My-Dream-Cars reviews Citroen Concept Car C-Cactus

Presentation
A new ecological and attractive take on the essential car.
Citroën is unveiling C-Cactus at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. This ingenious concept is a new take on vehicle design, centered on essential values. The Marque’s ambitious aim is to market an ecological hatchback with cheerful, attractive styling, equipped with a hybrid HDi drivetrain and sold at the same price as an entry-level C4.

To square this complex equation, Citroën is exploring new forms of design. It has decided to abandon features that are not essential to comfort and to focus instead on technology, styling and equipment that are positive, ecological and valued by users.

New avenues in design
C-Cactus is the result of an intelligent design process pursuing new objectives.
By exploring new forms of expression and new technical solutions, Citroën’s engineers cut the number of parts required to build the car.

To achieve this objective, the engineers:
- simplified a number of parts and mechanisms to the extreme,
- grouped several functions in a single part,
- removed all parts that are non-essential to the running of the car or to the comfort and well-being of its occupants.

Advanced ecological features
To achieve real environmental impact, Citroën’s objective has always been to market technologies and vehicles that are affordable to the greatest number.

The objective with C-Cactus is to go one step further, by bringing out a car whose hybrid HDi drivetrain makes it truly ecological car, but that can be sold at the same price as an entry-level family car.

With its diesel hybrid drivetrain combining a 70 bhp DIN HDi diesel engine with a particulate filter and an electric motor providing additional power of 30 bhp DIN, C Cactus consumes just 2.9  l/100 km with CO2 emission levels of 78 g/km over a combined cycle.

In urban use, ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode provides silent, all-electric operation. On journeys involving successive acceleration and deceleration, the hybrid system limits fuel consumption by using both types of energy.

Intelligent, fun exterior design
C-Cactus has a unique personality: appealing, modern and offbeat, with its simple shapes and mix of round, curving lines.

The original styling also reflects ingenious design choices. Throughout the design process, the focus was very much on simplicity. This led to the development of ingenious solutions that contribute to the attractive offbeat design of C-Cactus.

At the front, the headlamps of C-Cactus give the vehicle an appealing air with their rounded and slightly angular forms. The raised bonnet and two air intakes contribute to the dynamic looks of C Cactus.

The vehicle’s rounded forms are reflected in its profile. The dynamic design lines are accentuated by the forward flowing roof line and the asymmetric doors made of crude steel that has been treated for corrosion. The high waistline and 21-inch wheels also underline the strong character of C Cactus.  The same styling codes can be seen at the rear, where a combination of curves and taut lines illustrate the car’s dynamic and appealing personality.

Fewer features for greater impact
C-Cactus is also an original and ingenious car on the inside.

The design cut-outs, choice of materials, patterns and colours give the cabin a minimalist, attractive and airy look.

The cabin materials reflect innovative choices. Their quality is immediately visible. Looking beyond their appearance, they are also economical and ecological. For example, cork is used for many decorative parts, as well as for the air vents and air conditioning panel.

The floor features a pattern in recycled leather. The white lacquer finish of some parts and the visual effects created by the materials used contribute to the original design and perceived quality of the cabin.

An easy and enjoyable ride
C-Cactus boasts advanced equipment, optimised on-board space and modular design at an affordable price. Passengers have all the comfort essential to their well-being.

First, the ignition key of C-Cactus is a portable MP3 player with a touch screen. When it is plugged into the fixed hub of the steering wheel, it is recognised by the vehicle which can then be started.

A touch screen on the central console includes a navigation system to guide the driver on the road. It also serves as an onboard computer. This equipment endows C-Cactus with high-tech advanced features while also keeping costs down, since functions are grouped together.

Generous interior space ensures passenger comfort. C-Cactus boasts the dimensions of a family car (4.2 metres long and 1.8 metres wide) with a generous and modular boot (between 500 and 1,100 litres). For comfort and styling, C-Cactus features a panoramic glass sunroof that lets the light flood into the cabin.

Technical characteristics

Dimensions

• Length: 4,200 mm
• Width: 1,800 mm
• Height: 1,490 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,800 mm
• Gross vehicle weight (GVW): 1,109 kg (batteries included)

Performance and fuel consumption

• Top speed: 150 kph
• Combined consumption: 2.9 l/100 km
• CO2 emissions: 78 g/km

Diesel hybrid drivetrain

• 70 bhp HDi diesel engine with a DPFS and 5-speed automatic transmission
• 30 bhp electric motor installed in the clutch housing
• ZEV mode

Aerodynamics

• Cd: 0,35
• CdA: 0.8 m²

Running gear

• C4 platform

Main equipment

• Touch screen navigation system
• Portable MP3 player with a touch screen playing the role of ignition key
• Air conditioning with automatic temperature control
• High-quality audio system
• Speed limiter and cruise control
• Electric handbrake

My-Dream-Cars reviews Citroen Concept Car C-Cactus