Citroen Dispatch Reviews

The Citroen C4 Aircross is the French brand’s first small SUV, and has leapfrogged any first-effort gremlins by using Mitsubishi’s popular ASX crossover for its basis. It’s by no means a copyright-cheating facsimile though, as the C4 Aircross shares all mechanicals, and much of its construction with the ASX, as part of an agreement with Mitsubishi.Therefore, the C4 Aircross shares little more than badging and half its name with the Citroen C4 hatch range. The C4 Aircross is not alone in following this formula to create a semi-instant small SUV, with fellow PSA brand Peugeot’s 4008 sharing an equal relationship with the ASX.This sort of model propagation is nothing new in the automotive world, and on closer inspection, the C4 Aircross is a particularly successful cross-breed.Traditionally, Citroen owners have often paid a premium for their Gallic exclusivity, but the C4 Aircross bucks this trend with a starting price of just $31,990.For this modest outlay, the single-trim level, auto-only C4 Aircross in two-wheel-drive guise (AWD $2000 more) comes with most mod cons, including cruise and climate control, reversing camera auto-dimming rear view mirror with the reversing display built into it, and USB, auxiliary, bluetooth connectivity, and 18 inch wheels.The closest spec two-wheel-drive ASX Aspire is just $750 less ($31,240) with smaller 17-inch wheels, but adds a 7-inch multimedia screen with satnav, and partial leather trim with front seat heaters (optional in the Aircross). Similarly, the $31,490 4008 Active with the same drivetrain matches the Aircross’s spec list aside from its smaller 16-inch alloys.Both the ASX and 4008 are available with a manual transmission and a diesel engine, so if you’re seeking either of those elements, you know where to find them. The segment sales champion Hyundai ix35 nudges all of the ASX-based trio though for value, with the $32,590 2.0 litre petrol auto Elite coming with standard 18s, satnav, partial leather, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic glass roof.Unlike many badge-engineered models of the past, the C4 Aircross integrates contemporary Citroen details seamlessly with the ASX’s Mitsubishi flavour. All exterior panels aside from the doors and roof are changed from the ASX, so few people will pick its Japanese roots. On the inside, the C4 is less distinct, and relies on darker plastics and piano black and silver highlights to separate it from the Mitsubishi. The 4008 Active uses exactly the same treatment as the Citroen, save for Peugeot badgework. Therefore, the C4 Aircross offers the same useful five-seat accommodation as the ASX, with reclining 60/40 split backrests in the rear, and 384L of seats-up cargo storage in the rear.The C4 Aircross 4x2’s sole engine and transmission combination is the 110kW/197Nm 2.0 litre petrol four and CVT auto found in the ASX and 4008, and unsurprisingly matches both for combined fuel consumption at 7.9L/100km.Safety wise, the C4 Aircross gets seven airbags, rear parking sensors and camera, stability and traction control and hill-start assist, but is yet to be awarded an ANCAP rating.While the 2.0 litre four is no powerhouse, it does a good job of hauling the 1395kg Aircross, plus four adults and luggage around. The CVT auto keeps the engine revving at its torque sweet spot, which results in typical CVT grumble when pressed, but it’s perfectly acceptable when cruising. The ride feels a touch oversprung -- contrasting with Citroen’s magic carpet heritage-- and there is some kickback through the steering over broken surfaces. The overall drive experience is more hatch-nimble than SUV, with little bodyroll and a willingness to dart around obstacles. The extra ground clearance the C4 Aircross offers over a conventional hatch is handy for negotiating big speedhumps and steep driveway entries, and the body is surrounded by unpainted plastic to help with minor parking “encounters”.

