Citroen ups C4 Cactus production

DEMAND for Citroen’s wacky C4 Cactus crossover has forced the French car-maker to increase production at its Madrid assembly plant, according to a Spanish motoring website.

Quoting insiders from the plant, La Tribuna de Automocion reported that factory workers have been assigned Saturday shifts in November to boost output.

The publication also said the factory’s director Jose Carlo Robredo met with local press recently to announce daily production would grow by 20 per cent when the car was launched in more markets.

The combination of off-beat styling and an affordable price has proven a surprise hit with buyers in Europe, where it went on sale in September.

Originally intended as a Europe-only car, the positive response has prompted Citroen to offer it to other markets, including Australia where it is likely to go on sale later next year.

Based on Peugeot’s 208 light hatch, the C4 Cactus sits above the C3 and below the C4 in Citroen’s line-up and will do battle with compact SUV rivals such as the Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke and forthcoming Renault Captur.

Australian pricing is yet to be announced but buyers could expect to pay less than $20,000, plus on-road costs for the base variant.

The Cactus concept made its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show and carried most of its quirky features through to production.

Plastic ‘air bumps’ which are designed to deflect minor impacts, feature on the side door panels and bumpers, while the Cactus also has a floating roof and many moulded plastic surfaces.

The minimalist cabin sports a low dashboard with a floating display screen and airbags are mounted in the roof – a first for a production car.

In Europe buyers have a choice between a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Australian versions are tipped to be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine.

The C4 Cactus will arrive in Australia next year where it will join the five-seat C4 Picasso wagon – a small sibling to the successful seven-seat Grand C4 Picasso – and an updated DS3.