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2016 Geneva Motor Show

Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl: the all-outdoor version


At the Geneva Motor Show, the wind of freedom and adventure will blow over the Citroën stand with the introduction of the "C4 Cactus Rip Curl" Special Edition. A logical association of two companies that develop trendy and highly technical products. A unique and fun crossover, with this special edition C4 Cactus introduces the Grip Control function, giving it better traction, plus style elements that emphasise its all-outdoor character.


A new type of crossover made to revolutionise the automobile sector, C4 Cactus is continuing to expand its range with the World Première of a special edition born from the collaboration between Citroën and Rip Curl, the world leader in the surfing market.

Through its association with Rip Curl, whose name alone has symbolised surfing since 1969, Citroën is boosting the outdoor spirit of C4 Cactus through a more radical and revealing version. In this way, Citroën is providing this model's fans with a version that is at the same time different, technologically advanced and with a high level of performance, ideal for lifestyles focused on relaxing, leisure and well-being. This philosophy is in tune with Rip Curl, a brand founded in Torquay, Australia, a few hours' drive from the mythical "Cactus Bay" surfing spot.

Sharing values such as innovation and creativity, both brands also share the same taste for adventure (which Rip Curl calls "The Search" - the search for the perfect wave), encouraging consumers to hit the road "anywhere, anytime". It was obvious that Rip Curl and Citroën had to get together, all the more so with the launch of Grip Control in the C4 Cactus range.


Grip Control - increased traction to help you get away

Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl's major innovation is its strengthened traction, associated with the highest-performance C4 Cactus engines and coupled to a manual gearbox (PureTech 110 S&S Manual or BlueHDi 100 Manual versions). Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl is the only one to have the Grip Control system, with special Mud & Snow tyres to help keep moving on difficult surfaces (Goodyear 205/50 R17 89V - Vector 4Seasons tyres).

The Grip Control system provides the benefit of intelligent increased traction in all-roads mode. It uses an advanced anti-skid function built into the ESP computer, which manages skid in the front driving wheels and has various modes to adapt to the terrain. The Grip Control knob, set in the centre of the dashboard, provides access to 5 operating modes:

- STANDARD: to drive along sun-drenched coast roads, mountain curves, long stretches of motorway or trendy city-centre avenues... This mode is intended for usual road conditions with little skid content. It also lets the Grip Control system adapt automatically to the current state of the road;

- SAND: to get as close as you can to the most beautiful surfing spots... With this mode, you can benefit from simultaneous skid on both front driving wheels to keep you moving on loose soils and limit the risk of getting bogged down. It is operational up to 120km/h then automatically reverts to "Standard" mode;

- OFF-ROAD: to drive fearlessly on all types of slippery surfaces (mud, wet grass, dirt track)... Acting as a limited-slip differential, this mode lets the vehicle start in these special circumstances by transferring the maximum amount of torque to the wheel with the best grip. It is operational up to 80 km/h then automatically reverts to "Standard" mode.

- SNOW: to reach the most beautiful ski resorts... This mode instantly adapts the skid of each drive wheel to the current grip conditions, letting you move calmly and securely on snowy roads. A soon as the car reaches 50 km/h, the system reverts to "Standard" mode.

- ESP OFF: to deactivate ESP (operational up to 50 km/h).

Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl's increased traction promises a unique driving experience for its driver and passengers, irrespective of season and destination, while standing out clearly from the other cars with its trendy compact SUV looks.

Modern, functional design

The Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl can count on its unique design that combines usability and style. This special edition is both modern and dynamic, reflecting the surfer ethic. Its looks stand out, with exclusive attributes both inside and out. Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl's specific look includes : white rear-view mirror housings, white roof-bars and a brilliant-white vertical adhesive strip blending geometric patterns and the Rip Curl logo that covers the front wing. The rear quarter-light features the same pattern, applied horizontally, with the Rip Curl signature in white lettering. This graphic look firmly places the car in the surfing universe.

Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl also features front and rear aluminium-grey protection plates that reinforce its "traveller-adventurer" identity. The functional and stylish Airbump® enhances C4 Cactus's personality and protects its bodywork. It's Black as standard, and it's available in other colours (Dune, Chocolate and Grey ) as an option to make Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl truly yours. At Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl's launch, five body colours will be available to order: Olive Brown/Obsidian Black/Aden Red/Aluminium Grey and Mother-of-Pearl White. By the end of the year, Citroën intends to offer a unique colour scheme, Baltic Blue, to further enhance Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl's lines.

Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl's cabin features Pulp Orange accents. A truly dynamic, energising tint. The Pulp Orange coloured safety belts contrast with the interior finish of the seats available in Mica Grey Fabric (as standard) or Mixed Leather Back/Black Fabric (optional). The same colour schemes also appear here and there on the floor. The protective mats feature Pulp Orange stitching and a label bearing the surfing brand's logo. To carry on the theme of contrasts with the Stone Grey ambiance on board, Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl's loudspeaker bezels are coloured Pulp Orange. Lastly, as a reference to luggage and escape, the dashboard's driving position zone is uncluttered and connected to controls grouped within the 7" touchscreen tablet. The TOP BOX glove-box lid is finished in the style of steamer trunks, with straps and spikes.

With its high level of equipment, the new Special Edition C4 Cactus Rip Curl is based on the Citroën C4 Cactus "Shine" level 3 finish. It has the same standard equipment and (according to markets) adds many technology features (rear parking assistance, automatic climate control, automatic headlamp lighting and front wipers, navigation system, 6-speaker MP3 audio system, cruise control/speed limiter, extra-dark tinted windows, etc.) To remain at one with nature and enjoy exceptional brightness during each escapade, Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl is fitted as standard (depending on markets) with a panoramic glass roof with high thermal protection, able to absorb heating effects.

The Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl will be marketed in the first half of 2016 and was exhibited on the Citroën stand at the Geneva Motor Show on 1-13 March, 2016.



© 22 February 2016 Julian Marsh / Citroënët / SA Automobiles Citroën