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

SUVs look tough and deliver a command driving position - unless everyone else is also sitting up high-and-mighty in a hulking off-roader - but they really don't have the people or carrying capacity you might expect.Even seven-seater SUVs are usually cramped in the back row and you should try fitting a family's luggage needs in the rear when all the seats are occupied.People movers aren't trendy, and they aren't attractive, but there are times when a big box on wheels really is the best solution.Volkswagen got the people movement going with the Kombi, then Chrysler switched the action to the USA before Toyota revolutionised things with the Tarago - named after a NSW country town outside Canberra.These days there are people movers to suit most families and budgets, and these are the obvious contenders:Chrysler Grand VoyagerA fading star that suffers from an ageing design and poor cabin quality, as well as pricetag that means it's a premium contender in a class where there is much better value.Price: from $57,500Seats: 7Engine: 2.8 litre turbodiesel 120kW/360NmTransmission: 6-sp auto FWDThirst: 8.4L/100km; 111g/km CO2Citroen C4 Picasso One of Europe's best people movers drives well and has some great design touches, including a front windscreen that rolls up to the roof. Hurt in Australia by the questions over anything with a Citroen badge.Price: from $39,490Seats: 7Engine: 2.0 litre turbodiesel 100kW/270NmTransmission: 6-sp auto FWDThirst: 5.3L/100km; 137g/km CO2Honda OdysseyIt's getting old but it still does the job, and the price is nice. The Odyssey is not as big as some, and the performance suffers when you load it up, but it is still a smart choice.Price: from $37,100Seats: 7Engine: 2.4L petrol, 132kW/218NmTransmission: 5-speed automatic, FWDThirst: 8.9L/100km, 212g/km CO2Kia Grand Carnival The top choice with the Carsguide crew, thanks to everything from a big body to an available turbodiesel engine and electric sliding doors on the top model. Value is great and there is a big spread of models.Price: from $38,990Seats: 8Engine: 2.2L turbodiesel 143kW/429Nm or 3.5L V6 petrol 202kW/336NmTransmission: 6-spd auto FWDThirst: 8.1L/100km (diesel),  10.9L/100km (petrol)Mercedes-Benz Viano It's the Rolls-Royce of minivans, in Australia at least, lifting the working class Vito van to new highs of comfort and class. Too boxy for some people, but the badge provides plenty of compensation.Price: from $78,990Seats: 6-8Engine: 3.0L turbodiesel 165kW/440NmTransmission: 5-spd auto RWDThirst: 8.6L/100km; 226g/km CO2Toyota Tarago The people mover that time - and Toyota - forgot. Once the best of the breed, particularly in the days of the `giant egg' model, but now just a boring box that's too expensive and doesn't come with a diesel engine.Price: from $48,990Seats: 7-8Engine: 2.4L 4-cyl petrol, 125kW/224Nm or 3.5L V6 petrol 202kW/340NmTransmission: CVT auto, FWDThirst: 8.9L/100km, 207g/km CO2 or 10.3L/100km; 243g/km CO2

Yet another reduced price offering from a European car maker - this time the iconic French marquee, Citroen, with one of its C4 variants. ENGINE Fuelled by the ever increasing car sales strength in Australia, the rise of our dollar and the moribund nature of the European auto market, Citroen is offering its C4 Seduction 1.6L e-HDi Diesel EGS (is that the most complicated car name you've ever come across…) from a mere $25,990 driveaway. This is a saving of $2000 on the previous recommended retail price. On-road costs had to be added to that old price, pushing it close to $30,000 in many areas. Citroen C4 Seduction 1.6L (etc) is powered by a direct injection turbo-diesel engine that features the company’s Stop & Start system. This puts the engine into idle mode as the driver decelerates and turns it off when the C4 comes to a stop. The moment the driver takes their foot off the brake, the engine restarts, doing so with a minimum of the irritating vibration that can be a pain in some four-cylinder cars with a stop-start setup. Citroen tells us its Stop & Start helps reduce CO2 emissions by about five grams per km. Even better, fuel consumption is pulled down by 15 per cent in heavy-duty city driving. The 1.6 turbo-diesel engine is mated to an Electronic Gearbox System (EGS) automated manual gearbox that provides either full automatic shifts, or manual changes via the steering wheel mounted paddles. STYLING The pretty little Citroen C4 hatch has the company’s distinctive front end with the interlocking gears that form the company’s logo. But it has to be said the rest of the vehicle doesn’t really create any excitement in its shape. Citroen C4 is a five-door hatch that has good interior space for four adults, five without a huge amount of rubbing together. It provides a comfortable ride. It is neatly balanced and will appeal to those wanting to get clear of the competent but boring Asian range of cars. SAFETY Even this low-cost Citroen comes as standard with driver assistance technologies that include ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA), intelligent traction control and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Should these primary safety items not save you from having a crash the C4 is fitted with six airbags (driver, front passenger, side and curtain). The drive-away offer for the Citroen C4 Seduction 1.6l e-HDi Diesel EGS is available until June 30, 2013. But only while stocks lasts, so it might be a good idea not to tarry overmuch if you’re interested in something different in the small car field.

