
Citroen’s C4 Cactus is more than just another compact car. It’s a manifesto on wheels for the brand’s move down-market as parent PSA/Peugeot-Citroen struggles to return to profit.

Citroen’s C4 Cactus is more than just another compact car. It’s a manifesto on wheels for the brand’s move down-market as parent PSA/Peugeot-Citroen struggles to return to profit.

PSA’s Villaverde factory in Madrid, which faced closure two years ago, now has a brighter future thanks to the C4 Cactus. Citroen started building the new compact hatchback at the plant at the end of April. Starting next year the C4 Cactus will be the only model the plant makes.

Citroen has announced a raft of updates for the DS3 and DS3 Cabrio, with new engines, styling and safety kit. The revised DS3 and DS3 Cabrio go on sale in July and prices should remain unchanges, with an entry level DS3 starting at £12,495.

Citroen chief Frederic Banzet will be replaced by the brand’s UK head, Linda Jackson, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen said.

Citroen will debut the DS 6WR, a production version of its admired Wild Rubis SUV concept, at the Beijing auto show on Sunday.