Citroen C-Cactus at British Motor Show

Citroen will display five new models at next month’s British International Motor Show – the lens-stealing new Citroen C5 Tourer and saloon, the new-look C2 supermini and a fresh take on the Berlingo Multispace.

But whereas four out of the five new models have either been hinted at, or roundly discussed in recent weeks, one – the C-Cactus Concept – is getting its first taste of auto stardom at the ExCel venue at London’s Docklands.

The all-new Citroen C-Cactus Concept continues in a very long and proud tradition that the French car manufacturer has for producing bold automotive visions that often seem ahead of the time, not to mention the competition. The C-Cactus isn’t likely to upset the applecart.

An award-magnetising ecologically-sound hatchback is built on staunchly diesel hybrid technologies, and from comprehensively-recycled components, and will do no harm whatsoever in enhancing Citroen’s dedication to sketching out, mocking up and thrusting forward environmentally-friendly vehicles.

The 70bhp power source will give the frugally-minded driver 83mpg, whilst releasing only 78g/km of carbon dioxide in the process, thanks largely to its behind-the-bonnet relationship with a 30bhp electric motor, which comes into its own during urban driving.

The reclaimed materials used to construct the C-Cactus are a whole lot lighter than conventional sub-structures and as such cut any fuel-sapping weight issues. Multi-tasking ignitions and dashboard-replacing centre consoles negate the needs of cumbersome filler.

Making its debut, the C-Crosser-based C-Cactus captures the car maker’s knack for not only dreaming up inspired, affordable and minimalist solutions to our future car worries, but for lumbering such revelations with absurd names.

Citroën will also be showcasing a selection of congestion-charge beating, low-CO2 vehicles, including the nippy C1 city car.