Because the SUV market keeps growing steadily here in Brazil, automakers have plenty of opportunities to launch new or improved models.
The local launch of the Citroen C4 Cactus shows new technology is also welcome in this vehicle category.
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The model has a double personality depending on market. It is named the same in Europe but presented there as a successor to the C4 hatchback. Here, it's a new entrant and there is a handful of visual changes for this market including cleverly designed 'floating' roof rails.
Ground clearance is nothing short of 8.86 inches and that, combined with 22-degree entry and 32-degree exit angles, enables it to merrily raise deux chevrons to the speed bumps, dips and potholes that infest cities and roads across the country.
The modern style, closer to a crossover, pleases due to compact dimensions – just 164.1 inches in overall length – though the offset is limited boot volume of 11.3 cu ft. On the other hand, the 102.3 inch wheelbase and 67.3 inch width assure a roomy interior that includes generously-sized front seats with ample knee room behind them.
Roof lining is recessed over front and rear passengers in a double concave pattern to reduce the chance of taller occupants heads brushing the ceiling but this market would welcome a sun roof, so far not offered.
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By GlobalDataAn optional safety pack for top end versions deals with driver fatigue, lane departure, and collision alerts (both vehicles and pedestrians are detected) and activates automatic emergency braking while, if the crunch does occur, there are six airbags.
The interior has some interesting detail finishes combining pleasant-to-touch materials, fabrics and, on top versions, piano black applique.
As with the European model, the instrument cluster is digital (identical to the Brazilian C4 Lounge saloon display). Even the flat bottomed rim on the steering wheel suggests design care. Yet price cutting shows in an undampened glove box lid [though the Brazilian version gets proper roll-down rear windows in place of Europe's hinged swivel-out type – ed].
Three engines are available in Brazil: a locally made, 116bhp, naturally aspirated, 1.6-litre, flexible fuel I4 coupled to a six speed epicyclic automatic, a 120bhp version with manual gearbox, and a 170 bhp turbo, also with automatic. No sign of Europe's 1.2 I3 or diesel options.
The 170bhp engine, claimed most powerful in this segment, can do 0-60mph in just 7.3 seconds accompanied by a somewhat exaggerated howl under load.
This is a Citroen so suspension setup providing a fine ride and handling compromise is a highlight, and among the best of 10 direct competitors. The precise steering and four-wheel disc brakes are also excellent. The car performs well on unpaved roads that do not require all wheel drive, helped by the traction control (branded Grip Control) inherited from the Peugeot 2008 PSA group sibling.
Pricing is quite competitive, ranging from BRL68,990/US$17,000 to BRL98,990/$24,000 across three trim levels.
The brand, through its dealers, plans to offer competitive valuations for buyers trading-in vehicles for the C4 Cactus and is now offering a free courtesy car for service/repair jobs lasting more than four days. It will also provide free tyre pressure checks and rotations, and check fluid levels free of charge.
Ana Theresa Borsary, country manager for PSA Group, told just-auto the Citroen dealer network would become proactive by offering routine maintenance at fixed prices even after the warranty expires.
"Pre-paid service has grown considerably in Europe and it is likely to expand here as well. It is the well-known 'all-inclusive' concept [adapted from the hospitality industry]," she said.
