Citroen C4 Cactus variants
Total price
Monthly payment
Figures are based on a 20% deposit

Finance representative example (PCP)

Total cash price £8,999. Borrowing £7,199 with a £1,800 deposit at a representative APR of 12.9%.

49 monthly payments
£144.16
Fixed interest rate
12.9%
Total amount payable
£11,582.76
Cost of credit
£2,583.76
Optional final payment
£2,863.00
Annual mileage limit
6000 miles

Citroen C4 Cactus buying guide

The C4 Cactus comes with a handful of engine and trim options. Keep reading to learn more about each so you can choose the best version for you.

What Citroen C4 Cactus trim levels are there?

The majority of C4 Cactuses – or should that be Cacti? – are offered in one of two trim levels.

Basic Feel versions include alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Stepping up to Flair trim brings extras including rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, a panoramic sunroof, and a built-in sat nav for the infotainment system.

Citroen C4 Cactus interior and technology

The C4 Cactus’s cabin is refreshingly different compared to the class norm. A stripped-back minimal dashboard contains just a couple of simple screens for the infotainment system and driver’s dials, and little of anything else. Though we’re disappointed Citroen has moved the air con and heater controls to the screen rather than as physical buttons, the brand’s commitment to creating a clutter-free environment is impressive, with the Cactus feeling oddly futuristic as a result.

As noted, almost all the major dashboard controls are now part of the touchscreen infotainment system. Annoyingly, the setup in the C4 Cactus is a little slow to respond and the menu layout isn’t as clear as some rivals, so it takes a little longer to get used to. Nevertheless, all versions include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard so you can mirror your smartphone’s apps on the car’s screen.

The C4 Cactus makes a better case for itself as a practical car than as a high-tech one. Space for adults is more than sufficient, if not quite as generous as you’ll find in the C5 Aircross or C4 Spacetourer MPV. Boot space is far better than the hatchback models the C4 Cactus and its rivals are based on, but we’d like to see a slightly wider opening to score it top marks.

Citroen C4 Cactus engine range explained

Citroen C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech 110

The entry-level engine for the C4 Cactus is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 110hp, offered with a manual gearbox only. This version covers the 0-62mph dash in a little over nine seconds and won’t feel underpowered on the motorway. Efficiency can reach as high as 51mpg if you drive gently.

Citroen C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech 130 EAT6

The upgraded petrol option uses the same 1.2-litre engine but turns power up to 130hp. The 0-62mph time drops to 8.6 seconds while you’ll see around a 4mpg penalty at the pumps compared to the lesser petrol. This engine is only offered with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Citroen C4 Cactus 1.5 BlueHDi 100

The basic diesel engine offered in the C4 Cactus is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 100hp. Fitted with a manual gearbox only, this version can hit 62mph from rest in 10 seconds and, if you drive with a light right foot, can return more than 63mpg.

Citroen C4 Cactus 1.5 BlueHDi 120 EAT6

At the top of the diesel range is the 120 version, which uses the same engine but with power bumped to 120hp. Like the upgraded petrol engine, this version is only offered with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The 0-62mph run is completed in a respectable 8.7 seconds, while efficiency can stretch as high as 58mpg.

Citroen C4 Cactus FAQs

There’s just one version of the C4 Cactus. It’s a five-door, five-seat compact SUV with a hatchback-style boot opening. It’s a very similar size to Citroen’s slightly newer C3 Aircross SUV and sits beneath the larger C5 Aircross in the lineup.

The C4 Cactus is a little less than 4.2 metres long placing it squarely in the same range as rivals including the Volkswagen T-Cross, SEAT Arona, Skoda Kamiq, Kia Stonic and Ford EcoSport. That length means its footprint is a little larger than small hatches like the Volkswagen Polo but not quite as long as family hatchbacks like the Ford Focus.

Passenger space in the C4 Cactus is reasonably good, with enough room in the front and rear for four adults to fit comfortably. Putting three across the rear bench will work for shorter trips but you’ll quickly be hearing complaints about elbow room. Boot space is on-par with the C4 Cactus’s rivals with enough room for at least two large suitcases.

You’re limited to just four engine choices for the C4 Cactus – two petrols and two diesels. Thanks to the car’s impressively low weight, even the basic options offer good performance and efficiency so simply pick the version you like best.

Citroen cars don't have a great reputation for reliability, but customer perception plays a role in owner surveys and the vast majority of cars will prove to be dependable. If you're in doubt, or are worried you'll be one of the unlucky ones, consider taking out an extended warranty.

If you're a bit bored of the usual compact hatchback offerings, the quirky C4 Cactus will feel like a breath of fresh air. It's focused on comfort, with soft seats and supple suspension that'll take the edge off your local neighbourhood potholes. It looks fun, is decently spacious and it's economical, so there's a lot to like in the C4 Cactus.

No, all C4 Cactuses are front-wheel drive – but a good set of winter tyres will provide excellent grip in wintry weather without the fuel economy penalty that usually comes with 4x4s.