Driving Citroen’s new C4 hatch today – as I said earlier, with a high-riding Coupe style body now more SUV like to the previous hatch. One highly equipped model, the 1.2-litre three-cylinder C4 Shine eight speed automatic, around $42,000 drive-away.

A sunroof adds another $1490, metallic paint $690. This is a very welcome newcomer for the French brand – the test car in Pulse Orange with loads of eye appeal. Highly equipped with plush leather seats, LED headlights, a surround view camera, a colour head-up display, dual-zone aircon, three driving modes, eco, normal and sport, numerous active safety features including drive attention alert, only lacking rear cross traffic alert.

But how does it drive. First up, the ride is amazing for a relatively compact vehicle, featuring Citroen’s latest Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension, the company claiming it delivers a magic carpet ride and they’re not far wrong. On top of that the drivability of the 1.2-litre three-cylinder is eager and smooth with an inspiring three-cylinder hum yet the cabin is superbly insulated from engine and road noise.

It works a treat with a super smooth eight-speed automatic with manual shifters.  Good City/Country fuel economy 6.9L/100 but on 95 octane fuel. This new Citroen C4 is a great effort, not as quirky as some previous Citroen’s but still very individual, classy and full of character. Comfort its keynote feature.

I’m David Berthon.

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