Citroen plants a Cactus seed

CITROEN has provided a blurry insight into its upcoming C4 Cactus hatch with a series of teaser images showing what appears to be a toned down production version due to be revealed on the anniversary of the birth of company founder Andre Citroen on February 5.

Gone is the fanciful B-pillarless, windowless floating roof of the Cactus concept shown at 2013 Frankfurt motor show in September, replaced by a more conventional design, with blacked out B and C pillars holding up the lid with its panoramic moon roof.

The promised ‘Airbump’ anti-ding panels with their impact-absorbing air-filled air capsules on the doors and bumpers appear to be carried over into the production version, perhaps along with the sofa-style seating.

The Cactus retains the five-door design and overall crossover shape of the concept, while the alloy wheels – shown in one of the clearest images – seem to be near-identical.

Citroen has yet to spell out other details, such as whether the Cactus will get the concept’s Hybrid Air powertrain that employs a turbocharged petrol engine with a unique compressed air propulsion system capable of fuel economy as low as 2.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

The Hybrid Air power kicks in at speeds under 70km/h, and the system can adapt the operating mode to suit the driver, with a choice of Zero Emissions Vehicle mode, petrol internal combustion and combined.

Citroen says the Cactus will lay the styling ground rules for future C-series cars while emphasising a pragmatic approach to car design with easy-to-use controls and comfort for all occupants.

It says the design “sweeps away the superfluous to place greater emphasis on everything that contributes to comfort”.

The concept’s instruments are all digital, while many materials are natural.

The C4 Cactus concept recently received the 2013 Design award from French magazine Le’Automobile.