What is it?
Here is the latest version of the Cactus, a special edition blazoned with paraphernalia from Rip Curl, an Australian company famed for beach and surfwear. This makes the Cactus that bit cooler, no doubt even more so in the coastal communities of Cornwall.
The special model has white door mirrors and roof rails, Rip Curl 'tattoos' (well, stickers) on the front wings and C-pillars, 17in diamond-cut alloy wheels and Goodyear Mud+Snow tyres. On the inside, there are orange seatbelts and orange detailing on the speaker surrounds and floor mat stitching.
Cosmetics aside, though, what sets the Cactus Rip Curl apart from the rest of the range is the introduction of Grip Control. Grip Control is an adaptable traction control system with modes for snow, mud and sand - perfect for getting your surfboard down to the water.
There are five exterior paint colours to choose from, although grey is the only free option. Standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, reversing parking camera, automatic air-con, rear parking sensors, sat-nav and cruise control. Two engines are available: a 1.6-litre BlueHDi 100 diesel, and a 1.2-litre Puretech 110 S&S petrol we're testing the latter.
What's it like?
The 1.2-litre turbocharged Puretech petrol engine is unchanged, and as impressive as ever. It may only have 109bhp, but with 151lb ft of torque, it's nicely flexible and surprisingly swift. It's happy to be revved hard and peak torque arrives at just 1500rpm, providing the sort of low-down grunt you’d expect from a diesel motor.
Hard revving in the Cactus is rewarded by an enticing engine noise, but around town the engine remains pleasantly quiet. Some vibration comes through the pedals and gearbox, but it's not too noticeable.
The Cactus isn't the most enthralling car in its class to drive, mainly because it's let down by too much body roll through bends and inconsistent steering feel. On the upside, there is plenty of grip and the car does turn accurately. At least in a car park the steering is usefully light, and good front visibility means the Cactus is easy to manouevre.
However, it’s the ride that best suits the laid-back seaside character of the Cactus Rip Curl. The car absorbs most road imperfections, with only the largest of potholes intruding. Disappointingly though, the gearbox feels lethargic and notchy, with a sloppy long throw.
Although the Cactus isn't the most entertaining to drive, it’s certainly entertaining to be in. The Cactus does away with a typical dashboard layout, instead focusing on technology and quirky design.
The instrument panel is a wide, dash-mounted digital screen. It displays the speed numerically, has a digital fuel gauge and suggests gear changes to you. Annoyingly though, it lacks a rev counter.
In the middle of the dash is a 7.0in infotainment touchscreen, which controls the music, sat-nav, phone, air-con and trip computer. It also has Citroën's Multicity Connect system, which features apps such as Facebook and TripAdvisor, and has 3G internet. There’s even a calendar and calculator.
There are only three traditional buttons on the dash, which are front and rear demisting and hazard lights. There is a shelf and USB connector for your smartphone, and below that a rotary dial controller for the Grip Control system.
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