Citroen is considering introducing a separate range of eco-friendly cars based on the C-Cactus. Just like the newly announced DS range, they will form a stand-alone line up in their own right rather than just being efficient derivatives of standard Citroens.
 
The first will be a production version of the C-Cactus which is expected late next year. This will be based on the C4 but feature unique bodywork and a highly efficient propulsion system. Citroen has yet to decide what this could be. It is investigating using a fully electric system, hybrid or PSA’s new 3-cylinder sub 100g/km CO2 three-cylinder diesel engine.
 
A Citroen insider told us: “We have announced plans for premium DS line of products. So it makes sense to do a similar thing with our future eco-friendly vehicles. Then we would be able to provide unique vehicles to three different types of person.”
 
How would that work? Well he said the ‘Cactus’ range would be aimed at people concern about the environment, DS cars would appeal to image conscious buyers whereas the normal Citroens would be for more traditional buyers whose priority is value.

The insider also had some other news for us. Apparently, Citroen is changing its trim levels. From now on, VTS badged cars will be top spec models, rather than performance versions. “In the current climate there is no call for Citroen to do sporty variants like we did in the past with the sporty Saxo. The world has changed.”