CITROEN is expanding its popular Cactus line-up with a new Rip Curl special edition due to hit UK streets in late spring.

The newcomer marks a collaboration between the French car company and the surfing brand - with the emphasis on fun.

It means Cactus fans can opt for a variant that's more technologically advanced, with a higher level of all-road performance.

Citroen says the C4 Cactus Rip Curl's major innovation is enhanced traction, and it is the only version to come with the manufacturer's Grip Control set-up while the car also features special Mud & Snow tyres.

Grip Control provides the benefit of intelligent traction in ‘off-road' mode using an advanced anti-skid function built into the ESP computer, which manages the traction from the front wheels, and has several other modes for different types of terrain.

As for styling the Rip Curl heralds the likes of white door mirrors, white roof-bars and a white vertical strip on the wings - plus the Rip Curl logo.

It also features front and rear aluminium-coloured protection plates and the signature Airbump that protects the Cactus bodywork and available in a range of optional colours.

Inside, the orange safety belts contrast with the Mica Grey fabric seats while the floor mats feature orange stitching and a label bearing the surfing brand's logo.

And the car's loudspeakers are also finished in orange.

As for trim, the Rip Curl is based on the Flair grade with standard kit including rear parking sensors and camera, auto climate control, auto headlamps and front wipers, sat-nav, six-speaker MP3 audio, cruise control/speed limiter and tinted windows.

There's also a panoramic glass roof with thermal protection.