New C4 Cactus will have 'magic carpet' comfort

A new version of the Citroen C4 Cactus will arrive in Ireland in May and will be the first of the brand's cars in Europe to provide an innovative suspension system that offers a 'magic carpet' ride, writes Brian Byrne from the car's international launch in Marseille, France.

Building on the compact hatch launched in 2014, the latest version has the same dimensions, and a similar boot capacity. But as a replacement also for C4 hatchback, the stylists have shrugged off some of the original's SUV look without actually changing the shape.

Visually there are significant differences in the lights treatment front and rear, and the signature 'Airbump' panels of the original have been moved from the doors to the lower panels, and made smaller. The front styling now incorporates the extended 'chevron' theme seen in more recent Citroen cars. The extensions are edged with new LED daylight driving lamps.

Inside there are new seats, which the company calls 'advanced comfort' in line with the three years ago stated theme for the brand as specialising in providing exceptional comfort. A range of  high-tech structural and support foams are part of the design. While the interior styling remains the same, details have been upgraded and changed to provide a higher perceived quality.

The new car comes with petrol and diesel engines familiar from other models in the brand's range, with the addition of a 130hp petrol. At launch there will be 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions and a 6-speed automatic for the petrol cars, while an automatic with a 120hp diesel will be available later in the year.

No less than 12 driver assistance systems are part of the C4 Cactus specification, along with three levels of connectivity technologies.

There will be three grades in Ireland and a range of customisation options will be available.

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