What's all this about?

Do you like the Citroen C4 Cactus? Did you like the Citroen Méhari? Do you wish that this French firm, renowned for making off-the-wall machines through the ages, would cut loose once in a while and give us some raving lunacy in automotive form? Then rejoice, and get yourself to the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) next month, as Citroen will be giving a world debut to a Cactus-Méhari mash-up that we simply can't wait to see.

A Méhari? What's one of those?

Really?! You people. It is basically a lightweight off-road vehicle with a plastic body and canvas roof that Citroen made for 20 years from 1968. It was based on the 2CV/Dyane architecture and was as near as dammit France's answer to the Mini Moke.

Oh, I remember them now - ribbed sides and all that. What does the Cactus Méhari look like?

We have no idea as yet but the idea of Airbumps meeting a canvas roof is one we're very excited about. Because we're a bit odd, you know?

What else will Citroen have at Frankfurt?

The Aircross concept SUV (which takes the Cactus' distinctive looks and jacks them up a bit) will have its European premiere following on from its first appearance at the Shanghai show earlier this year.

Also on display will be additional kit for the C1 and C4 Cactus, and the new C4 and Berlingo Multispace models, as well as some engine tech and connectivity solutions Citroen is cooking up.

Just remind me when the show is again?

Frankfurt IAA runs from September 15-27 this year.

Matt Robinson - 11 Aug 2015