Spied lapping the German circuit with disguised Chevrolet C7 Corvette, Camaro ZL1and Z/28 development mules, the right-hand-drive SS V Ute looks to be undergoing final evaluation ahead of its launch in June.Curiously, no VF Commodore Sedan or Sportswagon variants were sighted, despite Holden’s pledge to launch all body styles simultaneously.Holden, with parent company General Motors, has used the 20.8km Nordschleife circuit extensively for chassis tuning and evaluation since developing the VE/VF Commodore and fifth-generation Camaro’s shared Zeta platform in the early noughties.Several other manufacturers have taken advantage of the spring weather at the circuit in recent weeks, but this Holden/Chevrolet convoy was captured by Dale Lomas of Bridge to Gantry.

The two great looking new Citroens are under consideration as the French brand looks to win converts down under.The five-seater C4 Picasso has re-emerged as a likely starter for families while the DS Wild Rubis concept tops the wish list after its unveiling for the Shanghai motor show.The compact Picasso was originally dismissed in favour of the seven-seater Grand Picasso people mover that's already a long-term member of the Citroen family here, but has re-emerged as contender following a body update.The Wild Rubis is only a long shot because its development is focused on China, but Australia's plan for a DS-driven sales push means it would be a natural if it is available. "We want to build the brand and that means we're looking at everything," the head of Citroen Australia, John Startari, tells Carsguide.Citroen has just re-launched under a new distributor and plans to grow its sales by 35 per cent in the short term, with double-digit improvements over coming years, based on the strengths of the French cars. Startari says he was very impressed when he saw the C4 Picasso in Paris and has launched an investigation on its suitability for Australia. "It's not something we should discard, because there are significant changes."I saw it in France last week and it's on-brand," he says. "We don't have pricing yet, and that makes it harder, but it was a definite no and now it's a possible."We still haven't made a final decision, but I guess it's the inclusion of a lot of technology and the styling of the car that merits investigation."The Grand Picassos has already had an update with styling along similar lines."Included in the Picasso update are a 'loft-style' cabin with added space, twin touch-screen displays, park assist, active seat belts and even ultrasonic blind spot monitoring. Startari believes the Wild Rubis would have a surefire hit in Australia but is not confident it will be built with right-hand drive."I think it's a very exciting prospect. Coming out of China would mean that it's left-hand drive, so we'd need a business case for right-hand drive. And the largest right-hand drive market is the UK."The stylish SUV is clearly intended for DS production, although its 21-inch alloys and plug-in hybrid driveline might struggle for showroom approval. Citroen says it "points to a future DS SUV" and it's likely the concept will be transferred to the road within two years, with its basic 4.7-metre bodywork unchanged.Still, Startari is not getting over-excited. "We really have no information yet on the Wild Rubis. I cannot speculate because nothing has come through officially," he says.But he is looking forward to delivering an expanded Citroen range to Australian buyers. "It's great to be part of something that has this ability to do things differently. Cars are being traded as commodities now, regardless of the brand, and people are looking for something different."There is a relevant, visible point of difference at Citroen. And that's refreshing, as well as giving us the opportunity to do something different."This reporter is on Twitter @paulwardgover

