Skip advert
Advertisement

"Spiritual successor to the original VW Beetle? The Citroen C4 Cactus is it"

Mike names his Car of the People 2014/2015

Citroen C4 Cactus: opinion

Before I name my Car of the People 2014/2015, it’s worth reminding readers of the history and rules of the annual award. I make no apologies for admitting that it’s inspired by the original Car of the People (or to be more precise, the people’s car), the inaugural VW Beetle.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The current crop of COTP contenders need to be state-of-the-art, but widely available. Equally important is that they are inexpensive (not the same as cheap) to buy, as well as safe, credible and desirable. Fuel efficiency, low running costs and the ability to carry two adults and up to three children in a body that’s around four metres long are key, as is the fun factor.

Best crossovers to buy now

So what’s inexpensive and what’s fuel efficient? In the early 2000s, when COTP was born, £12,000 and a minimum of 50mpg were the key figures. Today, after steady inflation and impressive advances in engine tech, I’m thinking nearer £13,000 and a minimum of 60mpg.

Dacia, Hyundai, Mazda, Renault, SEAT, Skoda and a handful of others made it on to my shortlist. But on paper, in photos and on the road, it was Citroen’s C4 Cactus which wiped the floor with the opposition.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

True, Cactus isn’t a great name. And some of its interior features (for example, rear windows that pop in and out rather than wind up and down) are frustrating and very French. But such negatives are outweighed by the long list of positives. Here is a car which is priced like a supermini but looks like (and is) a crossover cum mini-SUV cum family hatch cum van with windows cum poor man’s 2WD Land Rover.

Its exterior design and design touches are genuinely unique, without being different for the sake of being different. The fact that it stretches beyond four metres means that it will easily accommodate two adults, three kids, 358 litres of luggage in the rear plus several surfboards, kayaks, mountain bikes etc on its roof. The base model costs around £13,000 before discounting. Even this petrol version has an official consumption figure of 60mpg-plus. Some of the diesels do more than 80mpg.

There has never been a more convincing winner of the Car of the People award than the state-of-the-art Citroen C4 Cactus. If you’re looking for a spiritual successor to the original VW Beetle, this is it. 

Do you agree with Mike's choice for People's Car of the Year? Let us know on Twitter, on Facebook or in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief columnist

Mike was one of the founding fathers of Auto Express in 1988. He's been motoring editor on four tabloid newspapers - London Evening News, The Sun, News of the World & Daily Mirror. He was also a weekly columnist on the Daily Telegraph, The Independent and The Sunday Times. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Citroen C4 Cactus (2014-2020) review
Citroen C4 Cactus - front

Citroen C4 Cactus (2014-2020) review

The C4 Cactus is a great left-field choice, combining a stand-out design with good levels of comfort and efficiency.
In-depth reviews
25 Apr 2024

Most Popular

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each
Land Rover Defender Octa - front action

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each

Buyers aren’t being deterred by the hefty asking price for the most powerful Defender yet, with 2,900 already signing up worldwide
News
12 Nov 2024
Car Deal of the Day: 641bhp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a bargain at this price
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 641bhp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a bargain at this price

The 2024 Auto Express Performance Car of the Year is now our Deal of the Day for 7 November
News
7 Nov 2024
Car Deal of the Day: no-nonsense MG ZS EV for £226 per month
MG ZS EV - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: no-nonsense MG ZS EV for £226 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 10 November comes from Carwow’s new leasing arm, Carwow Leasey
News
10 Nov 2024