Citroen Says Production C4 Cactus will Keep Concept's Airbumps and Sofa-Style Front Bench

When we shared the first scoop photos of the production C4 Cactus last month, we looked at the camouflaged prototype and couldn't see the concept's so-called "Airbumps", which is a customizable cladding on the doors made from a soft skin featuring air capsules that protected the bodywork against light impacts.

Turns out that they must be there somewhere as Frederic Duvernier, the Cactus concept's external designer, told Autonews Europe that the feature will appear on next year's production model.

"The material used for the Airbumps is very resistant and durable. It is similar to what you find in the sole of a Nike Air shoe," he told the publication. "The Airbumps will protect the bodywork from small impacts, such as a shopping trolley hitting it in a supermarket parking lot."

He added that the Airbump feature will allow customers to personalize the look of their car by ordering then in different colors.

Another surprise feature of the concept that will make it into production is the sofa-style front bench seating. "Putting in a sofa instead of two standard front seats is more expensive but it will create a feeling of comfort," said Mark Lloyd, Citroen's design program director.

Lloyd pointed out to Autonews Europe that Citroen's new C-line cars will sport simpler shapes and more plain surfaces instead of aggressive styling as other modern cars. "People's lives are complex and overloaded nowadays. Most of our customers are looking for simplicity. We have taken out anything unnecessary to concentrate on comfort and well-being," he said.

The same philosophy will apply to the next C1 city car which is being co-developed with Toyota, as well as the successors to the C3 supermini and the mid-size C5. "Every car will have its own design, but the philosophy of simplicity will be common to all the line," he added.

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