CITROEN'S move upmarket is gaining momentum with the introduction of a new family hatchback aimed at the mature motorist.

The latest C4 has plenty of big car features giving it plenty of appeal for those thinking of downsizing.

It's on sale in January with prices ranging from £15,595 for a 1.4-litre petrol version in VTR trim to £21,495 for a high specification Exclusive model powered by a two-litre diesel.

That's slightly higher than the outgoing range but the new models have moved up a league in terms of specification, power and performance.

In line with Citroen's current style offensive which has already seen the C5 saloon, C3 supermini and super-swish DS3 set new standards for the brand, the C4 is smart, stylish but most importantly accommodating.

A good sized boot of 408 litres has a wide opening which means long objects can be fitted easily and maximum capacity with the rear seats folded is 1,183 litres - almost estate car proportions.

Room inside is generous and the C4 seats four with ease thanks to a high roof line, although Citroen's wide louvered grille gives the car an illusion of being quite squat.

The design of the instrumentation with most controls surrounded by brightwork is modern and contemporary while the soft touch trim creates a quality feel.

In the instrument binnacle the dials are backlit and the colour can be changed through several shades of blue.

On higher grade models different polyphonic sounds can be selected for the indicator click and warning alerts - but some of the mobile phone like tones may not be to everyone's taste.

The engine line up features 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines and 1.6 and two-litre diesels with power outputs ranging from 95bhp to 155bhp.

All versions are economical. The petrol models will average more than 40 to the gallon while the diesels are capable of breaking the 60mpg mark.

An eco eHDi model fitted with stop/start technology, brake energy regeneration and low rolling resistance tyres has a tax friendly CO2 rating of just 109g/km and will average around 67mpg.

It is priced from £19,695 and available in mid-range VTR+ trim or £21,095 in Exclusive finish but the higher grade car with its larger 17-inch wheels is not quite as economical at 64.2mpg.

The eHDi C4 is powered by a 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine mated to a six speed semi-automatic electronic gearbox.

The box is now smoother to use than earlier generations but gearshifts still have to be anticipated and the throttle lifted for smooth changes. Manual changes from the steering wheel paddles are not a problem being rapid and precise.

A bonus of the EGS box is the space freed up in the centre console in front of the small selector lever. Citroen has made good use of this to create a storage box which big enough to hold four half-litre drinks bottles concealed below a roller shutter lid.

It's a handy feature since the centre console itself and the glove box are not that large.

On the road the C4 has no real bad habits. The variable power steering has nice feedback and the ride smooth enough to handle our poorly surfaced roads.

Top speed is a claimed 118mph with 0 to 60 taking around 11 seconds but there is plenty of mid-range pull.

The latest C4 no longer has the static hub steering wheel which was a feature of the previous model but the wheel itself is festooned with controls for the radio and cruise control.

The Exclusive model is well equipped and luxurious with the likes of dual zone climate control, leather upholstery and footwell lights all standard.

Extras include sat nav, a panoramic sunroof and metallic paint which combined would add almost £1,700 to the price.

Nevertheless the C4 Exclusive is a quality car fitted out almost to the same level as an executive saloon.

It's available only as a five door making it well placed for the 50-somethings Citroen is targeting with the C4.

Those who crave a sportier version will have to wait a few months when Citroen will be launching a DS4 with added features akin to those already seen on the smaller DS3.