We wanted to introduce different materials and textures to contrast with the super purity of the surfaces. They are an integral part of the design. They have a protective function but they also give the car its graphic identity and make it immediately identifiable.

What inspired the Airbumps?

Shock-absorbing materials like bubblewrap and boat fenders. Things that rely on air as the way of achieving protection within a light and efficient object. The Airbumps are a Citroen innovation and were developed in collaboration with a supplier. The actual development process was quite long and complex. The challenge was producing a structure that would meet the criteria on endurance, resilience and form. Fixing them to the car was the easier bit.

The Cactus project has been going on for years. Is that an advantage?

Yes as we have had a lot of feedback since the first version in 2007. The original idea to simplify things went too far in some ways. For example, there was no dashboard and the seats were exceptionally thin. People were attracted to the concept but they were a little bit alienated when they got inside. There is a limit to how much you can take out. People still want comfort and familiarity.

Tell us about the car’s unusual cabin

We started by deconstructing the traditional interior with the aim of making life simpler and less stressed. Interiors have become highly complicated with the addition of more and more equipment such as airbags, screens, controls and instrument panels. We reorganized the dashboard by taking each element and redistributing it. For example the passenger airbag went into the roof and the touchscreen and the gear selector came out of the dashboard. This allowed us to make the dashboard super slim and elegant. But everything has its place and is easily identifiable

What do you like about the C4 Cactus?

It is relaxed, confident and beautifully done. The C4 Cactus is a super smooth pebble that has been in the river a long time. A little bit of quirkiness is a good thing for a true Citroen.

How will the C4 Cactus influence the design for future Citroens?

There are a number of messages embodied in the design that are indicators of what we plan to do in the future. The big accent is on comfort and and just feeling good being inside. Just because you have a complex machine doesn’t mean the user experience has to be complex.

What design elements of the C4 Cactus are you particularly pleased with?

The bench seat has translated very nicely to the production car. It’s not at all about putting three people in the front. If you put three people up front you make a van. It is about changing the feeling. Comfort can be a physical and a mental thing. The feeling of being on a sofa with one other person is very different to being in two separate armchairs. It creates ease.

What are the future trends that will affect car design?

For us it is simple forms to which we can easily apply new and interesting materials. It is difficult to apply materials to highly complex forms with lots of creases and in and out movement. With simplicity of form you can be quite innovative. There are ‘trends’ all over the C4 Cactus. Look at the glovebox or the dashboard or even how you close the door – with a belt that looks like it came off a beautiful piece of luggage.