As consumers’ pockets and wallets are squeezed tighter, we’re always on the lookout for bargains. But, when it comes to cars, there aren’t many corners to cut. They’re expensive to buy, and they’re expensive to run. Over the last decade, manufacturers have been working hard to produce the most economic vehicles. There are some fantastic cars out there, not least the legion of hybrid motors on our road. But, there’s a new kid on the block, and it’s blowing the competition out of the water. It’s the Citroen C4 Cactus
Named as Car Buyer’s most economical car of the year, it is setting a new standard for running costs. Our typical running costs include fuel, tax, insurance and the cost of servicing. In each of these areas, the strangely named Cactus outperforms most cars in its class. One of the main reasons for this is its phenomenal fuel economy. The hybrid option will produce an average 91mpg. The rate at which we are unlocking new boundaries with hybrid motors is staggering. As we strive for greener solutions in our homes and cars, we’re pushing into the future.
However, it’s not just the costs at the pumps you’ll notice with the Cactus. It also completely free to tax. Thanks to its ultra-clean engine, it emits just 82 g per kg of CO2. That’s one of the lowest ratings on the road. It’s also worth considering that this is no small car either. It’s a large, practical vehicle that still turns in these excellent numbers. Not only that, but it falls into a low insurance bracket thanks to its safety credentials. It returned a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating. It also takes advantage of its strange styling. Those buffers on the side are designed to brush off scrapes and knocks while parking. Each of these criteria bring its insurance quote down.
The Cactus is also at the top of its class for reliability. It’s something that Citroen pride themselves on. Our friends at Thames Motor Group tell us their Citroen range is amongst the most reliable on sale. With that in mind, your new Cactus isn’t going to cost you a lot of money at the garage. It comes with an extended warranty too, so they’ll take care of any damage. Let’s quickly recap; that’s cheap fuel costs, zero tax, cheap insurance and almost no servicing costs.
There’s no doubt this is a cheap car to run. But, do you compromise on the initial price? Well, the entry-level petrol version starts at just £12,000. As you move up the spec you can expect to pay a bit more. But, this certainly won’t break the bank and is a whole lot cheaper than its rivals. The Cactus is an all-around winner if you ask us.
When it comes to competition, the Cactus is rivaled only by the BMW i8. The i8 is a revolution in modern hybrid technology and looks beautiful. Unfortunately, it does come with a high price tag, making it much more expensive.
Overall, the Cactus is practical, fun to look at and the best in class when it comes to running costs. If you’re in the market for a new car, put it on your shopping list!