advanced Comfort Seats, which include super thick surface foam and ‘outstanding’ back support, the new Cactus will at least be a welcome addition once you’ve made your way inside the car. This we rated highly when we got an early prototype test back in March – you can find out all the nitty gritty details here.

No further specs or availability as of yet. What do you think? Good or bad move by Citroen? Be careful with your comments though, we’re feeling vulnerable enough as it is…