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Citroën Cactus M Concept channels Méhari spirit for Frankfurt debut

Citroën has revealed the Cactus M Concept, a surf-inspired, open-air take on the C4 Cactus, ahead of its public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

By Editorial Desk Updated
Citroën Cactus M Concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
Citroën Cactus M Concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Rutger van der Maar / CC BY 2.0

Citroën has taken the wraps off the Cactus M Concept, an open-top, leisure-focused reinterpretation of the C4 Cactus, ahead of its scheduled debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The concept draws clear inspiration from the classic Méhari, aiming to evoke a sense of freedom and outdoor adventure.

The Cactus M Concept is built on the existing C4 Cactus platform but stands apart with its distinctive bodywork. Plastic doors replace conventional panels, reducing weight and echoing the functional simplicity of the 1968 Méhari. The windscreen is reworked for a more upright, open feel, while a unique roof extension allows surfboards or other leisure gear to be carried above the cabin.

A notable feature is the inflatable roof, which can be deployed for weather protection or, when removed, converted into a tent for camping. This transforms the Cactus M from a day-tripper’s runabout into a weekend base, underlining Citroën’s pitch to outdoor enthusiasts. The concept’s interior is trimmed in neoprene fabric, making the seats waterproof and easy to clean. Drainage holes in the floor let owners hose out the cabin after a day at the beach or on muddy tracks.

Design details and practicality

Citroën’s approach with the Cactus M Concept is less about outright performance and more about lifestyle. The cabin layout is familiar from the C4 Cactus but tailored for open-air use. The waterproof seats are styled to resemble wetsuits, reinforcing the surf-and-sand image. The minimalist dashboard and controls remain, with the emphasis on durability and ease of use rather than luxury.

  • Plastic, lightweight doors for easy access and reduced weight
  • Inflatable roof doubles as a tent for outdoor stays
  • Waterproof, neoprene-trimmed seats and hose-cleanable interior

Citroën has not detailed powertrain specifications, but the Cactus M Concept is expected to use running gear from the standard C4 Cactus. Further technical details may be released at the Frankfurt show. For those interested in Citroën’s previous concept direction, the earlier Cactus Concept with Hybrid Air technology was also shown at Frankfurt in 2013.

Public debut in Frankfurt

The Cactus M Concept will be shown to the public at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Citroën has not announced any production plans, but the concept demonstrates the brand’s willingness to revisit its heritage and experiment with lifestyle vehicles. Whether the Cactus M leads to a production model or remains a design study, it highlights Citroën’s focus on practicality, fun and outdoor appeal.

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