Skip advert
Advertisement

Citroen C4 Cactus review - driver appeal of a different kind - Citroen C4 Cactus ride and handling

Not an 'evo' car in the traditional sense, the Cactus is nevertheless quite a likeable car

Evo rating
RRP
from £12,990
  • Interior design, comfort, light weight
  • Overly light steering, quirky styling may put off some

The Cactus feels very much like an older Peugeot or Citroen product in its ride and handling balance. There’s a pliant ride over most surfaces – only larger road zits send a shudder through the cabin – and a sort of relaxing, loping gait on country roads and motorways.

At the same time, the car’s light weight means it’s not all at sea when the road gets twisty, and while there’s a reasonable degree of body roll these movements are well controlled.

The steering isn’t quite as direct as in some rivals – in fact, it’s very light and a little slow to respond around the straight-ahead, which does make you wonder whether the car will react to your initial inputs – but once there’s some load through the tyres it’s precise enough. Like those old Peugeots particularly, the rear axle even feels like it’s helping to share the load – though the balance is ultimately safe, so you’ll rarely need any steering correction.

Advertisement - Article continues below

What it won’t do is entertain like an old Pug or Citroen hot hatchback. While that would normally be a disappointment, there’s something quite refreshing about the Cactus’s dismissal of superficial sportiness in favour of relaxation and more flowing driving characteristics.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again
Toyota GR Yaris with aero pack
News

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again

We’re not getting the option of an Aero Performance pack in the UK. We’re still poring over the details, though
12 Sep 2025