THE success of Citroen's C4 has given rise to a whole range of different models, but none as quirky as the C4 Cactus.

With tough plastic panels covering large sections of vulnerable bodywork it's practical, sensible even but not to everyone's taste. Some people love it others hate it.

The idea is that with large plastic panels - known as air bumps - fitted to the exterior of the doors you have protective shields to save your car from thoughtless trolley pushers in your local supermarket or motorists who don't look - or don't care - when opening their car door and damaging yours.

And there's no denying the concept works, but it just looks different. Perhaps that's the reason Cactus models are selling - a lot of motorists just want something out of the ordinary.

The air bumps come in a choice of four colours so you can opt for something that matches the car's bodywork and therefore blends in and looks less radical or you can go for a contrast to make your car stand out.

Not surprisingly Citroen has made the interior of the car almost as different as the exterior. The body-coloured dashboard, for example, is minimalistic and features a small square pod housing the digital speedometer and fuel gauge and sits immediately in front of the driver. A centrally mounted seven-inch touch screen controls all primary vehicle functions like air conditioning, radio, on-board computer and satellite navigation so there are no unnecessary switches.

On the front passenger side there's a spacious top opening glove box with little studs - which look like chocolate buttons - scattered on the top to give it protection from anything you want to place on it.

This is a car which is practical rather than fussy. There is no rev counter available, you can't get electric seats, the steering wheel is adjustable for height but not reach and traditional interior door handles have been replaced by straps inspired by the theme of travel.

Even the optional panoramic glass sun roof doesn't have a sun blind because it would add to the car's weight. Cleverly, however, the glass comes with a specially developed coating equal to category 4 sunglasses to filter UV light and reflect heat.

The high stance of the car means there's plenty of head room for passengers and leg room too is generous, both in the back and front.

And if you swap your hatchback for a Cactus you needn't worry about luggage because it can accommodate a very respectable 358-litres with the rear seat back upright - unusually it's one piece and not split - and 1,170 litres with it folded down.

On the road the diesel-powered Cactus is extremely responsive, offering lively performance and plenty of pulling power. In keeping with the unfussy nature of the car the manual I tried had five rather than six gears although top is an ideal long-legged cruising gear.

Well padded seats offer plenty of comfort and support and the ride too is ideal for long journeys; soft enough to be comfortable but firm enough to give good road holding.

One of the sharpest rear view cameras I have seen on a car makes reversing simple in the Cactus, even for anyone who normally has problems with the manoeuvre.

: 14%

: 3yrs/60,000 miles