Citroen Cactus Vs Suzuki Vitara Comparison

Citroen Cactus
VS

2016_vitara_1
Suzuki Vitara

This is the new Suzuki Vitara Vs Citroen Cactus comparison for 2016. Continuing on with our series of the comparisons featuring the Suzuki Vitara and its competitors this time we compare the Citroen Cactus for the first time! We added the C4 model identifcation  after the post because it is clear that the Cactus name plate will probably be used in other Citroen models, presumably bigger ones as the C4 is one of the smallest models.

Suzuki Vitara Vs Citroen C4 Cactus exterior comparison: The Citreoen design is similar yet different and in line with the current  Citroen design language. It’s front end styling is seemingly different from other brands although the Nissan Juke was the first with parking lights on the top and of course the same style used in the current Jeep Cherokee. However the Cactus goes further by having extra large side or door protection purely to counter shopping centre parking dings. Arguably without the side plastics it would look more ordinary. Colour matching the of the plastics on the rest of the body also make it standout from the crowd. While cars designs without curves are so mid 2000s the Cactus gets away with and looks modern if not stylish. The Vitara design is current and conservative but we prefer the Cactus styling as it is very clever.

Suzuki Vitara Vs Citroen Cactus interior comparison: The interior design of the Cactus is like the exterior. It uses a conventional base which is arguably retro, steam punk inspired curves, due to the repositioning of the passenger airbag, handles with modern touches like the see through gauges, tablets and steering wheel controls. Like fashion it seems odd when you describe it but put it together and it works and the Cactus interior feels good to be in and look at although not luxury but more lounge like. The Vitara interior is very ordinary in comparison so the Citroen Cactus wins the interior comparison as well.

Suzuki Vitara Vs Citroen C4 Cactus engine and technology comparison: Simply put the Vitara has the better engine and transmission combination regardless of petrol or diesel. Power and handling hungry Australian drivers will find the Vitara package had to beat. There are a few extras in the C4 Cactus like GPS, Digital radio and a better stereo system but apart for that the safety and technology department for both are pretty much equal as both are lightweight hence very modern but different in that the Citroen doesn’t come with a automatic in Petrol form and the Diesel version does not have a proper automatic.

Suzuki Vitara Vs Citroen C4 Cactus road test comparison: The Suzuki Vtara is a good drive – we won’t repeat what we’ve said in the past about it! and we haven’t driven the Cactus others said that manual is great but avoid the auto.

The winner of the Suzuki Vitara Vs Citroen Cactus comparison is – a draw! However it is a technicality and a pretty big one. The Citroen C4 Cactus has so much potential hampered with only a manual and robot manual/auto system. Aside from that the base version of the Cactus is expensive for a manual even with elevated equipment level taken into account. The turbo petrol manual Cactus would be a great buy if you want to change gears else the Vitara would a great alternative if you can live with the styling. In the end we’d buy the Cactus if we wanted a manual small SUV as it is different and a little special.

Citroen Cactus Suzuki Vitara
2016_vitara_2
Engines
3 Cylinder petrol (HN01)
1.2 Litre (1199cc) 95 Octane
EFT DOHC DI Turbo
Claimed 81Kw @ 5500 RPM
Claimed 190Nm @ 200 RPM
4 Cylinder petrol (K14C)
1.4 Litre (1373cc)
Turbo DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 103Kw @ 5500 RPM
Claimed 220Nm @ 1500 RPM
IL4 cylinder Diesel (9H06)
1.6 Litre (1560cc)
Turbo-charged – DI – CR
Claimed 68kW @ 4000rpm
Claimed 230Nm @ 1750rpm
IL4 cylinder Diesel
1.6 Litre (1596cc)
Turbo-charged – DI – CR
Claimed 88kW @ 3750rpm
Claimed 320Nm @ 1750rpm
4 Cylinder petrol (M16A)
1.6 Litre (1586cc) 91 Octane
DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 86Kw @ 6000 RPM
Claimed 156Nm @ 4400 RPM
Weight
Kerb weight FROM 1020 Kg (approx)
Towing capacity up to 825kg
From Approx Kerb weight 1075 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1200kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 50 litres
HN01 4.7 litres per 100km
9H06 3.6 litres per 100km
Up to 47 litres
IL4 1.6 Petrol 5.8 litres per 100km
IL4 1.4 Petrol turbo 5.9 litres per 100km
IL4 1.6 Diesel 4.9 litres per 100km
Other specifications
5 speed manual or 6 speed Auto
Overall height/width 4157/1946
Overall length/wheelbase 4157/2595
4WD system: None
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size: 205-50-17
5 or 6 speed Auto 5 speed Manual
Overall height/width 1610/1775
Overall length/wheelbase 4175/2500
4WD system: None AWD or 2WD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size:
Capability
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
Pricing
2016 $26,990 – 29,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!
2016 $21,990 – 35,990 AUD