Is it a bird? Or is it a plane?

Perhaps it is some strange amalgamation of hatchback, coupe, and SUV, just like this new Citroen C4.

Crazy design

Whatever the case may be, there's no doubt that this Citroen C4 is quite the distinctive looking thing.

Up front, what immediately catches the eye are the slim daytime running lights. These surround massive head lights in a layout that is evocative of the equally distinctive first generation Nissan Juke.

Look past the peculiar lighting layout and you'll also notice the busy treatment on the car's body.

There are sizable scoops on both sides of the bonnet, paired with curves and creases in abundance all along the side. These are accompanied by the generous use of black plastics on the lower sections, added for that SUV-like visual ruggedness.

And at the rear, there's a gently sloping roof (much like those on the first generation C4), which flows into a tailgate that gets its glass split into two - thanks to a rear spoiler, just like that found on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

Did I mention the black A-pillars?

Charming interior

Thankfully, the interior of the Citroen C4 is a sensibly laid-out space.

Citroen's Advanced Comfort Seats may not come as electrically adjusting items but are still a treat to rest your bum on, offering generous amounts of cushioning.

The infotainment system here is also intuitive to use, and comes with both a physical home button and one for quick access into the major vehicle settings.

Not so capable here, however, is the 5.0-inch instrument cluster, which is already small enough by itself, but also offers only a miniscule tachometer.

Comfortable drive

Not that the Citroen C4 is the sort of car that encourages hard driving.

The 1.2-litre unit that also serves duty in vehicles from the Citroen C5 Aircross to the Opel Mokka once again makes an appearance here, offering up strong torque in the mid-ranges and a charming thrum whenever you call for more acceleration still.

The pace it offers the Citroen C4 is sufficient, but I think more eager drivers will find the eight-speed automatic rather reluctant to execute downshifts. Expect fuel economy to settle close to 11.9km/L.

Also discouraging you from hard driving are Citroen's Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, deployed here to give the C4 a soft ride. Pliancy at rolling speeds here is great by the standards of the class, although you do pay when it comes to body control. Body roll sets in early, and the C4 can take some time to settle if you take consecutive undulations at the right speed.

Captivating buy

At $146,999, this Citroen C4 is quite affordable for a crossover with a sloping roof. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, for example, starts at $154,999, while the Renault Arakana Fastback Hybrid can be yours from $82,999 before COE (all prices as of 18 August 2022).

Both of these alternatives are larger cars, but opt for yours C4 in this 'Shine' specification and you'll also be walking away with many premium features including a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a nifty speed limit recommendation system.

That makes the Citroen C4 quite the good deal, whatever you consider it to be.

Looking for a crossover that's big on style? There's also these options to consider:

The Peugeot 3008 will also offer a comfortable drive and scores high on design

The Honda HR-V is also quiet and comfortable to drive

There's also the Subaru XV, an appealing crossover with plenty of practical touches

The Mazda CX-30 meanwhile pairs an elegant exterior with high drivetrain refinement

Want to catch more of the exterior of this Citroen C4? Why not catch our video review here as well?

Is it a bird? Or is it a plane?

Perhaps it is some strange amalgamation of hatchback, coupe, and SUV, just like this new Citroen C4.

Crazy design

Whatever the case may be, there's no doubt that this Citroen C4 is quite the distinctive looking thing.

Up front, what immediately catches the eye are the slim daytime running lights. These surround massive head lights in a layout that is evocative of the equally distinctive first generation Nissan Juke.

Look past the peculiar lighting layout and you'll also notice the busy treatment on the car's body.

There are sizable scoops on both sides of the bonnet, paired with curves and creases in abundance all along the side. These are accompanied by the generous use of black plastics on the lower sections, added for that SUV-like visual ruggedness.

And at the rear, there's a gently sloping roof (much like those on the first generation C4), which flows into a tailgate that gets its glass split into two - thanks to a rear spoiler, just like that found on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

Did I mention the black A-pillars?

Charming interior

Thankfully, the interior of the Citroen C4 is a sensibly laid-out space.

Citroen's Advanced Comfort Seats may not come as electrically adjusting items but are still a treat to rest your bum on, offering generous amounts of cushioning.

The infotainment system here is also intuitive to use, and comes with both a physical home button and one for quick access into the major vehicle settings.

Not so capable here, however, is the 5.0-inch instrument cluster, which is already small enough by itself, but also offers only a miniscule tachometer.

Comfortable drive

Not that the Citroen C4 is the sort of car that encourages hard driving.

The 1.2-litre unit that also serves duty in vehicles from the Citroen C5 Aircross to the Opel Mokka once again makes an appearance here, offering up strong torque in the mid-ranges and a charming thrum whenever you call for more acceleration still.

The pace it offers the Citroen C4 is sufficient, but I think more eager drivers will find the eight-speed automatic rather reluctant to execute downshifts. Expect fuel economy to settle close to 11.9km/L.

Also discouraging you from hard driving are Citroen's Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, deployed here to give the C4 a soft ride. Pliancy at rolling speeds here is great by the standards of the class, although you do pay when it comes to body control. Body roll sets in early, and the C4 can take some time to settle if you take consecutive undulations at the right speed.

Captivating buy

At $146,999, this Citroen C4 is quite affordable for a crossover with a sloping roof. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, for example, starts at $154,999, while the Renault Arakana Fastback Hybrid can be yours from $82,999 before COE (all prices as of 18 August 2022).

Both of these alternatives are larger cars, but opt for yours C4 in this 'Shine' specification and you'll also be walking away with many premium features including a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a nifty speed limit recommendation system.

That makes the Citroen C4 quite the good deal, whatever you consider it to be.

Looking for a crossover that's big on style? There's also these options to consider:

The Peugeot 3008 will also offer a comfortable drive and scores high on design

The Honda HR-V is also quiet and comfortable to drive

There's also the Subaru XV, an appealing crossover with plenty of practical touches

The Mazda CX-30 meanwhile pairs an elegant exterior with high drivetrain refinement

Want to catch more of the exterior of this Citroen C4? Why not catch our video review here as well?