The petrol range kicks off with an 89bhp 1.4-litre, but the 108bhp 1.6 will suit most buyers better. There are two 1.6-litre diesel engines giving either 91bhp or 108bhp. Both are well up to the job, and they're cheaper to buy than the 136bhp 2.0-litre diesel.

Previous Citroëns have been renowned for a soft ride. The C4’s ride, however, is remarkably firm, particularly at low speeds. The suspension gives good body control at higher speeds, although the mid-corner bumps thump through the helm uncomfortably. The steering is light and provides sharp turn-in to corners but doesn’t offer enough feel.

The distinctive three- and five-door bodies have been designed to cut through the air without stirring up wind noise. They largely succeed, but the door mirrors create some noise. Road noise is nearly non-existent, most engines are smooth and quiet. The controls are light and fluid.

Citroën is offering its usual deals to tempt customers, including interest-free finance and cashback deals. The car will sell on its low prices, plentiful equipment and painless running costs. That doesn’t mean to say you won’t be able to squeeze a discount out of your local dealer, however.

Citroën has made a successful effort with the C4 to inject a bit of class. Everything looks and feels good, even in areas that are often overlooked, such as lower seat frames and beneath the rear seats. Citroën’s reputation for mechanical reliability isn’t fabulous, but things are getting better.

Every C4 has electronic driver aids to stop it skidding off the road and a full set of six airbags to protect you from someone else’s mistakes. The door locks trigger automatically once you’re on the move. There’s even an optional warning that alerts you if you stray over a white line without indicating. Deadlocks and an immobiliser help to hinder thieves.

You can’t use the seat-adjusters easily, the sloping sides nibble at headroom and rear visibility could be better in the five-door. The profusion of digital instrument displays can be confusing. There are some novel ideas, however, such as the fixed steering wheel boss that keeps the controls mounted on it in fixed positions.

Three- and five-door models provide identical passenger space, but they’re not the roomiest small hatches. The sloping sides make the cabin narrow but space is fine for anyone under six feet tall. The boot is reasonably sized and shaped unless you order the premium sound system with its extra speakers.

All models are fitted with cruise control, electric front windows and mirrors and a CD player. SX models add air-conditioning, alloy wheels and foglights. VTR Plus models have features such as climate control, powered rear windows and automatic lights and wipers, while the top-end Exclusive model adds a CD autochanger and directional xenon headlamps.