We left the Cactus concept car in Frankfurt with a lot of hopes and we discover the production car here in Geneva. There is no disappointment and no surprise with the result in the flesh. The Cactus production car remains simple and efficient in term of design and keeps the “courage” to be innovative this category.
The Airbump on the side are still part of the menu. We are sure it is going to be efficient in the everyday use, and we are still curious about how it will go throughout the years…
The interior still uses a “sofa” style seat on the front, even though they are still two seats.
The digital IP reminds us the history of Citroen and can feel a little bit disconcerting for some drivers.
The rear part is a little bit disappointing…rear space is not very comfortable, especially for a family.
The aesthetic of the Cactus is really treated in different way than other cars: maybe more like a product design or architectural piece.
With the Cactus, Citroen is really trying to regain its idiosyncratic image. But in a highly competitive and rather homogenous ‘world-car’ market, is it possible to reclaim the “Frenchness” and the strong individual brand identity that Citroen once enjoyed with iconic cars like the 2CV and the lovely DS? Perhaps more importantly will it work outside France?
The real buzz of the show was certainly the Citroen C-Cactus Concept. This concept revealed on Tuesday previews two things: the identity of the C-line and 90% of what the future crossover C4-Cactus will be. This Cactus is the conclusion of a program initiated in 2007 with the first Cactus, also debuted at the IAA.
It is a basic car. Simple, sober — just the essentials. Citroen is clearly taking the direction of design simplicity, while some other brands are going different ways… Nobody is right or wrong, each has their own solution for the future.
In terms of simplicity, the first Cactus went a long way. This new concept car doesn’t go quite that far…but still…
The design demonstrates fluidity. Each line has a function. It is a very quiet and peaceful design. Frederic Duvernier, the exterior designer, uses the graphic of the original DS to design the C-pillar. Using the past to design the future without using the same silhouette…(See Beetle, Mini, Fiat 500…), what a good and fresh idea… The main innovation on the exterior is the use of a Citroen patent called AirBump. The bumper is made of a spongy material that includes air capsules that absorbs a deformation of 2cm. On the production car, to be launched in Geneva, the customer will be able to customize the Airbump with a large choice of colors. The showcar had no windows, but naturally they will be on the production car. One detail is that the rear windows will be a ‘crack open’ style instead of the typical roll down…
The Cactus shares its slim headlamp with the C4-Picasso. All graphics are very strong. The interior is very interesting. Once again it is very simple in its use of volumes. The front seat can welcome three people and is in one piece. The production car will have the same room, but with a 1/3-2/3 accommodation. To us the two display screens are a little bit strange, but they might represent the desire to give some contrast to this zen interior. Without this technological touch the look might be too simple and boring. If we listen to Jean-Pierre Ploué, the interior shown is very close to the production model…
Let’s wait! Even though Geneva is just around the corner in March…
Vous devez être connecté pour poster un commentaire.