The Fully Open Concept "Cactus M" | Citroën

Citroen Cactus M

The Fully Open Concept "Cactus M"

Citroën will exhibit the concept model "Cactus M," based on the "C4 Cactus," at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It's a fully open-top car designed for outdoor use, envisioned for surfers.

Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)

An Open Model Inspired by the Méhari

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, opening on September 15, Citroën will unveil the fully open-top "Cactus M." The Cactus M is based on the uniquely designed crossover that debuted last year,C4 Cactusand is a fully open-top version. It is said to inherit the spirit of the "Méhari," a cross-country vehicle sold in the 1970s and 80s.

The Cactus M's appearance, a modification of the distinctive design of the C4 Cactus it's based on, is even more original. Not only does it lack a roof, but it also has no side windows or pillars. The front windshield, tilted at 60 degrees, features a bold frame, and along with the black wheel arches and large 19-inch wheels, it creates a sense of power. Additionally, a wooden carrier arch is mounted above the rear cargo area.

Citroen Cactus M & Citroen Mehari

The long, two-part doors are made of a single molded plastic piece, making them resistant to rough use and contributing to the vehicle's lighter weight. The door hinges, made prominent by their ABS covers, borrow details from the Méhari, its design inspiration.

On the exterior of the doors, polyurethane strips are applied, similar to the "Airbumps" used on the C4 Cactus to protect the body from light impacts. These strips, also present on the front and rear bumpers, serve to protect the body from minor scratches, as well as from elements like saltwater and sand.

Citroen Cactus M

The Fully Open Concept "Cactus M" (2)

A Car That Can Handle the Beach

Created with surfers in mind, the Cactus M carefully selects materials and technologies to ensure it can handle challenging environments like beaches with salt, water, and sand without issue. The concept behind the Cactus M is to provide a vehicle that allows users to fully engage in sports and adventures without worrying about rust, scratches, or other problems these elements might cause.

The cabin is designed like a boat, with the interior and exterior painted in the same color, named "Jaws Blue." Water drains from the waterproof and salt-resistant seats to the underside of the vehicle, allowing the entire interior to be washed down with a hose. The interior and dashboard trim use neoprene, a material often found in wetsuits, offering high water resistance while providing a warm surface texture distinct from plastic.

Emphasizing a wild and free atmosphere, it's designed for direct entry and exit by stepping over the side, rather than the cumbersome process of opening the doors and folding the front seats. Indeed, the body sides feature indentations to serve as footrests.

The carrier arch on the trunk is equipped with fasteners to hold two surfboards, and for the Frankfurt Motor Show, Citroën has created special boards that match the interior design.

Citroen Cactus M

The Fully Open Concept "Cactus M" (3)

Experience Everything Around You

The rear seats can be folded down to connect with the cargo space, creating a simple sleeping area for two people.

While the Cactus M is fundamentally an open-air vehicle, a roof is stored beneath the two-tiered trunk for protection against inclement weather. The manually attached top has three inflatable ribs, easily inflated using a pump located at the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, by extending the rear of this top, it can transform into a tent with a height of 180 cm.

The powertrain features the 1.2-liter 3-cylinder PureTech 110 S&S gasoline engine, producing a maximum output of 110 hp, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which was also added as an option for the C4 Cactus. The "S&S" indicates the inclusion of a start-and-stop system. Additionally, it is equipped with "Grip Control," a feature also found in models like the Peugeot3008which is an evolution of traction control that enhances off-road capability by ensuring strong grip even on front-wheel-drive vehicles.

The Cactus M, offering a greater sense of openness than a conventional convertible, embodies Citroën's aspiration for a car that allows you to feel everything around you and enjoy life to the fullest. It also serves as a vehicle that demonstrates the further potential of the C4 Cactus, which has been on the market for a year in Europe.