Buying a small car doesn't mean you have to forsake some of the pleasures of motoring.NEWThe Citroen DS3 is a case in point. At the upper end of the small car market it's a fun-filled little device that looks good, performs well, has plenty of features, and sets you apart from the run-of-the-mill small car owning population.Most small cars are bought by people wanting economy of transport first and foremost, that's not what the little Citroen is about. It's for people who want to have fun at the wheel and are happy to have it in a small, city-sized package.The DS3 looks like a bundle of fun even standing still, with its zippy looks and sporty stance, large wheels that fill out the guards, and spoilers and blackout panels. It was offered in two versions, the stylish DStyle that put looks ahead of performance, and the DSport that cranked up the go-fast factor.The DStyle came with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with class average output that gave it acceptable performance on the road, while the DSport was powered by a turbocharged version of the same engine and injected it with the zippiness to match its looks.The transmission choices were limited to a four-speed auto if you chose the DStyle, and a six-speed manual if your choice was the DSport. Both were front-wheel drive.On the road the DS3 handled as you might expect with a wheel at each corner anchoring it to the road. It got along well enough on the open highway, but it really came into its own when pushed along a winding road where it hugged the tarmac like a long lost sibling.Small cars like the DS3 are often compromised when it comes to cabin space and the Citroen was no exception. It's best suited to singles or couples, is ok if your kids are small, but it struggles with a full complement of four adults aboard.Some small cars are also compromised when it comes to features, but not the DS3 in this case. It had air, cruise, six-speaker sound, alloy wheels and fog lamps. It was also on the money when it came to safety with ABS braking, ESP stability control, and front, head and side airbags standard, all of which added up to a five star tick from ANCAP.NOWAs we've written before buying a Citroen should be a considered decision, not one taken in haste driven by emotion.While it's an old and well respected brand in its home country, and loved by a few fanatics here, it's had a somewhat chequered history in this country. Over the years it has come and gone, differentdistributers have handled the brand, and dealers have changed. That said it's been relatively stable for some time now, which should give buyers some comfort.Before buying a car check out where you would get it serviced, dealers aren't on every street corner. Consider an independent specialist, hopefully a factory-trained mechanic who has struck out on his own after spending time learning the brand with a dealer.Consider having your potential choice checked by an expert in the brand, one who is familiar with the quirks. Thoroughly test drive it to make sure you're comfortable with the choice, driving it in as many varying situations as possible.Look for evidence of crash damage, making sure repairs are up to scratch. Also look for oil leaks around the engine, check the oil, get down and look at the tyres for even wear and signs of having been thrashed. Make the usual checks for a service record; it's vital for a long life that a car has been serviced as per the recommended service schedule.SMITHY SAYSWorth a look if you want to be different. It's solid, with decent performance and vice-like grip on the road.CITROEN DS3 - 2010-2011Price new: $32,990 to $35,990Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 88 kW/160 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo, 115 kW/240 NmGearbox: 4-speed auto, 6-speed man, FWDThirst: 6.9 L/100 km (DStyle), 6.7 L/100 km (DSport)Body: 3-door hatchVariants: DStyle, DSportSafety: 5-star ANCAP

Now there's a new importer involved, Citroen could have a brighter future in Australia.Ateco Automotive, who previously handled the iconic French brand, tapped out at about 3000 units a few years ago - in a market of more than a million. They were possibly more focussed on Ferrari and Great Wall...Now Sime Darby has the Citroen (and Peugeot) franchise and first appearances suggest they are going to ramp it up.They should because there are many desirable cars in the Citreon lineup - arguably the best French car brand. But first of all they needed to do some "house cleaning" and re-launch a vehicle that was pretty much passed over under the Ateco umbrella - the C4 Aircross.This is a Citroen version of the Mitsubishi ASX and Peugeot 4007 small SUVs. All three are made in Japan by Mitsubishi which must cringe every time a Pug' or Cit' version of its vehicle rolls out the door.Why?The two Frenchies win the looks contest hands down with the Aircross taking the silverware as far as we are concerned.It gets more exterior chrome, the imposing chevron grille and other changes that make it look totally different to the other two cars.Added to that is roughly a $4000 price cut for the Aircross to a starting point of $31,990 drive away for the front wheel drive model. It was previously that price plus on roads and Sime Darby has added a smattering of extra kit.The all wheel drive model goes for $33,990 drive away.Both models (Exclusive grade only) get a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) auto as standard along with a rear view camera, Bluetooth with voice control, steering wheel controls for cruise and audio, paddle shift and high quality interior materials.Climate control and a pollen filter are included. They also get hill start assist and rear park assist, seven air bags and stability control. The ANCAP rating is five stars.Obviously a practical vehicle, Aircross has easy to fold rear seats and a decent size load space. They've fitted additional sound deadening material and a ski flap in the rear seat.Aircross is differentiated from the other two cars by frontal styling, tail lights and other minor exterior changes. The interior is also different though in our opinion, not up to the usual Citroen chic.The suspension is recalibrated compared to the other two cars and it has a wider track thanks to bigger tyres. The 4WD system has three modes; 2WD, 4WD and Lock that can be selected from the dash .The engine is out of Mitsubishi's Lancer small car and is a petrol 2.0-litre four pot with variable valve timing (MIVEC) and regenerative energy harvesting from the alternator during braking and deceleration.It's good for 110kW/199Nm and in this case, requires premium unleaded. The engine is a fairly old design and misses out on the more efficient direct injection system which, ironically, Mitsubishi developed for mainstream automotive use more than a decade ago.We like the look of it and the five seat interior is practical and roomy for such a compact vehicle. It has generous standard equipment and is good to drive in an unban environment.Hauling 1400kg dents engine performance a tad when you put the car under pressure with a full passenger load and the air conditioning on. But otherwise, it's acceptable - unobtrusive and relatively economical at around 8.0-litres/100km.The suspension is soft and could do with a little more local fettling to better handle rough roads. It handles OK, rides comfortably and is easy to drive thanks in part to the electric power stering and good turning circle.The CVT causes the engine to slur away unless you utilise the paddle shift..

