Automotive

Citroen embarks on a retro adventure with the Cactus M Concept

Citroen embarks on a retro adventure with the Cactus M Concept
Rugged Airbump plastic features on the side of the car, just like it does on the road-going Cactus
Rugged Airbump plastic features on the side of the car, just like it does on the road-going Cactus
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The C4 Cactus M draws on the Mehari for inspiration
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The C4 Cactus M draws on the Mehari for inspiration
Rugged Airbump plastic features on the side of the car, just like it does on the road-going Cactus
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Rugged Airbump plastic features on the side of the car, just like it does on the road-going Cactus
The car's rear bench can be folded down to create a couch over the rear bench
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The car's rear bench can be folded down to create a couch over the rear bench
Although designed as an open-top car, the Cactus is fitted with an inflatable roof
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Although designed as an open-top car, the Cactus is fitted with an inflatable roof
The surfboards on the roof have been designed to complement the Cactus' exterior design
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The surfboards on the roof have been designed to complement the Cactus' exterior design
With tall tires and a special traction control system, the Cactus should be able to carry adventurous passengers wherever they want to go
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With tall tires and a special traction control system, the Cactus should be able to carry adventurous passengers wherever they want to go
Citroen will show the car off at the Frankfurt Motor Show
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Citroen will show the car off at the Frankfurt Motor Show
The interior can be hosed out, thanks to draining footwells and waterproof seats
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The interior can be hosed out, thanks to draining footwells and waterproof seats
View gallery - 8 images

It's safe to say that the car world has gone a little retro-crazy recently. Be it the new Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500 or any one of the muscle cars that America has fallen for, we love it when our automobiles give a nod to their heritage. A dip into the past is definitely evident in Citroen's Cactus M Concept, which harks back to the Méhari of old with its topless, beach-loving design.

The Citroen C4 Cactus has already served as the base for a number of interesting concepts including a fascinating study in aerodynamic efficiency, but the two-door M certainly isn't shaded by its peers.

Unlike the road-going Cactus, the M Concept has a wide-open convertible top that is designed to let adventurous drivers feel closer to the elements. In keeping with its easy-going, outdoorsy vibe, the interior has been fitted out with footwells that drain, water- and salt-proof seat covers and neoprene trim.

So just like old Jeeps and the old Citroen Mehari, the Cactus M's cabin can be hosed down without worrying about ruining the finish. Drivers needn't worry about getting soaked in a shower though, thanks to an inflatable roof that is powered by an air compressor mounted in the boot floor.

The interior can be hosed out, thanks to draining footwells and waterproof seats
The interior can be hosed out, thanks to draining footwells and waterproof seats

The Cactus' functional interior is matched by an exterior designed for easy use by adventurous drivers. The doors are covered in the same impact-resistant Airbump material as the production car and there is a step scalloped out from the bodywork that allows rear passengers get into the car easily.

It's one thing to fit the Cactus out with a rugged interior, it's another to actually create a car that can get down and dirty. Although it's on tall, narrow tires, Citroen has fitted the car with Grip Control which, like the Terrain Response system on Range Rovers, lets drivers put the car into four different modes depending on the surface they're traversing.

For campers, the Cactus offers up a couple of different shelter options. The car's inflatable roof can be removed and used as a tent, or owners can tilt the back seats down and turn the rear tailgate into a small couch.

Powering the Cactus M is Citroen's PureTech powertrain, which produces just 110 g/km of CO2 and ekes out 58.9 mpg (4.8 l/100km).

The Cactus M Concept will be on show at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Gizmag will be on hand to bring you further details and photos of the Cactus M in the flesh.

Source: Citroen

View gallery - 8 images
5 comments
5 comments
Stephen N Russell
produce for sales & rentals, esp rentals in US, EU, awesome may need larger trunk for luggage, pinic etc stuff & overhead rack for surfboards or water skis alone Nice. Make 4X4 model.
mach37
What has the world come to: the engine's CO2 output is listed, but not a word about its HP or KW power! It is obviously not a muscle car, still every technophile wants to know this as basic information.
bergamot69
Citroen have started creating interesting cars again- although sadly I doubt very much that the accountants will ever allow the engineers the kind of free reign that produced such wonderful avant-garde oddities as the original DS, GS/A, 2CV, Dyane, CX, SM et al- especially since such designs lead to the company's bankruptcy in the early '70s, leading to being bought out by worthy-but-dull Peugeot.
willemco
Love the look of this car... But a long time ago I've told myself to never buy a car with only 2 doors
Tom Lee Mullins
I think this is a really great design. It would be neat to see it produced. I hope it comes to America.