Skip advert
Advertisement

141mpg Citroen C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L revealed

Super-frugal Cactus capable of 141mpg runs on compressed air and could go on sale by 2020

A new super-economical Citroen C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L model will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show next month. Although strictly a concept car, it features clever technology that will no doubt be used in a low-emissions version of the funky crossover in the not-too-distant future.

Citroen says the AIRFLOW 2L will use just two litres of fuel for every 100km driven. Convert that to miles per gallon and you’re left with an impressive 141mpg figure – not far off the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid.

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, unlike that car, there’s no complicated plug-in hybrid system. Instead, the AIRFLOW 2L gets a clever HybridAir setup, which uses compressed air rather than electricity to power the car and drive the wheels. It’s paired with the normal 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which functions as normal when the air ‘runs dry’.

That alone cuts fuel consumption by 30 per cent, but Citroen didn’t stop there. You only need to look at the concept car to notice a variety of aerodynamic tweaks that help maximise efficiency.

The sleek bodykit means it will slip through the air easily, while the 19-inch wheels are specially designed to improve fuel economy. The usual door mirrors have been replaced by slim cameras, to reduce drag, and small shutters in the bumper can open and close to direct air in a more streamlined direction. The final alteration is the LED front and rear lights. Citroen says they consume very little power, which directly benefits fuel economy.

The AIRFLOW 2L is also 100kg lighter than the standard C4 Cactus, thanks to the use of high-strength aluminium, steel and composite materials. Citroen says it’ll be just as safe as the standard car, though.

Currently, the most fuel-efficient model in the Cactus range is the 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel, which boasts 82g/km CO2 emissions and will return an impressive 91.1mpg economy. The fuel savings for the AIRFLOW 2L model would be huge, and while a production version is some way off, Citroen says it could be on sale by 2020.

For more information on all the cars set to debut in Paris, take a look at our Paris Motor Show preview page. Or for reviews of the current Citroen range, visit the Carbuyer Citroen reviews page.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Citroen Holidays is a £57k campervan with a not-so-subtle name
Citroen Holidays pop-up roof
News
13 Aug 2024

New Citroen Holidays is a £57k campervan with a not-so-subtle name

The best car brands in the UK: Driver Power 2024
Driver Power Brands 2024
News
6 Aug 2024

The best car brands in the UK: Driver Power 2024

Most Popular

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?
Ford Puma EcoBoost front
Tips and advice
5 Nov 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25
Car tax
Tips and advice
4 Nov 2024

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25

BMW M5 review – the most capable M5 ever is now a PHEV
BMW M5 Touring rear quarter cruising
In-depth reviews
5 Nov 2024

BMW M5 review – the most capable M5 ever is now a PHEV

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024