Citroen C4 Aircross unveiled

It's also quirky Citroen's first four-wheel drive of any description here.

Although named a C4 the Aircross actually has more in common with Mitsubishi's ASX and soon to be released Peugeot 4008, with which it shares a platform.

It's a tad confusing but there is a lot of this cross polination of the brands occuring these days. Due here in the third quarter of the year, the Aircross will be available in two and four wheel drive form with a choice of petrol and diesel engines.

Importer Sydney's Ateco Automotive have confirmed the 2.0-litre petrol model, but the rest is still a work in progress. At 4.34 metres in length Citroen describes the car as surprisingly spacious, with a cabin worthy of the next class up.

It comes with a wide array of hi-tech gear including Navidrive navigation system with a touch screen and rearview camera, hands-free access and start-up, a Rockford hi-fi system and a music server.

Aircross features a panoramic glass sunroof that is illuminated by integrated LED lights at night. No word on pricing yet?

The entry-level two-wheel drive model is equipped with a 1.6-litre petrol engine that develops 85kW of power and 152Nm of torque, and is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.

There's also 1.6 and 1.8-litre turbo diesels, the first with 82kW/270Nm and the second, 110kW/300Nm. Both are paired with a six-speed manual and will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive.

To satisfy international requirements there's also a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 113kW/198Nm of torque. It will also be available in both two and four-wheel drive form, with a five-speed manual or CVT continuously variable style auto.