The Citroen C4 Aircross is one of three compact SUVs produced from a joint venture between the French PSA Peugeot Citroen group and the Japanese giant Mitsubishi. It sells alongside the Peugeot 4008 and Mitsubishi ASX.The sales figures for the three vehicles make an interesting example of the value of brand marketing. All three are built in the same Mitsubishi factory albeit with some styling differences and, allowing for variations in equipment levels, are priced within the same ballpark.Despite this, during the nine-month period that all three have been on sale, nearly 90 per cent of total sales have been of the ASX. The Peugeot 4008 and Citroen Aircross each arrived in Australia in mid-2012, nearly two years after the ASX, and so were at a significant disadvantage.The Aircross was further hampered because its arrival coincided with the imminent switch in Citroen’s local importer/distributor which meant that it received virtually no marketing or advertising support.The new importer, Sime Darby Motors Group, has now re-launched the Aircross and we’ve now been able to spend a day with this cute-looking small SUV, Citroen’s first venture into this booming market.Prices are straightforward: $31,990 for the 2WD and $33,990 for the 4WD. While these prices are the same as when the Aircross was launched by the previous importer in June 2012 they are now national driveaway prices and include a reversing camera as standard and so making it significantly cheaper – Citroen claims nearly $4000 – than previously.Also standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trimmed steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio steaming, steering wheel mounted audio controls and voice activation.While the Aircross and the ASX share most of their mechanical components and underbody parts and have a similar styling theme, all external panels, with the exception of its doors and roof are different.The Aircross also takes a different approach to the all-important frontal styling. While its two siblings have gone for the trendy wide-mouthed grille Citroen has adopted a wide two-bar arrangement with the familiar Citroen double chevron built into the centre.Daytime running lights are growing in popularity and the Aircross again takes a different tack by having them on the extreme edges of the grille and vertically mounted rather than the normal horizontal line fringing the headlights.Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder but we do prefer the look of the Allcross to that of the 4008 and ASX. Interior space is good at the front and acceptable for adults but fine for children in the rear. Boot space ranges from 442 litres with the rear seatbacks in place (384 litres below the parcel shelf) to 1193 litres with the seatbacks folded.The model range for the Citroen C4 Aircross is nice and simple. There’s one engine (2.0-litre petrol), one transmission (CVT automatic), one specification level (Exclusive) and two drive options (2WD and 4WD).The Aircross engine generates up to 110 kilowatts of power and 199 Newton metres of torque. It’s capable enough in normal city and motorway driving but does struggle a bit on hilly terrain although once we started using the paddle shift manual override feature we were able to enjoy the test drive a lot more.It’s not a sporty vehicle but neither are the majority of its competitors in what is very much a small family focussed market segment. Other engines, including diesel, are available but are not in Citroen’s Australian importers sights at this time of low local petrol prices.Fuel consumption on the combined urban/highway test is listed at 7.9 litre per 100 kilometres for the 2WD model and 8.1 L/100 km with 4WD.Safety equipment levels are good with seven airbags, ABS brakes with emergency brakeforce distribution and brake assist, ESP, hill-start assist, reversing camera with rear mirror display, rear park assist and auto hazard light activation under rapid deceleration.Our 250 kilometre media test route included around 30 km of moderately rugged dirt roads to display the off-road credentials that Citroen saw as distinguishing the Aircross from its softer competitors.Although we were in the 4WD model during this stage we switched between modes and apart from the occasional rut that sent shudders through the car, it handled the conditions without any real problems. There’s also a 4WD Lock option for more demanding terrain.