Citroen has revealed an open-top concept car based on the already quirky-looking C4 Cactus. It will be presented to the public during the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show later this month.
Rumours of a convertible based on the C4 Cactus were circulating towards the end of last month. Those rumours have now been confirmed via the reveal of this concept, called the Cactus M.
The Cactus M is inspired by the Citroen Mehari, a utility off-road vehicle built between 1968 and 1986 and one of the most iconic vehicles from the French manufacturer’s history.
Citroen says the Cactus M has been designed to “head off the beaten track, to explore and open up new horizons.” The car features tall, narrow tyres and Grip Control which can optimise traction to suit different driving terrain. Using a dashboard selector to the left of the steering wheel, the Grip Control can be switched between four modes: normal, all-terrain, snow and sand.
To adapt the Cactus M for roofless, off-road driving, the entire car has been made waterproof. The seat upholstery is made of a brightly coloured neoprene waterproof fabric. The interior also features rubber floor mats and plugholes to allow water to escape through the footwells. Citroen adds that the whole cabin can even be hosed out.
The Cactus M also has a lashing system specifically for carrying up to two surfboards, which should prove ideal for beach trips.
Under the bonnet, meanwhile, is a 109bhp PureTech petrol engine hooked up to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Cactus M records an official fuel consumption of 58.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 110g/km.
While the Citroen Cactus M remains only a concept for now, it does indicate its makers are interested in expanding the C4 Cactus product range as well as in creating new SUVs too. How exactly Citroen chooses to follow up on the Cactus M will likely depend on public reaction when the concept is presented in Frankfurt later this month.
