Cactus - any good?

[ianrb]

I'm looking for a new old runaround car, but I'd like to have something with a little character (but mainly cheap to run). Would the Cactus do that, and if so which engine should I look for? I'll do less than 10K miles/year and keep it until it disintigrates.

[xu5]

I would also be interested in any opinions form owners. It is currently a front runner for a family car for me and the missus when junior arrives. I like the look of them, they seem a good size without being too big.

[S10GTA]

Have heard nothing but positive noises from those in the Citroen car club who own them.

[BristolRich]

I've got one (HDi Blue 100) as a run around. It is pretty much back to basics motoring, but doesnt feel it if that makes sense?

Pros
Cheap to run - returns consistently 70MPG+ mix of commuting motorway and urban. £170 servicing, £0 VED.

People talk to you about it...

Interior space is good. I'm 6'3" and have plenty of room left on the seat runners. Chap replace the windscreen last week (scratched - he was much taller than me) and commented on how much space was inside.

Good long distance cruise. Front seats very comfy when you get used to them...they are huge.

Good kit from standard - reverse camera, sensors, DAB, Cruise control and limiter.

Don't worry about the opening rear window...its fine.

Undergubbins utilise mainly DS3 components.

Glovebox simple but brilliant. Storage everywhere.

Cons
Seats take some getting used to - lack lateral support and can at first feel a bit unsupported, however they are now like sitting in your favourite arm chair.

No CD option...if that bothers you.

Pedal box is small and narrow.

The dash is designed around the central touch screen. Biggest bug of mine is that the touch screen concept doesnt generally work well in cars. Its a bit fussy and the screen font doesnt match the speedo! Shame as the dash design has clearly been subject to close attention to detail yet the screen is missed.

Petrol 82 is gutless and struggles - go for 110 or HDI100

With 980KG curb weight it gets blown about ALOT on a windy motorway.

Airbumps good but get your supplies of trim cleaner to keep them looking fresh.

Rear seat back single fold only. 50:50 split only just introduced as standard.

Edited by BristolRich on Friday 15th July 12:44

[StoatInACoat]

Wouldn't you feel a bit of a prick?

[mikeyr]

BristolRich said:

With 980KG curb weight it gets blown about ALOT on a windy motorway.

Edited by BristolRich on Friday 15th July 12:44

Agree with all of Rich's statements although haven't noticed any issues with crosswinds myself. Not a huge amount of grip available though.

The smallest BHP engine has some real flat spots - notably second gear doesn't provide much acceleration at all and between 45-55 it is weirdly gutless in any gear. The clutch is overly high with no discernible biting point either. Combined with the comfy seats it encourages a, shall we say, laid back driving style.

The touch screen could do with some short cut options too.

Despite these gripes it's a nice little car and whilst I'm not sure I'd buy one outright they are really very good for the price point.

[scott davies]

I've got one as my family hack/daily. It's 110 Puretech petrol in blue lagoon with black 17" wheels. I've had it 8 months and done 10,000 miles so far. Simply love it, torquey little engine with a nice thrummy 3 cylinder noise, understeers everywhere when pushing hard (good fun), comfortable and wicked interior. Does exactly what is says on the tin; cheap, practical, Marmite, French, will probably be dead after 10 years but I highly recommend it.

It compliments my Renaultsport Megane perfectly.

[ianrb]

Are any of the engines especially good or bad? I mean considering the price point and intended market.

[dxg]

scott davies said:

I've got one as my family hack/daily. It's 110 Puretech petrol in blue lagoon with black 17" wheels. I've had it 8 months and done 10,000 miles so far. Simply love it, torquey little engine with a nice thrummy 3 cylinder noise, understeers everywhere when pushing hard (good fun), comfortable and wicked interior. Does exactly what is says on the tin; cheap, practical, Marmite, French, will probably be dead after 10 years but I highly recommend it.

It compliments my Renaultsport Megane perfectly.

Second the comments on the engine.

Had one as a hire car a while back. It was a petrol, but seemed (maybe due to the low weight) to have the torque and, unfortunately, the noise of a diesel. In fact, it was so much like a diesel engine, that the paperwork in the car said it was just back from being repaired after someone'd stuck diesel in it!

Inside was full of cheap plastics, but liked the design. The infotainment was the standard PSA one and, thus, horrible to use. Would have liked traditional dials.