Road test: Citroën C4 Cactus

Citroën created a successful niche market for its DS3 hatchback and is hoping to repeat this with the bigger, quirkier C4 Cactus, which arrives in October.

Originally revealed as a concept car, Citroën has barely toned down the production version, with its slotshaped front lamps and distinctively cheerful, upright, stumpy profile.

The soft side rubbing panels with “Airbump” air pockets also remain. Inside, the dash design and touch-screen controls are nicely left-field, the seats look like sofas, and the car will be offered with a Gallic mix of Seventies-looking colours and trims.

Engines range from 1.0 petrol three cylinders to 1.6 diesels and some weight-saving ideas should help economy-wise.

Expect to pay from £13,000 to £18,000.