The Citroen C4 Cactus has been declared the 2015 World Car Design of the Year at a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show.->ke226 The French crossover, equipped with Citroen's->ke22 innovative air pocket panels that prevent dents and scratches, gathered most votes in a final that also included the Mercedes-Benz C-Class->ke1593 and the Volvo XC90.

As with each edition of the awards, the candidates were first reviewed by a panel consisting of five highly respected design experts. The 75 World Car Awards jurors then voted on the expert’s recommendations. World Car Design of the Year candidates are required to be available in quantities of at least 10 in one major market during the period beginning January 1st, 2014 and ending May 31st, 2015.

"The Cactus is a truly innovative piece of design. It has an appealingly distinct exterior announced first by its slender upper front lights, proportions slightly different to any other car, and by those stand-out ‘air-bumps’ that help safeguard against parking scrapes. Inside it eschews lots of dials and buttons for a very minimal uncluttered approach: controls centered on and around a central digital screen and many of the core surfaces and volumes kept linear, reduced, and pleasantly un-car-like. The Cactus design is a proper breath of fresh air," the experts that favored the C4 Cactus concluded.

This is the second Citroen to win the World Car Design of the Year, after the C4->ke2052 won the inaugural edition in 2006.

Continue reading to learn more about the Citroen C4 Catus.

Why it matters

Having won the inaugural edition and having been listed as a finalist on other four occasions, Citroen is no stranger to these awards, and it's not at all surprising the French took home yet another prize. Citroen is most famous for its innovative approaches and daring designs, and there's no questioning that the C4 Cactus is a vehicle that stands out in many departments. But looking at the finalists, it's probably the never-before-seen "air-bumps" that brought it this award.

What's somewhat ironic here is the fact that the C4 Cactus won its award in New York. Not only is this vehicle is not available in the U.S., Citroen hasn't been selling its products in North America since 1974. That's 41 years! Heck, the C4 Cactus wasn't even displayed at an American auto show since its introduction. Of course, this doesn't mean the French crossover didn't deserve the award. But it would've been nice if Citroen had sent an example to New York for the event. Yup, the C4 Cactus was the only candidate missing from the awards. How rude!

Citroen C4 Cactus

Learn more about the 2014 Citroen C4 Cactus in our detailed review here.