The Citroen C4 Cactus as we know it will likely die when the current generation goes out of production, according to a statement made last summer by product chief Xavier Peugeot. However, that does not mean the French firm will abandon the segment. Whether or not it will retain the C4 Cactus name is not clear at the moment, but the fact is the funky hatchback will get a successor.
These spy shots prove it as a similarly-sized Citroën prototype has been spotted testing in northern Europe’s sub-freezing temperatures. The vehicle features the typical Citroën front end and a bulky tailgate, yet that could be due to the use of plastic cladding. The roofline is slightly arched behind the B-pillars and the model has a generous ground clearance. These are key differences to the C4 Cactus which, for all its crossover styling cues, is still just a hatchback with a regular ride height.
The spy photographers claim the prototype is roughly the size of the Nissan Juke, which means that the footprint should be about the same as its predecessor’s. This puts it against the likes of the aforementioned subcompact SUV, as well as the Renault Captur, Opel/Vauxhall Mokka X, Ford Puma and its sibling, the second-generation Peugeot 2008.
The successor of the C4 Cactus will be underpinned by the same platform as the 2008, DS3 Crossback and other products made by PSA, the CMP (Common Modular Platform), and will share some of their powertrains. The lineup should include small petrol units and probably one diesel. An electric variant was already confirmed, and if it stays true to the e-2008, it will pack a 136 PS electric motor and a 50 kWh battery pack.
With the battery fully charged, Peugeot’s zero-emission subcompact SUV offers a range of 310 km on a single charge, as per the WLTP test cycle. Recharging it takes 7.5 hours via a conventional socket, but if you can find a 100kW station, then you could juice it up to 80 percent in 30 minutes. Citroen is expected to premiere the subcompact crossover coupe in the coming months, possibly for the 2021MY.
